Foto: UltimaHora

Sant Sebastià 2026: the great winter festival in Palma, Mallorca

Every January, Palma de Mallorca is transformed. Its squares and streets fill with music, fire, dance, and tradition to honor Sant Sebastià (Saint Sebastian), the city’s patron saint. In 2026, this celebration—one of the most beloved in Mallorca’s festive calendar—returns from January 10 to 24, with a program that blends religious elements, family activities, and popular events for all audiences.

A bit of history

Devotion to Saint Sebastian in Palma has deep roots. According to tradition, during a plague epidemic in 1523–1524, a ship carrying a relic of the saint was forced to remain in Palma’s bay due to a storm. Shortly afterward, the epidemic began to subside. Since then, Saint Sebastian has been venerated as the city’s protector, and his feast day on January 20 has become one of the most important celebrations in Mallorca.

Key dates of the 2026 festivities

The Sant Sebastià 2026 program in Palma follows the traditional format of previous years:

• January 10 – Pregó and official opening: an inaugural event that marks the start of nearly two weeks of celebrations.

• January 11 – Sant Sebastià Petit: activities, workshops, and shows especially designed for families and children.

• January 16 and 17 – Music and afternoon gatherings: concerts and music sessions in squares such as Plaça d’Espanya, Plaça Major, or Plaça Cort, bringing life to the afternoons and evenings.

• January 19 – Revetla de Sant Sebastià: the main night before the public holiday, featuring foguerons (bonfires), communal barbecues, street music, and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the old town.

• January 20 – Sant Sebastià Day: the central day of the festival, with religious ceremonies, a procession, and civic celebrations in public spaces.

• January 24 – Correfoc: the closing event of the festivities, with a traditional fire and pyrotechnic spectacle in the streets.

Traditions and atmosphere

What sets Sant Sebastià apart is not only its schedule, but also its unique mix of solemnity and collective celebration:

• Foguerons and urban barbecues: during the Revetla, residents light small fires at designated spots to grill meat, chorizo, or sobrasada, creating a warm, communal atmosphere.

• Street music: from free concerts to parades with xeremiers (traditional Mallorcan musicians), festive sounds fill every corner of the city.

• Processions and religious events: the solemn mass and procession of Saint Sebastian blend Christian tradition with Palma’s popular identity.

• Activities for all ages: Sant Sebastià Petit offers workshops, children’s entertainment, and cultural activities for families.

For visitors and locals

Although January is not peak tourist season, these festivities turn Palma into a vibrant winter destination. Visitors can combine the celebrations with walks through the old town, visits to Mallorca’s Cathedral (La Seu), or enjoying local gastronomy—from ensaimadas to traditional Mallorcan dishes served at street parties and food stalls.

In addition, many events are free of charge, making Sant Sebastià an ideal time to experience Mallorcan popular culture at no extra cost.

Find more information about the event here:
https://thecalendarmallorca.com/events/sant-sebastia-2026-palma/