Easter in the town of Pollenca

Easter on the island of Mallorca is a truly religious and jubilant affair. Churches across the island hold special services, pilgrimages to different shrines take place and parades of varying shapes, sizes and colours can be seen making their way through almost every Mallorcan town and village.

The charismatic town of Pollenca on the north side of the island is a particularly vibrant place to be at Easter. Stood at the feet of the Serra de Tramuntana between two hills, each topped by a sacred site, Pollenca is a revered town, which is steeped in history and tradition.

Pollenca puts on dramatic religious re-enactments at Easter, starting with the Procession of Blood on Holy Thursday. The procession makes its way from Calle Antoni Maura, down the streets of Pollenca that are lined with onlookers on varying ages, until it finally arrives back at Calle Antoni Maura.

The Procession of Blood is followed by the celebration of Easter at the Pollenca Parish Church.

Descent from the Cross (Davallament) 

Good Friday sees the town come alive with an intense re-enactment of the carrying of the cross. Thousands descend on Pollenca to watch the Procession of the Crucifix. A figure of Christ is carried down the Calvari Steps, 365 stone steps in Pollenca’s old town. This poignant event has been described as being one of the most moving re-enactments of the last steps of Jesus Christ before the crucifixion.

The festival of the ‘Davallament’ includes a moving play whereby actors depict the suffering of Jesus Christ on the Cross and the lowering of his body, which is then carried by torchlight to the church in the main square.

On Easter Sunday a Procession of the Discovery makes its way through Pollenca, followed by a Mass for the Resurrection at Pollenca Parish Church.

In Puerto Pollenca the popular ‘Ruta Tapeo’ was introduced Easter time. The tradition was established in Pollenca in order to entice tapas enthusiasts into the restaurants of Puerto Pollenca. It involves numerous restaurants contributing in a tapas crawl, which gives those participating in the ‘Ruta Tapeo’ a beer or glass of wine accompanied with a delicious small plate of food (tapa) for just €1.50.

While the tradition was originally introduced at Easter, the ‘Ruta Tapeo’ takes place each Friday evening starting at 7.30pm.

With its attractive maze of narrow streets set within the confines to two sacred monuments, this ancient and charismatic town is the perfect setting for a moving and memorable Easter celebration.