Before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of discerning what it was we really wanted, we partied.
Carnival is a Christian Festival over three days prior to Ash Wednesday. The main events on the island occur up to a month prior to Lent, during the period historically known as Shrovetide (or Pre-Lent). Carnival on Mallorca involves public celebrations, including events such as parades, public street parties and other entertainments, combining some elements of a circus.
Take a look at our photos from last year when Affordable Mallorca captured scenes from Palma’s Carnival Season of Sa Rueta and Sa Rua. This year, the festival is completely online. Prizes are awarded digitally.
Mallorcans dressed in elaborate costumes and masks to show the community spirit on the island. Truly, this is one of the best parades anywhere because everyone – no matter age – comes out to celebrate. Throughout Palma, we saw fun food fights, outrageously satirical costumes, dancing and live music.
Sa Rua 2021 Costume Contest - Virtual #
The Marratxí City Council awarded prizes of its Sa Rua 2021 Costume Contest. This fiesta is deeply rooted in the municipality that opens the beginning of Sa Rua Festivals each year. Sa Rua has been digital this year due to health restrictions caused by the pandemic.
Sa Rua 2021 in Marratxí invited all the residents to participate in the costume contest through Instagram. The ‘marratxiners’ published their video of the costume on this social network indicating the category in which they participated and adding #RuaMarratxí2021. The City Council suggested that the videos feature an original dance, music or other proposals to color this peculiar Sa Rua 2021 of the municipality.
On February 6, the virtual carnival parade took place with all the participants. Mallorcans are adaptable and this Sa Rua Festival is the first to be held online. Due to health and safety restrictions, participants were more than willing to celebrate.
Sa Rua 2020 - Palma de Mallorca
Highlights of the evening included great groups of dancers with live music, singing on Jaime III and El Borne.

By Memphis Holland
23 February, 2022