Discover the Festa de l’Estendard with Nivia Born Boutique Hotel - Nivia Born Boutique Hotel
Scroll

Discover the Festa de l’Estendard with Nivia Born Boutique Hotel

In Mallorca, Christmas is not only celebrated with carols and festive lights, but also with centuries-old traditions that have forged the island’s identity. We at Nivia Born Boutique Hotel invite you to discover one of the oldest civic-religious festivals in Europe: the Festa de l’Estendard (Festival of the Standard). Every year, on the 31st December, Palma commemorates the Christian conquest led by King Jaume I in 1229, an event that meant the incorporation of Mallorca into the Crown of Aragon and which over the centuries has given rise to a ceremonial event full of history, folklore and symbolism. 

 

Origins and evolution of the Festa de l’Estendard 

The Festa de l’Estendard has been celebrated since the early years following the Conquest of Mallorca, making it one of the oldest civic events in medieval Europe. Over the centuries, this event has adapted to new social and cultural realities without losing sight of its essence: it is a tribute to the reign of Jaume I, one that upholds the historical legacy of Mallorca’s annexation to the European Christian world. 

The events begin on the afternoon of 30th December, when the municipal corporation participates in singing Salve a la Virgen de la Salud (Hail to the Virgin of Health) at the Church of Sant Miquel. They then move to the Plaza de España to pay homage to the figure of Jaume I by offering wreaths at his monument. 

 

31 December 

On the 31st, the central Plaza de Cort is dressed for the occasion, welcoming the Royal Standard and Jaume I’s crest — both of which hold pride of place during the celebrations. To the strains of “La Balanguera” — the official anthem of Mallorca — the municipal corporation places the banner in the heart of the square, starting a procession that heads towards the Cathedral. This procession, accompanied by the mounted police, the Tamborers de la Sala (Drummers of the Hall), the Cofradía Balear de Cavallers de Sant Jordi (Balearic Brotherhood of Knights of Sant Jordi), Cavallets (little horses) and Cossiers, takes place amidst music and solemn performances that evoke the city’s mediaeval history. 

A jointly-held mass is celebrated in the Seu, during which a number of dances are performed. At the end of the ceremony, the entourage returns to the Plaça de Cort to raise the banner once again to the sound of “La Balanguera” and give way to the performance of La Colcada de Pere d’Alcàntara Penya, a staged poem that exalts the importance of the Conquest and the figure of Jaume I. 

 

Experience tradition from Nivia Born Boutique Hotel 

Thanks to its privileged location in the heart of Palma, Nivia Born Boutique Hotel gives you the opportunity to experience the Festa de l’Estendard to the full. You’ll be able to take part in a tradition that has united generations of Mallorcans. At the same time, you can enjoy our our hotel’s signature comfort and personalised service. We look forward to welcoming you to Nivia Born Boutique Hotel to help you experience the magic of this unique event. Make your Christmas in Palma unforgettable! 

Last Posts

Categories

Menú

reserva ahora en esta web y disfruta de VENTAJAS eclusivas
Best price guaranteed
Early check-in and late check-out

(subject to availability)

Complimentary Nespresso capsules
Welcome gift
Complimentary water
Airport pickup

when booking The Hidden Suite

Bottle of Moët on arrival

when booking The Hidden Suite

Advance communication of promotions
Free safe
Inscríbete a nuestra newsletter

* Campo obligatorio

Menu

book now on this website for EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
Best price guaranteed
Early check-in and late check-out

(subject to availability)

Complimentary Nespresso capsules
Welcome gift
Complimentary water
Airport pickup

when booking The Hidden Suite

Bottle of Moët on arrival

when booking The Hidden Suite

Advance communication of promotions
Free safe
Subscribe to our newsletter

* Required field