Every year British tourists flock to the Spanish island of Majorca for their summer holidays and it’s no wonder: the largest of all the Balearic Islands is famous for the brilliant combination of relaxing holidays in the sun and cultural relaxation that offers. visitors
With the opportunity to stay in your own luxury villa in Mallorca, as well as the opportunity to soak up the sun and attend traditional Spanish events, it would be hard to find a more ideal place to take a break.
During August, all of Spain celebrates one of the most important dates in the Catholic calendar, the Feast of the Assumption. The day falls on August 15 and is said to be the day the Virgin Mary came to the end of her earthly life and ascended to heaven.
As such, August 15th is a big day throughout Spain and going on holiday in Mallorca around this date will surely give you the chance to witness how the locals like to celebrate. As the day marks the death of the Virgin Mary, many of the parades and carnivals that take place are held to the beat of a slow drum.
However, there are also some more dynamic events on offer, and you’re sure to find something fun-filled to entertain you on this day. From traditional dances to band performances and singing, August 15th sees the entire island engulfed in song and dance, and is a great way for visitors to get under the skin of the culture.
The date is a public holiday in Spain, so expect some of the major cities and towns in Mallorca to be busy. To try and avoid the crowds, you can choose to leave early in the morning or later in the day, when many Spaniards take a party as a break from midday.
As the main center of all religious activity on the island, the statuesque cathedral in Majorca’s capital Palma is definitely worth a visit during a holiday here. On August 15, there may be a number of special themed services that could appeal to those interested in gaining a full understanding of this important event. If going to one of the services isn’t your thing, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the cathedral.
This impressive building dates back to the 12th century and is a great example of the Gothic style of architecture. The main part of the church is 121 meters long and 55 meters wide, making it a truly impressive sight. From the outside, the church is a beautiful structure and certainly worth a snapshot or two.
One of the most famous elements of the Palma Cathedral is its tall bell tower, which rises more than 50 meters high. The tower houses nine huge bells, one of which is especially famous for its size. This bell, called N’Eloi, is two meters in diameter and weighs an intimidating 4,517 kilograms.
In addition to the bell tower, the cathedral features a number of smaller chapels that offer visitors peace and serenity, as well as a chance for quiet reflection.
Like many other religious nations, there are rules that you must follow when visiting a place of worship in Spain, such as dress codes that must be followed to avoid causing offence. To make sure this doesn’t happen, make sure shoulders are covered and shorts or skirts are below the knee.
After enjoying all that the Fiesta de la Asunción has to offer, you may feel like lying on the beach and making the most of your holiday, and you will be spoiled for choice where to relax in Mallorca. The island is home to a wide variety of beaches, so all you have to do is decide what kind of beach day you fancy.
Some are better for those who simply want to relax, while fans of water sports or those holidaying in Majorca with their children may want to head to one of the liveliest and busiest beaches on the island.