Mallorca 2026: Must-See Festivals, Eclipse & New Water Bus

Plan your 2026 trip like a local! Discover Mallorca's best events: the Total Solar Eclipse, fiery Sant Antoni fiestas, new electric Water Bus, and Michelin Green Star restaurants.

TRAVEL BLOG

1/2/20264 min read

person holding fire cracker shallow focus photography
person holding fire cracker shallow focus photography

🎉 Looking Ahead: The 5 Most Exciting Things Coming to Mallorca in 2026!

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Honestly, 2026 is shaping up to be an unbelievable year here on the island. While everyone focuses on the summer, we know when the real magic happens. Get ready, because here are the five unmissable events and experiences coming your way!

1. Winter Fire & Fury: Our Absolute Best Parties

This is it. If you want to experience the true heart of Mallorca, come in January. I have to say, Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastià are two of my favourite traditions on the island. The energy is unmatched!

  • Festes de Sant Antoni (Jan 16-17, 2026): Head inland! Sa Pobla and Manacor are the places to be. The bonfires (foguerons) are huge, the demons (dimonis) are wild, and the streets are filled with the smell of grilled sobrassada. In Pollença, don't miss the legendary Pujada al Pi (Pine Tree Climb)!

  • Sant Sebastià (Jan 19-24, 2026): This is Palma's party! The central night (La Revetla on Jan 19th) sees the whole old town fill up with free concerts and grills—bring your own sausage and cook it on the communal bonfires. The whole fiesta runs for two weeks, ending with the spectacular Correfoc (fire run) on the 24th.

2. A Total Eclipse & A New Cultural Peak

2026 brings an exciting blend of high culture, high-octane action, and even astronomy to the island.

  • The Total Solar Eclipse (August 12, 2026): It’s the first total solar eclipse here in over 100 years, and we are perfectly positioned! Our clear skies and the drama of the Serra de Tramuntana will make this absolutely epic. Pro-Tip: Head to the west—Sóller and Valldemossa—to truly appreciate the darkness against the mountains.

  • Art Cologne Comes to Palma (April 2026): It’s a huge deal that one of the world's most prestigious art fairs is choosing the Palma Congress Centre. This just validates how much our art scene is growing!

  • The Three Kings Parade Renewal (January 5, 2026): The Cavalcada dels Reis Mags is getting a massive €847,000 upgrade! The 22 brand-new floats will be visually stunning, making the parade one of the best family nights in Palma.

3. The Future of Mobility: Transport is Changing

Getting around Palma is about to get a whole lot easier and greener. We are moving away from cars to embrace electric and maritime transport.

  • The Palma Water Bus (Bus Nàutic) Launch: Set to start operations in 2026, this electric water bus will connect the port with the city and Portixol, offering an affordable, fast, and sustainable way to relieve traffic on the busy Paseo Marítimo. It's like Venice, but Mallorcan!

  • Metro Expansion Plans: The Balearic Government is finalising technical studies for a massive metro extension connecting the Intermodal Station (Plaça d'Espanya) to the Son Espases University Hospital, and looking into the old Trambadia route. Better public transport is coming!

  • Free Public Transport: A big win for residents—the free public transport scheme for TIB buses and trains is officially confirmed to continue through 2026.

4. Gastronomy: The Year of the Green Star

Our food scene has never been better. Forget the old tourist restaurants; 2026 is all about local, sustainable excellence.

  • Michelin Stars Shine Brighter: Keep an eye on the 2026 Michelin Guide. Chefs like Santi Taura (DINS) and Maca de Castro are continuously raising the bar with menus that celebrate traditional Mallorcan recipes with a contemporary, Km0 (zero-kilometre) focus.

  • The Green Star Movement: The focus on sustainability is real! Look for the five Mallorcan restaurants already awarded the Michelin Green Star (like Ca Na Toneta and Béns d'Avall). They are the leaders in sustainable gastronomy, linking the island's fields and sea directly to your table.

5. Ancient Clay, Sea Battles, and The Day of the Balearics

If you want to feel truly connected to the island's soul, mark these dates in your diary.

  • The Day of the Balearic Islands (Diada de les Illes Balears - March 1, 2026): This is a huge civic celebration marking our Autonomy. Palma's institutions open their doors for free tours, and there's a massive market and cultural fair. It’s a fantastic slice of local pride and history.

  • The Great Pottery Fair (Fira del Fang) in Marratxí (March 2026): You have to go to the XL Fira del Fang! It's one of our oldest craft fairs celebrating the pottery traditions of towns like Pòrtol. Go for the unique siurells and stay for the local atmosphere.

  • Es Firó - Moors and Christians Battle (May 2026): This is loud, dramatic, and pure history! It takes over Sóller and Port de Sóller for four days, reenacting the 1561 pirate attack. It’s one of the most engaging cultural events you can attend.

In Conclusion

2026 is shaping up to be the year to experience Mallorca beyond the typical summer holiday. From the excitement of our massive January fiestas and the quiet wonder of the August eclipse, to tasting the freshest food from our fields and hopping on a brand-new water bus, the island is evolving.

The best way to truly connect with Mallorca is to plan your trip around these unique, local events. You won’t just be a tourist; you'll be celebrating with us!

We truly hope this year brings you joy, health, and some amazing trips to our beautiful island!

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Happy holidays and ¡nos vemos en la isla! 🌞