Sant Antoni in Mallorca 2026: Fire Festivals, Devils & Traditions
When the nights in Mallorca are at their darkest in January, the island comes alive in the glow of thousands of bonfires. Sant Antoni is more than just a festival – it is the most traditional, mystical, and arguably the most atmospheric event of the Mallorcan winter. Devils dance through the streets, the scent of grilled sobrassada fills the air, and the sounds of Ximbombas echo through the night. Here is everything you need to know about the celebrations honoring the patron saint of animals.
All Sant Antoni in Mallorca 2026: Fire Festivals, Devils & Traditions Events 2026
The best events for your unforgettable night
No events currently scheduled
We update our calendar daily. Check back soon!
Your Guide to Sant Antoni in Mallorca 2026: Fire Festivals, Devils & Traditions
Everything you need for a perfect celebration
The Magic of Sant Antoni: Mallorca’s Wild Winter Festival
Sant Antoni (Saint Anthony the Abbot) is officially celebrated on January 17th, but the absolute highlight is the Revetlla – the eve on January 16th. On this night, many Mallorcan villages transform into a sea of fire and music. Originally an agricultural festival to ask the patron saint of animals for the health of livestock, it has evolved into a spectacular folk festival deeply rooted in the Mallorcan soul.
Unlike the summer beach parties, Sant Antoni is raw, authentic, and full of history. It is a festival for the locals, but visitors are warmly welcomed as long as they respect the traditions.
The Main Characters: Dimonis (The Devils)
Sant Antoni would be unthinkable without the Dimonis. Every village has its own "Colla de Dimonis" (group of devils) with unique masks and costumes. They symbolize the temptations Saint Anthony resisted in the desert. But instead of spreading fear, today’s Mallorcan devils are mischievous, dancing figures that animate the crowd.
The dance of the devils around Saint Anthony is a fascinating spectacle, often accompanied by traditional music. The dances in Sa Pobla and Manacor, where the Dimonis are revered almost like rock stars, are particularly famous.
Foguerons: The Fire That Connects
The centerpiece of the "Revetlla" on January 16th are the Foguerons (large bonfires). Huge pyres are built in village squares and right in the middle of streets. Once the devils have lit the fire, the community gathers around it.
The fire serves not only for warmth in the cold January night but is the central meeting point. There is singing, dancing, and above all: grilling.
Gastronomy: Torradas & Espinagades
A Sant Antoni without food is unimaginable. The embers of the Foguerons are used to grill local delicacies ("Torrada"). What goes on the grill?
- Botifarró: The classic Mallorcan blood sausage.
- Llonganissa: A sausage similar to sobrassada, but for grilling.
- Pancarta: Marinated pork belly.
This is accompanied by local country bread and red wine. In Sa Pobla, there is also a very special delicacy eaten almost exclusively at this time: the Espinagada. This is a type of filled vegetable pastry, traditionally with eel (from the nearby Albufera wetlands) or pork and lots of cabbage, spicily seasoned with red paprika.
Where is the Best Place to Celebrate Sant Antoni?
Although almost every village celebrates, there are some strongholds you must see:
1. Sa Pobla: The Origin
Sa Pobla is considered the capital of Sant Antoni. Here, traditions are most alive. The Plaça Major is packed on the evening of January 16th when the Dimonis perform their spectacular fire dance and the town hall lights up in a pyromusical spectacle. A goosebump moment!
2. Manacor: Monumental & Passionate
In Manacor, the festival begins in the early afternoon with the exit of the Dimonis. The dance in front of the town hall and later the lighting of the first fire in the church (yes, inside the church!) are unique. The atmosphere in the city is electric, thousands of people in red sweatshirts fill the streets.
3. Artà: The Early Bird
Artà has its own unique rhythm. Here, the festival begins on January 16th at 09:00 AM. Hundreds of people (all in white shirts and red scarves) eagerly await the two devils coming out of the town hall. The whole day is one big parade through the village.
4. Pollença: "U Pi" (The Pine Tree)
On January 17th, a unique event takes place in Pollença: U Pi de Sant Antoni. A huge, peeled, and soaped pine trunk is dragged from the forest into the town (by the crowd!). It is erected in the market square, and brave young men try to climb up the slippery trunk to reach a basket with a chicken (now usually symbolic or a cash prize) at the top.
5. Palma & Other Places
Palma also has parades ("Correfocs") and animal blessings, often slightly offset on the weekends before or after January 17th. Places like Muro, Son Servera, and Sant Llorenç also offer very authentic festivals.
Beneïdes: The Animal Blessings (January 17th)
On the actual feast day, January 17th, things get quieter and more family-oriented. After the wild night of fire, the Beneïdes take place. In almost every village, a procession passes by the church where the priest blesses animals. From dogs and cats to canaries, horses, donkeys, and entire flocks of sheep, everything is there. Owners have often lovingly decorated their animals. It is a beautiful custom honoring the island’s agricultural roots.
Tips for Visitors
- Clothing: Wear old clothes that can smell of smoke! Sparks are normal near the fires and Correfocs – cotton is better than synthetic (risk of burn holes).
- Respect: Give the Dimonis space to dance. Do not touch them unless they initiate it.
- Reservations: Restaurants in the main towns are booked months in advance. Better: Just eat at street stalls or join (politely) a public bonfire.
- Safety: Wear protective goggles and headgear at "Correfocs" (fire runs) if you want to get close.
Sant Antoni is pure Mallorca – loud, fiery, proud, and incredibly welcoming. An experience you will never forget!
FAQ
Answers to your questions
What is Sant Antoni?
Sant Antoni is the feast of Saint Anthony (patron saint of animals) and one of the most important and traditional festivals in Mallorca. It marks the beginning of the "Festes de Sant Antoni" with bonfires, devil dances (Dimonis), and animal blessings.
When is Sant Antoni celebrated?
The main celebrations take place on the evening of January 16th (Revtla de Sant Antoni) with bonfires. On January 17th, the traditional animal blessings (Beneïdes) and parades follow.
Where are the biggest celebrations?
The most spectacular celebrations take place in Sa Pobla, Manacor, and Artà. But the festival is also celebrated in a big way in Pollensa, Muro, and Son Servera. Each village has its own traditions.
Who are the Dimonis?
The Dimonis (demons/devils) are the main characters of the festival. They dance around the fires, symbolizing evil and temptation, but are defeated by Saint Anthony. They bring good luck and it is an honor for anyone who portrays them.
Why are there bonfires (Foguerons)?
The Foguerons (bonfires) symbolize purification and the victory of light over darkness, as well as the expulsion of winter spirits. They are also the social center where people sing, eat, and drink together.
What is "El Pi" in Pollensa?
In Pollensa, on January 17th, a smooth, soaped pine trunk ("El Pi") is erected on the market square. Brave people try to climb up the trunk to reach the basket of prizes at the top.
What are Beneïdes?
Beneïdes are the animal blessings on January 17th. Traditionally, locals bring their pets and farm animals to the church to have them blessed with holy water by the priest. A spectacle for animal lovers.
What is traditionally eaten?
Typical are grilled Sobrassada (paprika sausage) and Botifarró at the open fires. Espinagada (a pie with eel or pork and cabbage) is also often served, especially in Sa Pobla.
Is the festival suitable for children?
Yes, absolutely! Especially the animal blessings (Beneïdes) and the daytime parades are very family-friendly. At the evening events with fire and loud music, it is best to keep a little distance with small children.
Do you have to dress up?
No, visitors do not dress up. Only the official Dimonis wear costumes. However, it is recommended to wear old clothes ("Ropa Vieja") as you can get dirty from the smoke and sparks of the fires.
What is a Ximbomba?
The Ximbomba is a traditional friction drum made of clay and animal skin, played almost exclusively during Sant Antoni. It accompanies the typical "Gloses" (sung verses).
Do I need tickets?
No, Sant Antoni is a public folk festival. Access to the squares, parades and fires is free. You should only have cash with you for food and drinks.
Is it dangerous because of the fire?
Not at the normal Foguerons (bonfires) as long as you keep your distance. At "Correfocs" (fire runs), where Dimonis run with spraying fireworks, protective clothing (cotton, glasses, scarf) and caution are important.
How do I best get to Sa Pobla?
The train (TIB) from Palma is the best option. On Sant Antoni night, it often runs with special schedules until late at night. Parking by car is extremely difficult and traffic jams are inevitable.
What do people shout during the festival?
The traditional call that you hear again and again and should shout yourself is: "Visca Sant Antoni!" (Long live Saint Anthony!).