How to get in the mood for Christmas? It’s easier on Mallorca: Because especially in winter the quiet side of our favourite island becomes visible. Contemplative peace reigns. And so, far away from the (literally) grey everyday life, the desired relaxed Christmas mood will certainly come automatically.
Just as in the north, Mallorca is also dressed up for Christmas with magnificent Christmas lighting and traditional nativity scenes. In the streets of Palma it glows and glitters everywhere. Outside Palma, too, there are atmospheric Christmas markets in numerous other towns and cities, which fortunately have remained very Mallorcan. Here you can discover and buy local handicrafts such as wood carvings, nativity figures, glass-blowing or pottery. And mulled wine combined with hot chestnuts is also part of the Christmas market delights typical of the island.
Although the Christmas tree has found its way to Mallorca in recent years as a necessary Christmas decoration, the nativity scene, El Belén, is and remains the main Christmas decoration in the Mallorcan tradition. And it is part of this tradition to decorate the cot with a new figure every year. A fantastically varied selection of wonderfully handmade nativity figures can be found at the Christmas markets.
How else do Mallorcans celebrate Christmas? Originally, Christmas is traditionally a family celebration for the locals: they enjoy good food and the company of family and friends. The Christmas season officially begins on the healing night, La Nochebuena, and lasts until 6 January. This is when the children receive the long awaited presents. Neither Father Christmas nor the Christ Child brings them, but the Three Wise Men the evening before and on 6 January they can finally be unpacked.
There is much less buying frenzy and gift stress. Small gifts can be found at the Christmas markets or in the beautifully decorated shops of Palma. Christmas shopping is much more relaxed. Also because you can enjoy a Café con Leche sitting in the sun in between … . And so we are happy when the focus is once again more on people, big and small, rather than on gifts. The way Christmas is supposed to be.
¡Feliz Navidad! y ¡Próspero Año Nuevo!