October in Mallorca: Four Festivals That Make Autumn Tasteable

October in Mallorca: Four Festivals That Make Autumn Tasteable

When the nights cool down a bit and morning mist hangs between the almond trees, many imagine peace and quiet. On the island it often means something else: a last burst of fiestas, highlighted in Autumn Festivals in Mallorca: Markets, Sea and a Touch of Fire. In October the smell of roasted peppers, sea salt and charcoal mixes with the sound of guitars and bells – and suddenly the island is full of life again. Here are four dates that make you want to pack a jacket and head out.

Fira del Pebre Bord – Felanitx (19 October, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.)

The Fira del Pebre Bord is as down-to-earth as the village itself: paellas steam on the plaza and long rows of dried chilis hang like colorful garlands. The pebre bord, smoked paprika with a slightly sweet note, is the star. Try a piece of bread with sobrassada and a glass of local wine, sit on a low wall and listen to the clatter of pans. Practical tip: if you want a photo without day-trippers, come early – regulars from Palma usually arrive after coffee.

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

The llampuga, also called the dolphinfish or dorado, marks the autumn on the plates of Cala Rajada. For three days the harbor promenade and restaurants turn into a big tasting area: grilled, in stews or as fine tapas with lemon and herbs. Little hands dig in the sand while live music drifts over the breakwater. If you arrive by car, parking is often easier on Avenida de Cala Agulla and a short walk brings you to the harbor – the sea, the boats and the salty air always feel a little more dramatic here than elsewhere; Golden Mackerel, Tapas and Art: Autumn Fairs in Mallorca (10–12 Oct 2025) covers these weekend fairs.

Fira Marinera – Port d’Andratx (18 & 19 October, approx. 10 a.m.–11 p.m.)

Port d’Andratx becomes a waterfront promenade that weekend: boat supplies, artisanal stalls and fish cooked over open flames line up beside taverns that keep their doors open late. The most beautiful hour is just before sunset: the light melts away, mast shadows lengthen and the lights on the water’s edge begin to twinkle. A light jacket is a good idea – the breeze here is always a bit cooler and tastes faintly of freedom.

Fiesta de la Beata – Palma (18 October, procession from 6 p.m.)

The procession in honor of Beata Santa Catalina Tomàs is a piece of lived city tradition. It starts at the Santa Magdalena church and then winds through narrow alleys and broad promenades, accompanied by music, folk groups and the soft murmur of spectators. Children in historical costumes run between the adults, and you often feel part of a large, somewhat old-fashioned family celebration. If you want a front-row spot, position yourself early on Carrer del Sindicat or Passeig d’en Born.

Practical information: Many events are free, but parking restrictions are strictly enforced – watch for barriers and signs. Cash is welcome at small stalls, though cashless payment is becoming more common. A small folding rain cover has saved a day in October for many, and a thin jacket belongs in every pocket. Photographers and sun-seekers should choose morning and evening hours: the light is best then. For families: plan breaks – children often want to visit the tasty stalls more often than you’d expect.

October here is not a quiet farewell but a medley of smells, voices and lights: roasted paprika in Felanitx, dolphinfish in Cala Rajada, a maritime atmosphere in Port d’Andratx and the ritual in Palma. If you like, I can send you a compact list of dates for your phone, such as Autumn Festivals in Mallorca: Sweets in Esporles, Botifarró in Sant Joan, Crafts in Alaró, or a short update if times change. I still keep my little pepper mix from last year – and every time I open it there is that hint of island autumn.