Anyone spending Easter in Mallorca quickly notices that things work a little differently here than in Germany. No big Easter-bunny spectacle, hardly any decorations, no egg hunts in the park. Instead, processions move through the streets, and by the end of the day families gather together around the table.
Semana Santa, the Holy Week leading up to Easter, is one of the island’s most important religious events. Almost every town organizes processions in which religious brotherhoods walk through the streets carrying large sacred sculptures. Many Mallorcans have taken part in these traditions for generations.
And yes, the most striking participants wear long robes with pointed hoods. For visitors this can feel unusual at first, but it has nothing to do with American pop culture. The so-called Nazarenos wear these hoods as a symbol of penitence and anonymity. The individual disappears behind the garment; the religious act itself takes center stage. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages.
The most impressive place to experience it is Palma de Mallorca. During Holy Week, processions take place almost daily, especially in the old town around the cathedral and the narrow historic streets.
The most important date is Good Friday with the procession known as “El Devallament,” which represents the descent of Christ from the cross. The atmosphere is calm, almost silent, with only drums and footsteps echoing through the streets. Many locals arrive long before it begins to secure a good spot.
Our tip: arrive early. Really early. The streets fill up quickly, particularly around La Seu Cathedral and throughout the old town.
It’s also worth visiting celebrations in the north and along the east coast. In Artà, for example, the procession moves through the historic center and climbs toward the church of Sant Salvador. Smaller than Palma, but often more personal and less touristy. The processions in Manacor are equally worth seeing, with many local families actively taking part.
Good to know for visitors: Mallorca remains lively during Easter. Restaurants, cafés, and shops in tourist areas stay open as the season begins. Supermarkets usually operate with reduced holiday hours, and smaller shops may close earlier on Good Friday. Museums, galleries, and many restaurants consciously use the holidays as the start of the new season.
One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss is visiting a local bakery. Easter here is also a culinary tradition. Shop windows are filled with panades, savory pastries stuffed with meat, fish, or vegetables. You’ll also find rubiols, sweet filled pastries, and crespells, traditional almond cookies often baked together with family members.
Our advice: don’t limit yourself to restaurants. Stop by small bakeries or weekly markets instead. That’s where you quickly realize that Easter in Mallorca is less about spectacle and more about living tradition.
While strolling through Artà these days, you’ll almost inevitably come across another small curiosity. Just in time for Easter, the town’s trees have been given new “outfits.” Knitted coats, figures with curlers in their hair, pirates, children wearing baseball caps — each piece has its own personality. Created by residents of the local retirement home, these works have quietly transformed the streets into an open-air gallery. No big event, no marketing campaign — just people creating something with their hands and bringing color to the town. In many ways, that captures Mallorca perfectly: tradition, community, and creativity appearing naturally in everyday life.
We’re celebrating Easter our own way, too. For us, this time of year always marks the true start of the new summer season. That’s why Frank invites you to a vernissage at the Steigenberger Camp de Mar on Easter Sunday — drop by, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, discover new artworks, and maybe even take home a piece of art from the raffle.
At the same time, our galleries are fully ready for the season again. So if you’re already out and about between processions, walks through town, and Easter treats, make sure to stop by and visit us (please check our holiday opening hours beforehand).
We look forward to seeing you!