Alaró celebrates Sant Roc: Balloons, Sobrasada and a fiery Correfoc

A village awakening from its summer slumber: Festes de Sant Roc in Alaró

On the morning of August 5th the air smelled of coffee, warm dough and sobrasada on toasted bread: Alaró opened its Festes de Sant Roc, a village detailed on Alaró — Wikipedia. The plaza in front of the church quickly filled with neighbors, hikers from the Serra and families seeking the shade of the plane trees. A mild Tramuntana breeze swept through the streets — the perfect accompaniment to a celebration as Mallorcan as a still-cold glass of beer.

Tradition meets children's noise: flags, balloons and local rhythms

The official start: the raising of the flags on the village square, accompanied by the clatter of café chairs and the ringing of the small church bell. Shortly after, the children took over. Hundreds of colorful balloons were popped — a loud, joyful chaos. Those with sensitive ears find a spot under the arcades, but a bit of racket is simply part of the experience here. The drums of a local colla blended into the soundscape; you could feel the community coming together, as in Noche de las Almas en Parc Sa Riera — Correfoc.

Market, music and sport: the program until the big day

Between stalls selling almond pastries, local cheese and homemade orange marmalade, visitors gathered around small stages. Concerts of traditional songs alternated with pop acts; young and old found something for themselves. There are contests for the little ones, a folk-sport challenge for the brave and booths with crafts from neighboring villages, echoes of which appear in Fiestas de otoño en Mallorca: Dulces en Esporles, Botifarró en Sant Joan y artesanía en Alaró. This year the organizers placed special emphasis on local producers — it feels authentic, not like a tourist package.

Looking forward to August 16th: the Correfoc as the highlight

What everyone is eagerly awaiting is the fire run on August 16th: the Correfoc, a tradition also covered in Correfoc en Alaró y diversión acuática en Llucmajor. At dusk the plaza transforms into a spectacle of sparks, flaming figures and crackling fire fountains. Anyone who has stood in the middle of it knows that tingling feeling: a slight heat on the skin, the smell of sulfur and grilled meat in the air, and people either running laughing or watching in awe. An evening that echoes for a long time — and one grandchildren will still talk about.

Small tips for visitors — and a slice of everyday life

If you come by car, arrive early: parking in the center is scarce. It's better to take the bus from Palma or walk from the outskirts parking. Bring comfortable shoes, because cobblestones and Spanish heat don't always go well together. And: try a sobrasada sandwich from one of the stalls — with a draft beer, and the festive day is perfect. If you listen closely, the voices of the old mix with the laughter of the young; that's what makes Alaró special.

Why this festival matters

The Festes de Sant Roc are more than folklore. They are a place where neighborhoods are strengthened, where traditions are passed down from generation to generation and where visitors get an unvarnished glimpse of island life. The mix of ritual, food, music and a bit of ruckus creates an atmosphere that makes Mallorcan hospitality tangible.

A brief outlook

Until the final Correfoc on August 16th the calendar keeps filling: there will be more concerts, workshops and small surprises in the evenings. For locals and visitors alike this means: doors open, eyes wide and bring your good mood. Alaró remains a hidden gem that briefly takes the island's big stage during these days.

Conclusion: If you want to experience Mallorca in one sentence, join a festival like this: warm, loud, tasty and a little cheeky. Pack your sunglasses, take your time and come to Alaró — the plaza is waiting, and somewhere the sobrasada is already smoking over the wood fire again.