Fiesta del Cine on Mallorca: Four Days of Cinema for €3.50

Fiesta del Cine returns: cinema evenings for little money

When the days grow shorter and the evenings cooler, there are few things nicer than the warm glow of a cinema screen, the murmur of the audience and the rustle of a popcorn bag. Good news: from November 3 to 6 the Fiesta del Cine is back in Spain – and several venues on Mallorca are taking part. For selected screenings you pay just €3.50. Tempting, especially on a grey autumn day.

Which cinemas are participating?

In Palma well-known venues are once again on board: the large multiscreen program at the Ocimax, the charming CineCiutat with its alternative lineup and the cozy Sala Rívoli. The cinemas in the shopping centres Porto Pi and FAN are also taking part. And yes: sometimes even small village cinemas in the Tramuntana surprise – so check online briefly or ask a neighbour. The lists are often finalised only shortly before the start.

Advance ticket sales, planning and a few tips

Advance ticket sales start on October 29. Online box offices usually open in the morning, and some venues also sell at the evening box office. My tip after years of similar events: book early, especially if you're going with children, a larger group or to a hyped title. In Palma there are often late screenings, ideal for commuters or anyone who wants to catch a film after work. For premieres or family films the rows fill up quickly.

Practical on site: bring a light jacket – cinemas are often cool because of the air conditioning. Allow a few extra minutes for the box office, especially on busy evenings. If you come by car, check parking options at the shopping centre; for Palma users the EMT buses are often a relaxed alternative.

What's showing – and why €3.50 can mean a bit more daring

The programme varies from screen to screen. At the last edition in June, animated films for the little ones mixed with big dramas, thrillers and a few surprise films. The Fiesta del Cine is perfect for trying out directors or genres you might not normally follow. For families it's an affordable option on rainy afternoons; for couples or friends it's a chance for a spontaneous evening with an unusual selection.

Exact titles and times are published by each cinema separately – so check the websites or social media pages briefly. Sometimes you'll discover a small film that stays with you for weeks.

After the film: tapas, chatting, getting home

When the credits roll and the wind may already be shaking the palms outside, it's often worth popping into one of the surrounding tapas bars in Palma. Around larger cinema complexes there are usually still open places, ideal for a quick debrief about the film or a cup of coffee. In rural areas evening options are more limited – plan ahead if you want to eat after the film.

One last tip: take the opportunity to try something new. For €3.50 you can hardly go wrong – and maybe you'll discover your new favourite cinema or a director you'll follow from now on. Enjoy the Fiesta del Cine – we'll see you in the auditorium, somewhere between the first crackle of the projector and the last smile in the credits.