Artà invites you to an agricultural fair with animals, machinery, and a running mill

Today on Artà's Market Square: Animals, Tractors, and Stories

As I descend the stairs to Plaça la Rambla in the morning, the scent of hay and fried dough is already in the air. The Fira de Artà has begun, and the mood is exactly like that: loud, a little dusty, and incredibly down-to-earth. Between 10:00 and 18:00, stalls, trailers, and old carts fill the streets – perfect for anyone who wants to experience farming live.

What there is to see

Animals: Cows, pigs, chickens, and even dog demonstrations create plenty of bustle. The animals appear well cared-for, the breeders enjoy telling anecdotes – ask for their names, many have a little story ready. No animal here is just an exhibit piece; many are real working companions.

Machines and equipment: Old and new farming technology stand side by side. A few youths are curious to pose on old tractors, older farmers explain how plowing was done in the past. For tech fans a little paradise: hydraulics, gears, the smell of oil – the full program.

The mill: Especially beautiful: An old water mill has been put back into operation. I paused briefly as the mill wheel creaked and flour dust danced in the sun. You don't see something like this every week.

More than just an exhibition

It's not just about looking. On stage there are local cooking demonstrations, the bakery next door sells fresh ensaimadas, and a small market offers cheese and sausage from the area. Children can color animals at craft stations or watch the sheep-shearing competition. The organization seems relaxed, yet the volunteers manage to keep everything running – respect.

Important to know: Parking is limited, so bring a bit of patience. If you come by bus (lines 401/402 stop closer to the fair), you save yourself the detours through narrow streets. In the afternoon a light sea breeze comes in – just right when it gets a bit warmer around 15:30.

Why this is more than nostalgia

The fair shows how farming and village life on Mallorca fit together today: young farmers showcase modern methods, traditional farms present varieties that have become rare. Visitors meet producers, buy directly, and hear real stories about harvests, drought years, and neighborly help. It’s practical and honest at the same time.

If you still want to go: bring sturdy shoes, some cash, and a jacket for the evening. And don't expect a perfect fair hall – this is real village life, with all its rough edges. I also left with a cotton bag of cheese, a few photos, and the sense that I had seen a small piece of Mallorcan daily life.

Details: Fira de Artà, today, 10:00–18:00, central in Artà. Admission usually free, program items vary throughout the day.