O'zapft is in Santa Ponsa: Traditional Dress, Sea Air and a Smile Over the Mishap

Festive mood by the sea: Oktoberfest atmosphere in Son Bugadelles

The evening arrived with a light sea breeze, seagull calls mingling with the pounding of the band – and just after 6 p.m. the festival grounds in front of the old mill in Son Bugadelles suddenly came to life. Traditional costume, flip‑flops, chestnut‑brown wooden floors creaking under dancing feet: the Oktoberfest in Santa Ponsa once again showed how Mallorca's autumn evenings can sound. Mayor Juan Antonio Armengual took over the symbolic tap — and after a small technical hiccup the first beer finally flowed.

A rubber seal and a collective smile

Those who thought a broken rubber seal could spoil the evening underestimated the atmosphere in the tent. Two helpers stepped in with practiced moves, there was fiddling, tightening, laughter — and when the first stein rang out, a big cheer followed. Instead of irritation there was laughter, encouragement and a palpable wave of togetherness. Almost as if the small hiccup had been a shared opening act rather than just a tapping mishap.

The band played classic marches and a few Schlager hits, holidaymakers sang along loudly, while Mallorcan conversations drifted through the tent at the long tables. Between the scent of roast chicken, mustard and hot charcoal, one met town councillors as well as local families and guests who had just arrived yesterday. The benches were full; now and then a joyful dance on the wood could be heard, and the clinking of litre mugs provided rhythmic accents.

More than just a beer festival

The event is by now no longer just a tourist spectacle but a meeting point where locals and newcomers meet. Regional vendors offered food, local service providers earned extra income in the evenings, and nearby restaurants felt the boost in guest numbers. At a time when the island shifts from summer tourism into the off‑season, such events are an important impulse: they extend the season, create reasons to linger and strengthen the local economy.

Practical tips remained realistic: cash is often quicker than the card terminal, don't forget a warm jacket for the evening, and if you're seeking quiet sit at the edge — but you might then miss the infectious chaos that makes Santa Ponsa so charming.

Between heart and organisation: small lessons for the future

The small mishap also contained a quiet reminder: a well‑stocked spare parts kit including a replacement seal and a plan B for payments would make future openings run even more smoothly. Such small things are easy to solve and shouldn't dampen the mood. More important is that the festival strengthens ties between residents, clubs and local businesses — a real gain for Calvià.

And so the image many took home remained: creaking wood, a hum of voices, the salty hint of the sea in the air and a mayor handing out beer mats while giving interviews. An Oktoberfest like a gathering of old friends, only many friends have only just arrived. Loud, warm — and with a small technical incident that was later smiled about.

Location: Festival grounds Santa Ponsa, in front of the mill in Son Bugadelles.
Opening hours: Fridays & Saturdays from 18:00, Sundays (19 October) from 12:00; each roughly until 22:00.

What to bring: good spirits, a warm jacket for the evening and preferably some cash. Then nothing stands in the way of a sociable evening with sea views.