Copyright euroweeklynews
Every year on November 1, Mallorca observes All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos in Spanish), a deeply rooted tradition across Spain honouring the saints and remembering departed loved ones. The island slows its pace as families visit cemeteries, local businesses adjust their hours, and traditional sweets fill bakeries across towns and villages. Honouring loved ones across Mallorca All Saints’ Day is a national public holiday in Spain, meaning most schools, offices, and government buildings remain closed. In Mallorca, the day is marked with quiet reflection rather than public festivities. Families visit cemeteries, where they clean and decorate graves with chrysanthemums, candles, and fresh flowers. Morning and midday masses are held in many towns, and cemeteries are filled with visitors paying tribute to loved ones who have passed away. The evening before, on October 31, some Mallorcan towns observe La Nit de les Ànimes (“Night of the Souls”). This tradition involves lighting candles and setting up small altars at home to welcome the spirits of deceased relatives. The custom, though less common today, still holds sentimental value for older generations. Traditional flavours of the season Food plays a special role in All Saints’ Day celebrations. Local bakeries and cafés prepare seasonal treats such as panellets (small almond-based sweets covered in pine nuts), buñuelos de viento (light doughnuts), and roasted chestnuts. These delicacies are enjoyed with sweet wine or moscatel, adding warmth and comfort to the cool autumn air. Across Palma and surrounding towns, markets and pastry shops begin selling these items in late October, creating a recognisable seasonal aroma of chestnuts and sugar that signals the arrival of the All Saints’ weekend. What’s open and closed on November 1 Because All Saints’ Day is a public holiday, many businesses will close or operate on reduced hours. Local shops, banks, and supermarkets in smaller towns typically close for the day. However, tourist areas such as Palma, Magaluf, and Alcúdia usually maintain normal trading hours for restaurants, bars, and some larger retail outlets. Most restaurants and cafés in resort zones remain open, particularly those catering to tourists. Larger shopping centres in Palma, like Porto Pi or FAN Mallorca, may close or adjust hours, so visitors are advised to check ahead. Public transport services continue to run but may operate on a holiday schedule, so planning travel in advance is recommended. A day of reflection and community All Saints’ Day in Mallorca is more about remembrance than festivity. The island’s atmosphere becomes calm and contemplative, offering visitors a glimpse into one of the Balearic Islands’ most meaningful traditions. Locals take time to honour their ancestors, share quiet meals, and gather with family. For those visiting Mallorca, 1 November provides a chance to experience the island’s cultural and spiritual side, far removed from the busy summer season. It’s a moment to slow down, sample traditional sweets, and witness the community’s heartfelt connection to its past – a beautiful reflection of Mallorca’s enduring traditions.
