Rafa Nadal celebrates family gathering in Mallorca: Baptism in Manacor, meal in Cala Bona

Rafa Nadal celebrates family gathering in Mallorca: Baptism in Manacor, meal in Cala Bona

On Sunday, June 21, the Crist Rei church in Manacor was the destination early in the morning for many relatives and close friends: Rafa Nadal and his wife Mery Perelló had their youngest son Miquel baptized. The ceremony took place in a calm, family setting. Familiar faces from the close circle were present; Rafa’s uncle Toni attended the baptism but, for professional reasons, did not join the subsequent celebration.

From the church square to the restaurant – a local summer gathering

After the religious ceremony the party moved a few kilometers to Cala Bona, where the Sa Punta restaurant was waiting for the guests. The atmosphere on a hot June day: cicadas, the occasional horn of a boat in the nearby harbor and the scent of the sea in the air. Small bites were served on the tables during a cocktail reception, followed later by a seated menu. Among the dishes were canapés with veal in brioche, a kind of Serrano ham sandwich with mozzarella and truffle butter, and puff pastry with anchovies — dishes that reflected both local producers and maritime influences.

At the dining table followed courses such as tuna tartare, croquettes with Iberian ham, small portions of fried John Dory, sea bass and tender pork cheeks. For dessert guests could choose between several options: lemon pie, cheesecake, chocolate coulant or pineapple carpaccio. Not ostentatious, but clearly inclined toward good Mallorcan-Spanish cuisine.

White dresses, tweed and family roots

Many guests opted for light outfits — white linen or boho-inspired dresses suited the high summer sun. Mery Perelló stood out in a short-sleeved tweed midi dress, a look that felt less red-carpet and more refined island life: chic but unpretentious. The mood was relaxed; between conversations one could hear laughter, children's voices and the occasional clinking of cutlery.

Why such a celebration is good for Mallorca

These family gatherings show a side of the island that doesn't appear in guidebooks: local restaurants, caterers, service providers and accommodations benefit directly when well-known island residents consciously choose places like Sa Punta. It doesn't attract crowds, but it strengthens the small, fine network between gastronomy and community. For Cala Bona and Manacor these are moments that enliven the summer without being loud.

Looking at the family's history

The date ties back to earlier decisions by the family: the two met in 2005 and were married in 2019 at Sa Fortalesa de Pollença, a celebration attended by around 350 guests. Their first son, also named Rafa, was born in October 2022 and is now often present at tournaments as a spectator. Miquel was born in August 2025, a few months after Rafa ended his active tennis career (Rafa Nadal in Mallorca: One Year After the Farewell).

Such celebrations are private, but they also show how memories are created on Mallorca: church pews, harbor quays, family-run restaurants. Manacor and Cala Bona became a little richer in family history during that June weekend.

Summer goes on: people dine outdoors, vendors hear the sea in the distance, and the island again offers space for such moments — unspectacular, personal and yet a bit special. For Mallorca these are the lovely nuances amid the bustle of the season.