Nit de les Ánimes today in Palma's Parc Sa Riera – Lanterns, face painting and Correfoc

Nit de les Ánimes today in Parc Sa Riera: Old tradition, new date

This afternoon Palma is once again marked by an old Mallorcan tradition: the "Nit de les Ánimes" — the Night of Souls — was rescheduled after the severe storm and begins at Parc Sa Riera from 4:30 PM.

If, like me, you have walked through the streets of the city, you may still have seen puddles, but the air already smells of clear, cool evening. The organizers emphasize that the program is family-friendly: there are craft and lantern workshops, face painting for children and a few small hands-on activities for the little ones. Nothing pretentious — more the kind where kids go home with glow sticks and parents are happy if there isn't a smudge of paint on the sweater.

The real highlight of the evening, however, is the traditional Correfoc — the Mallorcan fire run. Imagine small fire figures dancing along the paths, rhythmic drumming and a bit of thrill as sparks fly by. It's loud, warm and quite primal. Please arrive early if you want to stand in the front row; space is limited and the best viewing spots are taken quickly.

Practical tips: Wear a light jacket, it can get noticeably cooler towards the evening. Comfortable shoes are a must — Parc Sa Riera has shady corners but also sandy paths. If you plan to take children home later, allow some extra time: the mix of excitement and routine often takes a while before everyone calms down again.

For those wondering about the date change: the recent storm damaged some outdoor areas and visitor safety could not have been guaranteed one hundred percent. The city therefore decided it was better to postpone the event — a sensible decision, even if people had looked forward to the original evening.

I keep noticing how such traditional evenings combine two things: the local and the communal. Old rituals like the Nit de les Ánimes gain new meaning in city life when parents show their children how to make lanterns and neighbors chat over hot chestnuts and stories.

If you come today: pay attention to the stewards' instructions, respect the barriers during the Correfoc and keep a safe distance from open fire areas. Photography is fine — just please don't pose directly in the path of the sparks or get too close to the performers.

The program starts at 4:30 PM in Parc Sa Riera and runs into the evening. It's a lovely opportunity to experience the tradition, delight the children and end the day with a touch of local flavor. I'll be there — with a hot chocolate in hand, in case it gets colder. See you later in the park!