O’zapft is in Santa Ponça: Oktoberfest kicks off with music, beer and a small hiccup

Cheerful mood despite a small wobble

On Friday evening, shortly after 6 p.m., the festival grounds in front of the old mill in Son Bugadelles transformed into a colorful mix of traditional costumes, brass music, and the aroma of roasted chicken. Mayor Juan Antonio Armengual grabbed the tap—and after a brief technical hiccup, the first beer flowed. In other words: a classic Wiesn, just with sea air in the background.

How a gasket tested the mood

Who would have thought that a broken rubber gasket could cause trouble, would have underestimated the mood in the tent. Two helpers, including the organizer, rushed to the scene; they fiddled a bit with the keg, and then the first cheer of Prost rang through the tent. No one grew impatient; on the contrary: the small hiccup was met with laughter and encouragement — almost like a shared start, not just a tap.

The benches were full, the tables wobbled with excitement, and from time to time someone danced briefly on the wooden boards. Dirndls and lederhosen mixed with summer-flavored flip-flops — a colorful mix of tourists and locals. The band played traditional tunes, accompanied by occasional German schlager songs and Mallorcan snippets of conversation: a funny jumble.

More than just beer

It smelled of roasted chicken, mustard, and hot charcoal. In the background, city councilors could be seen mingling with visitors at long tables; the mayor stayed for a while longer, drank with them and gave interviews at the beer counter — relaxed, with a handful of beer coasters. The festival in Calvià has earned a reputation over the years: it is loud, warm-hearted, and sometimes a bit chaotic, just as one would expect.

Location: Festival grounds Santa Ponça, in front of the mill in Son Bugadelles.
Opening hours: Fridays & Saturdays from 6:00 p.m., Sundays (October 19) from 12:00 p.m.; each until about 10:00 p.m.

If you go: bring a warm jacket for the evening and preferably pay in cash, some things simply go on the list faster than the card terminal. And: if you love laughing and singing along, you’re in the right place. If you prefer it quiet, better look for a table at the edge — but then you’ll miss the vibrant chaos that Santa Ponça made for the opening night.

An Oktoberfest like a gathering of old friends, only many of the friends have just arrived: loud, warm-hearted, and with a small technical hiccup that will be smiled about later.