Golden Mackerel, Tapas and Art: Autumn Fairs in Mallorca (10–12 Oct 2025)

Golden mackerel, tapas and art – three days for strolling and tasting

When the evenings grow shorter and the island carries a hint of chimney smoke, it's autumn market time in Mallorca, as detailed in Gastronomía y arte: ferias de otoño en Mallorca del 10 al 12 de octubre de 2025. From 10 to 12 October promenades and village squares fill with tables, stalls and lanterns. It smells of fried fish, wood smoke and freshly baked bread – a small, very Mallorcan symphony of aromas and voices. If you like, you can combine several small festivals in one weekend: taste, look around, chat with locals.

Golden Mackerel Fiesta in Cala Ratjada: loud, salty, warm-hearted

The mood in Cala Ratjada is typically exuberant: fishermen, helpers and cooks pitch in, the harbor promenade fills with stalls and small bars. The Golden Mackerel Fiesta starts with a tapas night on the waterfront; if you prefer something calmer, it's best to arrive a little earlier, as covered in Jureles dorados, arte y tapas: ferias de otoño comienzan en Mallorca. On Sunday the big cooking takes place – roughly 1,700 kilos of golden mackerel are processed in paellas, on the grill and in small beach kitchens. The scent of olive oil and grilled fish mixes with the cries of the seagulls. Tip: around 18:30 the narrow streets and stairways are at their liveliest and plates change hands quickly.

Art i Copes in Sa Pobla: courtyards full of art and music

Sa Pobla offers a different tone: ceramics clink, brushes move across canvases and in winding courtyards there are small tapas stations. Art i Copes is more than an art night; it's an invitation to discover galleries and independent studios, talk with artists and experience new works over a glass of wine. Experimental painting meets traditional handicrafts here – and late in the evening a band often plays on the village square. Ideal for anyone who likes to combine art with a drink and a quiet atmosphere.

Small markets in Esporles, Alaró and Llucmajor

Alongside the major attractions there are countless local autumn markets: in Esporles stalls sell sweets and chestnuts, in Alaró you can find sausages and cheeses, and in Llucmajor artisans show knives, baskets and pottery. These are the markets where you meet old acquaintances, hear children running around and spontaneously grab a portion of churros. Perfect for filling a bag with local provisions – and taking a piece of Mallorca home.

Change in Santanyí & weather note

The art night in Santanyí has been moved to the following Friday due to uncertain weather forecasts. A quick check of the local tourist office notices will spare disappointment. In general: evenings in October can be quite cool, especially in the mountain villages. A light sweater is therefore not a luxury but almost a necessity.

Practical tips for a relaxed weekend

Parking is often scarce – a bike or the bus are smart alternatives. Many stalls open in the afternoon, but the best atmosphere develops from 17:00, when the light softens and the markets come alive. It is advisable to carry cash; some market vendors still prefer not to use card readers. If you sample special wines or cheeses, don't hesitate to ask questions: many producers stand at their stalls and are happy to talk about vineyards, sheep and aging times.

And one small, well-meaning piece of advice: bring reusable bags. Sellers appreciate it, and at the end of the evening you have less plastic and more soul in your basket. It's a nice way to take a piece of the island home — and at the same time support a little bit of local life.

Enjoy strolling, listening and tasting – and if a flavor particularly delights you, remember the stall. Often it's exactly these producers who enrich the next year again.