After the Sant Sebastià festivities that finally managed to overcome the rain, the carnival in Palma de Mallorca, which is just around the corner, is coming on strong with a few days of spring-like sunshine. Palma City Council has already set all the preparations in motion to make 11 February 2024 a magical day dedicated to extravagance, excitement and fun. From 5pm on the second Sunday in February, exactly 40 days before Maundy Thursday, the streets of Palma will be flooded with colourful floats and lively troupes for Sa Rua 2024, a parade that encourages locals and visitors alike to join in a huge open-air party where fantasy, music and costumes conquer every corner of the city.
In order to involve the public as much as possible and guarantee a successful attendance, the council has announced a prize of up to 2,800 euros for the best floats and troupes. If you want recognition for your skills, all you have to do is register between 5 and 8 February. Some of the winners last year included ‘El encanto de las canicas’, ‘Crónicas Martianas’, in the float category, and ‘Centaures’ and ‘Si la mar nostra cuidam, la posidonia salvam’, in the ‘comparsa’ music group category.
Celebrate in style at Nivia Born Boutique Hotel
Our luxury hotel in the centre of Palma becomes an ideal setting to enjoy a first-hand view of the great displays of joy and colour that the carnival in Palma brings. If you want to enjoy an excellent rest before and after the big party, just book any of our splendid rooms and suites. And if you’re looking to satisfy your appetite, you may be interested in our delicious menu or our exquisite brunch, with organic and local products that you can enjoy at El Cielo del Born, our incredible rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the cathedral and Paseo del Born. Check out our current promotions and get ready for a truly unforgettable carnival.
Sa Rua 2024 in Palma de Mallorca
The details of the Sa Rua 2024 parade have not yet been made public. However, the routes in previous years have been along La Rambla, Carrer de la Riera, Carrer Unió, Plaça Juan Carlos I and Avinguda Jaume III. If you are planning to travel to Palma on these dates and are staying at the Nivia Born Boutique Hotel, you will be right in the epicentre of the festival, which is expected to feature stages and entertainment activities.
Just a week before Sa Rua 2024 in Palma de Mallorca, the youngest members of the family can also enjoy a day of festivities with the traditional Sa Rueta parade from 10:30am on Sunday 4 February, which will be accompanied by fancy dress competitions, workshops, face painting, games and musical entertainment specifically for the little ones.
‘Es Darrers Dies’, the origin of the festival
In Mallorca, the carnival (Carnestoltes) was formerly known as ‘Es Darrers Dies’, a period between Dijous Llarder (Fat Thursday) and Ash Wednesday when the population was given permission to enjoy large feasts and celebrations before fasting for Lent. At the end of the 19th century, it also had a strong component of social criticism that today has been diluted in favour of a folkloric tone.
