Festa del Botifarró: Sausage, Music and Village Buzz in Sant Joan

Botifarró, tradition and Plaça atmosphere

When the Plaça Constitució in Sant Joan smells of grilled sausage and smokewood over the weekend, you know: the Festa del Botifarró is here. On Saturday and Sunday the small town in the northeast of Mallorca turns into a place where you can eat without restraint, chat and sway to Mallorcan tunes. I've been there several times — the scent sticks to your shirt, and so does the mood.

What to expect

The stalls usually open around 11:00, offering everything from traditional portions of botifarró to small tapas and local wines. By 13:00 the plaza fills up — families with children, pensioners in sun-faded hats and a few curious tourist groups mix together. In the evenings Tomeu Penya plays live among others — a guy whose voice you know here, and who likes to slow the tempo when the sun sinks lower.

Besides food there are craft stalls, ceramics, locally produced olive oil and sometimes a small exhibition of historical butchery tools. For the little ones: face painting and a mini-carousel that falters more often than I'd admit. Entrance? Generally free. Bring some cash — some food stalls don't accept cards.

Practical tips from a neighbor

• Arrive early: if you're there before 13:00 you're more likely to snag a sunny seat.
• Parking: It's tight in Sant Joan. Better to come by bus or bike; spots fill up quickly in the evening.
• Try: botifarró on its own, but also with bread and a dollop of sobrasada — surprisingly good.

On the same weekend other local fairs also take place, such as the Fira d’Alcúdia — market stalls, live music and a larger gastro offer. So if you stay longer you can expect two days full of tasting.

Why it's worth it

Because these festivals are precisely what Mallorca is like away from the beaches: a mix of tradition, neighborhood spirit and a touch of bustle. You talk to the person selling the sausage, and more often than not the seller tells an anecdote about how it's prepared. No gloss — but real.

So if you happen to be nearby this weekend: stop by, take the scent home with you and say hi to the plaza police, who watch the stalls with a crooked smile. And yes — bring a jacket, the evenings are getting cooler.