Sant Sebastià is Palma's most emblematic winter festival, transforming the city centre into a celebration of fire, music, and community. Held each January in honour of the patron saint of the capital, the festival spans two weekends and culminates in the Revetla on the eve of the feast day, with foguerons (bonfires), free concerts in the main squares, and the spectacle of the correfoc.
The origins date back to a plague in 1523–1524, when a ship carrying a relic of Saint Sebastian was forced to remain in Palma's bay. The epidemic eased, and the city adopted him as protector, making his feast day—20 January—a public holiday in Palma ever since. Today, the festival blends ancient tradition with modern programming, drawing locals and visitors alike into the streets.
When does Sant Sebastià take place? Festival dates and structure
The festival is anchored to the feast day of Sant Sebastià on 20 January, with the main night—the Revetla—held the evening before, on 19 January. In recent years, the programme has expanded to cover about two weeks, starting as early as 10 January and continuing until the closing activities after the feast day. The 2026 edition ran from 10 to 25 January, but official dates for future editions are announced closer to the time.
It's important to note that the event calendar can shift. For example, in 2026 the city suspended official events on 19 and 20 January as a sign of mourning after a railway accident elsewhere in Spain, so not all planned activities took place. Event schedules are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances, so always check the official programme published by the Ajuntament de Palma, usually in early January.
The festival is free to attend, with most events taking place in public squares. However, a few cultural activities, such as theatre performances, may require tickets with a cost. Check the detailed programme for current pricing and booking details.
Key events and activities: bonfires, concerts, correfoc, family day
The heart of the festival is the Revetla de Sant Sebastià on the evening of 19 January. From about 18:30, central squares fill with the smell of sobrassada grilling over communal bonfires, while live bands perform on stages in Plaça Major, Plaça de Cort, Plaça d'Espanya and Plaça de Joan Carles I until the early hours. These are the foguerons and the torradores (public grills) where locals and visitors cook their own food.
Before the Revetla, the festival opens with a ceremony in Plaça de Cort featuring giants, drumming and the awakening of the Drac de na Coca, a fire-breathing dragon that plays a prominent role throughout the festivities. Family activities include Sant Sebastià Petit, a morning of circus shows, workshops and giant games in a city park, aimed at children and families.
The correfoc, a fire-run where devils and dragons chase spectators through corridors of sparks, traditionally takes place on the final day of the festival. It's a spectacular and intense experience; visitors should follow safety instructions and wear protective clothing. The 2026 edition concluded with a correfoc on 25 January, drawing tens of thousands of attendees.
For those who want to enjoy the fire-run safely, it's best to keep a respectful distance, wear long-sleeved cotton clothes, and cover your hair. The demons' firecrackers create a shower of sparks that are part of the thrill, but can singe uncovered skin. Also, plan to move around on foot or by public transport, as the city centre closes to traffic.
Where the action happens: main squares and venues in Palma
The festival takes over the old town of Palma, with Plaça Major as the traditional centre for concerts and communal grills. Nearby, Plaça de Cort hosts the festive opening and often the Drac de na Coca procession, while Plaça d'Espanya (also called Plaça d'Espanya) is another major concert venue. Plaça de Joan Carles I, near the seafront, also hosts music and bonfires.
Family events are often held in Parc de sa Riera, a green space near the centre, and the final correfoc typically runs from Plaça de la Reina along the Avinguda Jaume III. Cultural activities, such as storytelling and theatre, take place in municipal libraries, theatres and youth centres spread across the city during the preceding days.
Given the number of simultaneous events, it's wise to pick a few priorities. The official programme, published in early January, provides locations and times for every activity, and you can also check the maps posted on social media for the night of the Revetla.
Practical tips for attending: what to bring, how to get around, and staying safe by the fire
Bring your own food to grill if you want to join the communal torrades: sobrassada, sausages and bread are the typical choices. The public grills are free to use, but you need to bring your own ingredients and firelighters. Arrive early to claim a spot by one of the foguerons, as they get crowded quickly.
Dress for sparks and cold January nights: wear long sleeves, closed shoes and a hat or scarf. Follow the instructions of the stewards and keep a safe distance from the fire, especially if you have children with you. Dispose of your waste in the bins provided to keep the squares safe and clean.
The city centre becomes pedestrian-only during the main events, so it's best to walk or use public transport. Buses run late on Revetla night, and additional services may be added. If you're driving, park on the outskirts and walk in, or check for park-and-ride options.
The feast day on 20 January is a public holiday in Palma, so many businesses and shops will be closed. Plan ahead for meals and groceries, as some restaurants may be closed for the holiday. Check with individual venues for their holiday hours.
Sant Sebastià beyond Palma: other towns celebrating nearby
While Palma is the headliner, many towns across Mallorca celebrate their own Sant Sebastià festivities around 19–20 January, often blending with the nearby Sant Antoni traditions on 16–17 January. In Inca, for example, they light foguerons, offer communal torrades, and feature xeremiers (bagpipers) and local devils. Sa Pobla, Manacor and Artà also host spectacular Sant Antoni fires that can be a prelude to the Palma festival.
If you want to experience a whole week of flames and folklore, you could base yourself in Palma and make day trips to nearby towns. Just remember that local celebrations may follow their own schedules, so check each municipality's agenda for exact times and locations.
Final thoughts: making the most of the festival as a visitor
Sant Sebastià is free, authentic and deeply rooted in Mallorcan culture. To enjoy it fully, embrace the communal spirit: bring something to grill, share your fire with others, and explore the different concert stages to discover local musicians. Keep an eye on official channels for programme updates, as events can be cancelled or postponed.
Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit around the main night of 19 January if you can, but remember that future dates are not yet confirmed. Check the official Ajuntament de Palma website in early January for the programme of the next edition.
After the festival, consider exploring more of what Spain has to offer with our guide to the best festivals across the country, from the fireworks of Las Fallas to the running of the bulls in Pamplona.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sant Sebastià festival in Palma?
It is the city's annual celebration of its patron saint, featuring free concerts, bonfires, communal grills, family activities, and a fire-run (correfoc) over two weeks in January. The main night is the Revetla on 19 January.
When is Sant Sebastià in Palma?
The festival takes place every January, with the feast day on 20 January and the main evening on 19 January. The exact dates for future editions are announced by the city council, usually in early January.
What happens at the Revetla de Sant Sebastià?
On the night of 19 January, central squares become open-air concert venues, while bonfires and public grills invite everyone to cook together. Traditional music and dancing accompany the lighting of the bonfires, and the atmosphere lasts into the early hours.
Is Sant Sebastià a public holiday in Palma?
Yes, 20 January is a public holiday in Palma, so many businesses and shops are closed. The festival events on that day may include cultural activities, but the main celebration takes place the evening before.
Where do the bonfires and concerts take place?
Main locations include Plaça Major, Plaça de Cort, Plaça d'Espanya, and Plaça de Joan Carles I, all in Palma's centre. The final correfoc usually runs from Plaça de la Reina to Avinguda Jaume III.
What should I bring to the festival?
Bring something to grill if you want to use the free public grills, plus firelighters and utensils. Dress warmly and in natural fabrics that can resist sparks, and wear closed shoes. Arrive early to get a spot near the bonfires.
Is the correfoc safe for children?
The correfoc involves firecrackers and sparks, so it can be intense. Children can watch from a safe distance if they are in a pram or carried, but they must be kept away from the direct path of the devils and follow the safety instructions given by the organisers.
