Street BBQs, live music and fire parades await when you fly from London Southend. Forget beach days – Palma turns up the heat in winter with its biggest celebration, Festes de Sant Sebastià. Each January, the city honours its patron saint with blazing bonfires, smoky street barbecues, live music, and fiery parades that fill every square and spill into the surrounding streets.
Locals gather around the foguerons to grill, dance, and sing late into the night, while spectacular correfoc fire runs and legendary figures like the Drac de na Coca bring the city’s folklore to life. It’s local tradition transformed into an unforgettable urban spectacle – and best of all, most of it is free.
Fly to Palma from London Southend Airport.
What is Festes de Sant Sebastià?
Every January, Palma’s old town ignites in celebration – this time for their patron saint, Sant Sebastià (Saint Sebastian). In 2025, the festivities officially ran from 11 to 26 January, with highlights spanning multiple weekends.
While the 2026 schedule hasn’t been published yet, tradition suggests it will fall around the third weekend of January, likely 15–18 January 2026. Locals follow this pattern every year, though official confirmation is still needed.
In those few days, the city comes alive with the Revetla de Sant Sebastià – a night of bonfires, foguerons, and communal BBQs or torradoras that fill every square with smoke, music, and the smell of grilling meat. Live plaza concerts and afternoon tardeos spread across venues like Plaza de España, Plaza Cort, and Plaza Mayor keep the party going well into the night, while family-friendly fun at Sant Sebastià Petit offers workshops, magic shows, and circus acts in local parks.
The atmosphere heats up even more with the correfoc fire parade – a blaze of sparks, devils, drums and pyrotechnic beasts that closes the festival. Alongside it all, traditions like the Drac de na Coca – a legendary dragon figure – and the haunting sound of xeremiers (folk musicians with bagpipe-like instruments) wind through the streets. Most events take place around Palma’s key plazas, including Plaza Joan Carles I and central streets.
And the best bit? It’s (mostly) free!
Nearly every official Festes de Sant Sebastià event – music, bonfires, parades – costs nothing to enjoy. That said, during some of the larger program items like concerts or exhibitions, capacity might be limited – especially for popular nights. Still, the heart of the festival burns free.
Winter in Palma de Mallorca isn’t just about seaside sun – it’s about glowing embers and culture under starry skies. The Revetla turns every neighbourhood square into a grill-lit party. Add in folkloric music, family gatherings, and city life at a relaxed pace – and you’ve got winter, Palma-style. Plus, the mild Mediterranean chill means light jackets, not parkas, are all you need.
Read more:
Tips & Tricks for a Smokin’ Sant Sebastià
Save those dates: Prepare for around 15–18 Jan 2026 (third weekend), though keep an eye out for official programme confirmation.
- Join the BBQs: The Revetla, usually around 19 Jan, is the place to be – foguerons, torradoras, and plenty of music.
- Fire safety first: For correfoc or bonfire zones – wear cotton or natural fibres, sturdy shoes, and keep a respectful distance unless you’re part of the procession.
- Hit plaza concerts early: Tardeos (like DJ sets or live bands) kick off in late afternoon – arrive early for a good vantage and tapas.
- Kid-friendly fun: Sant Sebastià Petit offers a welcome break with circus, magic, and workshops – great for little ones.
- Explore local legends: Watch for the Drac de na Coca dragon parade – iconic, dramatic and Instagram-worthy.
- Stay central: Booking in La Lonja, La Rambla, or El Born keeps you close to the action – no taxi or bus needed between events.
Ready to swap chilly London for flames, folk, and fire-lit nights in Palma? Fly to Palma from London Southend Airport to arrive just in time for Festes de Sant Sebastià – where everything that warms your heart costs nothing but leaves you glowing.
Inspired to book your break?
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