The origins of Carnival in Mallorca can be traced back to medieval times. Rooted in Pagan rituals which later merged with Christian traditions, Carnival or alternatively The Last Days refers to a period of colourful celebration prior to the more solemn period of Lent. 

Although Carnival in some form or another is celebrated throughout Europe and beyond, in Mallorca it has evolved into a colourful celebration of customs and rituals, reflecting the island's diverse cultural influences. From lively street parades with elaborate floats and costumes, to weird and wonderful traditions such as the Burial of the Sardine, Carnival in Mallorca truly is something spectacular to behold, attracting locals and tourists alike to join in the merriment.

This quirky tradition has its origins in the 18th century when King Charles III, the ruling monarch at the time, ordered the end of the Carnival period in Madrid to be marked with a huge celebration and feast during which free fish - sardines - rather than meat, would be given out to all in homage to the start of Lent. All meat was to be buried in a location on the outskirts of Madrid (Casa de Campo) so no citizen would be tempted to break their abstinence during Lent. However, with Madrid being landlocked, the fish unfortunately spoiled in transit on its way to the location of the feast. So the King ordered the fish to be buried instead of the meat. With no sardines to offer his subjects, the King provided free meat for the feast instead, resulting in a very jubilant celebration and the start of this weird and wonderful tradition. 

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However you choose to take part, Carnival in Mallorca is an experience not to be missed. So, join the revelry, embrace the traditions, and let the festivities transport you to a world of whimsy and wonder. 

The festivities typically commence in early February with the Dijous Llarder ‘Fat Thursday’ celebrations kicking off the party - the parades are reminiscent of  the ‘Mardi Gras’ or ‘Fat Tuesday’ parades celebrated in other parts of the world. Carnival consists of lively, colourful parades, concerts and lots of other fun, whimsical traditions which run from Fat Thursday over the weekend til Ash Wednesday - the start of the Lent period.  Each town has its own Carnival traditions. The parades of Sa Rua and Sa Rueta (for children) in Palma are of course the biggest events on the island, however each area has its own unique way of joining in the fun. With some traditions being more unique than others…

The strangest tradition is probably the Burial of the Sardine celebrated in many areas across the island including Inca, Manacor and Felanitx. On the evening of Shrove Tuesday locals perform a mock burial of a large sardine effigy. ‘Pallballers’ solemnly parade the Sardine through each town’s streets to its ‘resting place’ where is it usually burnt or buried.