October in Mallorca: Festivals, Fish and Peppers – four dates to remember

Autumn fiestas: Why October in Mallorca is more than just the 'quiet season'

When the first nights get cooler and the streetlights come on earlier, that does not automatically mean calm on Mallorca. On the contrary: in October the island towns roll out more festivals, ranging from village squares to harbours. Below I have summarised four dates worth visiting — handy if you want to head out spontaneously or have guests.

Fira del Pebre Bord – Felanitx (19 October, 09:00–20:00)

The small pepper fair in Felanitx has a rustic atmosphere. On the plaza and the side streets it smells of roasted peppers and sobrassada; vendors offer dried strings, jars of powder and pickled pods. I recommend arriving early (around 9:30), before day visitors from Palma arrive. If you like tasting: the little buvette on Carrer Major always has a surprising tapas variation with pebre bord.

Fira de la Llampuga – Capdepera / Cala Rajada (10–12 October)

The llampuga, known in German as the gold mackerel, is really an autumn fish — and it is celebrated here. Around 20 restaurants in Cala Rajada take part; on Sunday there are often more than 80 preparations — from simply grilled to modern interpretations. Live music plays in the harbour, children can discover stalls on the beach, and the market invites you to browse. Admission is usually free; parking is best on Avenida de Cala Agulla, then a ten-minute walk towards the harbour.

Fira Marinera – Port d’Andratx (18 & 19 October, approx. 10:00–23:00)

The harbour town transforms into a maritime promenade for two days. Stalls with nautical crafts, fresh fish off the grill and small concerts on the mole — ideal for a late afternoon with a view of the boats. Tip: around 20:00, just before sunset, the lights on the fishing boats are especially pretty. Bring a light jacket; the evenings here are already autumnal.

Fiesta de la Beata – Palma (18 October, procession from 18:00)

The traditional procession in honour of Santa Catalina Tomàs is one I like to visit when I am in Palma. It starts at the church of Santa Magdalena, and the street fills with music, costumes and the typical bustle you expect from old folk festivals. A young woman represents the Beata, accompanied by children in historical costumes. If you want a spot along the route, arrive in good time on Carrer del Sindicat or Passeig d’en Born.

Practical notes: Many festivals have free entry; watch out for local parking bans on event days. Food and drink often come straight from the region — small stalls usually accept cash, but increasingly also cards. And: an autumn shower can come unexpectedly; a foldable rain jacket has never hurt.

If you like, I can send a compact list of dates to your phone — or a short update if times change. I myself bought a tiny spice mix at the pepper fair last year that still sits on my kitchen table. Such a scent lingers.