Every January, the northern Mallorcan town of Pollença and its port celebrate Sant Antoni Abat, the patron saint of animals, with days of bonfires, blessings, and community gatherings. The festival is one of the island's most traditional winter events, and its centrepiece is the Pujada del Pi, a daring pine-climbing ritual that draws crowds to the main squares.
If you are planning a trip around the festivities, it helps to know that the programme unfolds in two distinct settings: the inland town of Pollença and the seaside resort of Port de Pollença, a few kilometres away. Each community carries out its own version of the pine ritual, and understanding the difference will help you decide where to watch.
Below, we break down the key dates, traditions, and practical tips for attending, based on official town council information. Since exact programmes are published closer to the event each year, we recommend checking the official Pollença tourism website before you go.
When Does the Sant Antoni Festival Take Place?
Sant Antoni is celebrated in and around 17 January, the saint's feast day. In Pollença and Port de Pollença, the main events typically start on the evening of 16 January with the bonfire contest and run through the daytime celebrations on the 17th. Some years, the programme extends over a longer period, including related events in the days before.
Because the exact schedule can change from year to year, the best approach is to consult the official Pollença tourism or town council website for the current programme. You should not assume that events advertised in a previous year will be repeated identically, so verify details such as the day of the animal blessing and the timing of the pine retrieval before you travel.
The Bonfire Contest on the Night of 16 January
The festival properly begins on the evening of 16 January, when the town hosts a bonfire contest. Locals build wood piles topped with allegorical figures of the saint or scenes from local tradition, and these are set alight at night. The result is a warm, flickering spectacle that draws residents and visitors alike into the streets.
The bonfires are not only for show; they also serve as a gathering point. In Mallorcan tradition, people grill food such as botifarrons and sobrasada over the flames, and the sound of the ximbomba—a friction drum—accompanies improvised songs called gloses. The atmosphere is communal, and spectators often join in the dancing and eating.
Sant Antoni Day: The Animal Blessing and the Arrival of the Pine
On 17 January, the religious heart of the festival takes place. A mass is held at the Mare de Déu dels Àngels church in Pollença, followed by the colcada, a procession in which animals are led out to be blessed. Horses, sheep, dogs, and even birds are brought by their owners, echoing the saint's role as protector of animals.
After the blessing, the focus shifts to the pine tree. In Pollença, a large group of volunteers goes to the Ternelles country estate to fetch a pine that has been cut and trimmed to a height of 20 to 24 metres. They pull it back to the Plaça Vella, where it is soaped and then erected in the square. The soaped trunk is what makes the subsequent climb so challenging.
The Pujada del Pi: A Test of Courage
The Pujada del Pi is the most anticipated moment. Once the pine is standing in Plaça Vella, young men (and sometimes women) attempt to climb the soaped trunk to reach a bag of confetti tied near the top. There are no safety harnesses or ropes; the only aid is the strength of the climbers and the encouragement of the crowd. Many slip off before reaching the upper branches, and it can take hours before someone succeeds.
Given the physical risk, spectators should keep a safe distance and follow the instructions of the organisers. In recent years, the event has drawn large crowds, so arriving early is wise if you want a good view. The exact time of the climb is not fixed, as it depends on the pace of the day's earlier events.
Port de Pollença: Bringing the Pine from Formentor
In Port de Pollença, the same ritual takes on a maritime flavour. Residents go to the nearby Formentor peninsula to fetch their own pine, often travelling by boat or in buses organised by the town council. The tree is loaded onto a traditional fishing boat (barca de bou) and brought to the old dock, then pulled through the streets to Plaça Miquel Capllonch.
Once the pine is erected in the Port's main square, it too is climbed. The setting by the sea gives the event a different character from the inland version, and it is often less crowded, making it an attractive alternative for visitors. The two rituals happen around the same time, so you may need to choose which one to watch unless you are prepared to move between them.
Music, Dance, and Food During the Festival
Throughout the festival, the squares and streets fill with traditional Mallorcan culture. You will hear the ximbomba and gloses, see groups performing the ball de pagès (a traditional dance), and encounter the dimonis—demon figures—who add a playful, fiery element to the processions. These elements are rooted in the island's folklore and are a joy to witness, even if you do not understand the local dialect.
Food is also central to the celebration. The torrades, or open-air barbecues, serve botifarrons (a type of black pudding) and sobrasada on brown bread, all cooked over the festival bonfires. Expect a communal atmosphere where sharing food and drink is part of the experience.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To get the most out of your visit, start by confirming the exact programme on the official Pollença tourism site, as dates and event times can change. The festival is free to attend; there is no ticket for the street events, so you can simply join the crowds. However, seating is not provided, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to stand for long stretches.
January evenings are cold in Mallorca, so bring warm clothing. If you plan to watch the pine climb, arrive at the square at least half an hour early to secure a good vantage point, especially in Pollença where the crowd is largest. The organisers usually cordon off the area around the pine for safety, so respect the barriers and follow the instructions of the fire marshals and volunteers.
If you are staying in Port de Pollença, you can walk to the main square easily, but be aware that road closures are common during the procession. Public transport between the two towns may be limited after the late-night events, so check the local bus schedule in advance. Parking is scarce in both centres, so consider using a taxi or a park-and-ride if available.
Sant Antoni Elsewhere on the Island
While Pollença's version of Sant Antoni is distinctive, the saint is honoured across Mallorca. Many towns hold their own bonfire nights and animal blessings, and the festival is a key part of the island's winter calendar. If you are in the north, you might also catch Sa Pobla's lively bonfire night on the 16th or the more animal-focused celebrations in other villages.
The week after Sant Antoni, Palma celebrates Sant Sebastià, another winter patron saint, with bonfires, concerts, and correfocs in the city centre. Combined, these events offer a deep dive into Mallorcan winter traditions, and many visitors plan a longer trip to experience both.
For a broader look at Spanish festivals, check our guide to festivals in Spain.
How to Stay Updated on the Official Programme
Because the festival programme is published every year, the safest way to know exactly what is happening is to check the official Pollença town council or tourism website. They publish the full schedule, including any changes, in the weeks leading up to the festival. You can also follow their social media channels for real-time updates.
If you are planning to attend in a particular year, it is wise to confirm that the events you are interested in are still taking place, as programmes can be adjusted for safety or other reasons. Local tourism offices in Pollença and Port de Pollença are also good sources of on-the-ground information during your stay.
Make the Most of Your Visit
The Sant Antoni festival in Pollença is a unique window into Mallorcan winter culture, offering a blend of fire, faith, and community that you will not find in the summer crowds. Whether you choose to watch the pine climb in the town or the port, the experience is unforgettable.
To plan your trip, decide which version you prefer: the larger event in Pollença or the more intimate maritime ritual in Port de Pollença. Check the official programme for the year, pack for cold weather, and arrive early to secure a good spot. With a little preparation, you can enjoy one of the island's most authentic celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sant Antoni festival in Pollença?
Sant Antoni is a traditional festival in late January honouring Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of animals. It features bonfires, processions, an animal blessing, traditional music and dancing, and a unique pine-climbing ritual known as the Pujada del Pi.
When is Sant Antoni in Pollença?
Sant Antoni is celebrated around 17 January each year. The main events typically begin on the evening of 16 January with bonfires and climax on the 17th with the animal blessing and pine climb. The exact schedule can vary, so check the official programme closer to the dates.
What is the Pujada del Pi?
The Pujada del Pi is the pine-climbing tradition in which participants attempt to climb a tall, soaped pine tree erected in the main square. The first person to reach the top wins a prize, often a bag of confetti. It is a test of agility and courage and is a central event of Sant Antoni in Pollença.
Where does the pine tree come from in Pollença?
In Pollença, the pine is fetched from the Ternelles country estate, while in Port de Pollença it comes from Formentor. The trees are cut, transported to the respective squares, and erected for the climbing ritual.
What happens during the animal blessing in Pollença?
After a morning mass, a procession known as the colcada takes place in which residents bring their animals—horses, sheep, dogs, and even birds—to be blessed by the priest. This reflects Saint Anthony's role as the protector of animals.
Is the festival free to attend?
The Sant Antoni festival in Pollença is free and open to the public. There is no admission charge for the street celebrations, concerts, or the pine climb. However, visitors should be prepared for large crowds, especially in the main square in Pollença.
