A SUMMER OF CULTURE IN PALMA: MYSTICAL TRADITIONS AND NEW JULIAN OPIE ART EXHIBITION

A SUMMER OF CULTURE IN PALMA: MYSTICAL TRADITIONS AND NEW JULIAN OPIE ART EXHIBITION

With its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty, Mallorca’s capital of Palma offers the perfect sunny escape for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of Mediterranean life. From the magical Night of San Juan to British artist Julian Opie’s brand-new art street exhibition, Palma is the place to be this summer.

ST JOHN’S NIGHT: AN ANCIENT CELEBRATION OF RENEWAL (23 June)

The enchanting annual celebration of La Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Night) takes place on the evening of the summer solstice on 23 June, with bonfires marking the transition from spring to summer. This mystical tradition is said to bring good luck to those who leap over the fire and make a wish. Throughout the island and across Playa de Palma’s beaches, visitors can mark the shortest night of the year by taking part in the music and dancing, watching the fireworks and walking through the torchlit beaches.

A popular area to visit during the day is Palma’s Parc de la Mar, the park located at the foot of the medieval walls, in front of the iconic La Seu Cathedral. Various activities here, such as drumming courses, folk dances and cooking displays attracting thousands of people each year. The night officially begins at 11pm with the “correfoc” (fire-run) when local Mallorcans traditionally dress up as devils and run through the streets with torches. This is said to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. At midnight, participants often mark the end of the rituals by bathing in the moonlight on the nearby beaches of Playa de Palma.

NEW JULIAN OPIE EXHIBITION IN PALMA (26 April – 31 August)

Julian Opie, a London-born visual artist renowned for his innovative approach to art, has always pushed the boundaries of traditional techniques to reimagine the everyday. Widely known for his Shaida Walking animated sculpture permanently installed on London’s Carnaby Street, Opie will now bring a captivating exhibition to the streets of Palma from 26 April-31 August 2024 in collaboration with the Palma City Council and Balearic Islands’ Government.

Opie’s art, consisting of a curated selection of 18 sculptures, installations and film screens, will be displayed across various spaces in the city. With this special Palma exhibition, Opie invites visitors to explore the intersection of art, architecture, and urban life, enriching their understanding of the world around them.

Participating venues include La Lonja guildhall, the Casal Solleric exhibition space, and throughout the beautiful gothic neighbourhood of Palma, as well as along the iconic streets of Passeig Sagrera and Passeig des Born.

La Lonja will welcome 12 works the complement the geometric intricacies of the old guildhall’s interiors, exploring themes of movement, human expression, and architectural symbolism. Outside, two towering steel sculptures will command attention in the square. Meanwhile along the bustling streets of Passeig Sagrera and Passeig del Born, Opie's LED-animated sculptures will dance to the rhythm of pedestrians, adding a dynamic element to the city streets. Visitors to Casal Solleric will find a large-scale installation and an LCD animation visible from the street, creating an immersive experience that extends beyond traditional gallery settings.