Residents and visitors of the Balearic Islands can start planning their vacations and short getaways for 2026. The official work calendar has already been approved and promises plenty of opportunities for relaxation, thanks to a thoughtful mix of national, regional, and local holidays. In total, the archipelago will enjoy twelve official public holidays, with each municipality adding two more days that reflect the unique traditions and cultural heritage of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.
National holidays: when all of Spain takes a break
The year will kick off with the traditional day off on Thursday, January 1, in celebration of New Year’s Day. While most islanders recover from New Year’s Eve with family, Ibiza’s electronic music fans can keep the party going at the 14-hour Circoloco marathon. Meanwhile, in Mallorca, the cultural program offers a quieter start to the year with a New Year’s concert by the Chamber Orchestra at the Principal d’Inca Theater.
Already on Tuesday, January 6, the archipelago will celebrate Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day—a holiday especially loved by children. In Palma, the Three Wise Men arrive by sea on the evening of January 5, disembarking at the Moll Vell quay, followed by a spectacular city parade.
Spring festivities begin with Good Friday, which falls on April 3 in 2026. The day is marked by solemnity and religious processions. One of the most striking ceremonies is the reenactment of the Descent from the Cross in the town of Pollença on Mallorca.
Friday, May 1st, Labor Day, brings a long weekend. It’s the perfect chance to hike through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, relax on the many beaches, or fire up a barbecue with friends, enjoying fresh air and local products.
At the height of summer, on Saturday, August 15th, the islands celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This holiday is marked by lively street parties (verbenas), traditional dances, and, of course, sampling unique local delicacies on each island.
In autumn, on Monday, October 12th, the whole country observes Spain’s National Day. In the Balearic Islands, this date is celebrated with official ceremonies, cultural exhibitions, and special events in museums that highlight the region’s rich historical and cultural diversity.
Tuesday, December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, marks the visible start of the Christmas season. Nativity scenes are unveiled, Christmas markets start up, and the air is filled with the aroma of traditional sweets.
The year wraps up with Christmas celebrations on Friday, December 25th. This day is traditionally spent with family, gathered around a festive table full of each island’s signature dishes.
Regional festivities: the vibrant life of the Balearic Islands
The main holiday of the autonomous region, Balearic Islands Day, will be celebrated in 2026 on Monday, March 2 (moved from March 1). This is a day to honor the region’s cultural and political identity, marked by food fairs, folk music concerts, and a variety of events.
Maundy Thursday, April 2, and Easter Monday, April 6, are also public holidays on the islands. Thursday is observed with religious processions and the preparation of traditional Lenten dishes by local families. Monday is a time for outdoor picnics, in the countryside or secluded coves, where friends and families come together to enjoy local delicacies.
On Saturday, December 26, Mallorca and Menorca celebrate St. Stephen’s Day (Sant Esteve). Deeply rooted in island culture, this tradition is yet another occasion to gather with loved ones around a table filled with homemade treats.
Local fiestas: each island’s unique celebrations
Mallorca’s capital, Palma, will mark its two most important festivals. On Tuesday, January 20, the city honors its patron, Saint Sebastian, with bonfires, concerts, and traditional foods. Then on Wednesday, June 24, the festival of Saint John (Sant Joan) will unofficially usher in the summer season with beach bonfires and lively street parties.
On Menorca, key dates include Saturday, January 17 (Saint Anthony), celebrated with animal blessings and bonfires, and Tuesday, September 8 (Our Lady of Mercy), a day of processions and communal feasts.
Ibiza is set to celebrate in August. On Wednesday, August 5, the island will honor its patron saint, Santa María la Mayor de las Nieves, with traditional peasant dances and fairs. Then, on Saturday, August 8, festivities for San Ciriaco will feature solemn masses, parades, and communal feasts serving the classic fish dish bullit de peix.
The smallest of the Balearic Islands, Formentera, will mark two special days: Saturday, July 25, with concerts and fairs in honor of the Day of Saint James, and Thursday, December 3, the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, celebrated with mass and cultural events.
Incidentally, the Balearic Islands are not just a popular tourist destination—they are one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities. The archipelago, located in the western Mediterranean, consists of four main inhabited islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, along with numerous smaller islets. Each island boasts its own unique character, from the lively and cosmopolitan Mallorca to the tranquil and bohemian Formentera. The region’s economy relies heavily on tourism, drawing millions of visitors from around the world thanks to its stunning beaches, mild climate, and rich cultural heritage. Spanish and Catalan are the official languages, reflecting strong historical and cultural ties to Catalonia and Valencia. The Balearics’ unique blend of nature, history, and modern infrastructure makes them one of the most sought-after places to live and visit in Europe.
