Mallorca's Beata festivals and parades win protection

Three Beata festivals on Mallorca gain cultural protection, along with their parades honouring Santa Catalina Tomàs in Palma, Valldemossa and Santa Maria. The Consell de Mallorca, the island council, votes unanimously on Thursday, 8 October 2026, to recognise the celebrations as intangible cultural heritage. Palma also holds its parade featuring Santa Catalina Tomàs’s triumphal float this week.

Three celebrations, one shared history

The festivals share a historical and religious origin, but each has its own features. That is why the council considered all three in a single application.

Its decision draws on research by historian Gabriel Carrió, who points to the celebrations’ long history and their festive, artistic and musical traditions. The move completes a protection process that began last October.

Costitx pieces could return to Mallorca

At the same meeting, councillors agreed to set up a committee to coordinate a possible move of the Bous de Costitx pieces from the National Archaeological Museum to the Museum of Mallorca. No move has been approved: Spain’s Ministry of Culture rejected the council’s request for a temporary loan.

The committee will also arrange joint studies of the pieces’ condition. Representatives of the ministry, the Balearic regional government and Costitx council will take part. It is due to meet at least twice a year.

Topics: Culture · Palma · Valldemossa · Costitx · Muro

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com