Ariany
Festes de la Mare de Déu d'Atocha
When
8 September 2026
7-8 de septiembre
Type
Patron saint feast
About this tradition
The main festival of Mallorca's youngest municipality. Ariany broke away from Petra in 1982 and celebrates its patron saint with an intensity that belies its size: barely 800 inhabitants who fill the square across three September days.
History & origin
Devotion to the Mare de Déu d'Atocha reached Ariany from Madrid through the marquises of Ariany, who built the oratory in the 18th century. The image has since presided over a community that depended administratively on Petra for two centuries and made this festival the symbol of its own identity.
How it is celebrated
The eve begins with the pealing of bells and the pregó from the town hall balcony. On the 8th, solemn mass and a processó carrying the image through the whitewashed streets. In the afternoon, children's games in the square and a verbena until dawn. This is a festival without tourists: people come here to see family.
Ritual elements
- ·Repic de campanes
- ·Processó de la imatge
- ·Pregó des del balcó
- ·Verbena popular
Associated gastronomy
Panades and robiols left over from Easter are kept for these dates. Frit mallorquí from the matances and greixonera de brossat. At home, last year's cured sobrassada is opened.
Municipality
How to get there
Via the MA-3320 from Petra (5 km) or the MA-3300 from Maria de la Salut. No direct public transport: a car is the practical option.