Biodynamic agriculture
What is a biodynamic product? Demeter certification Recently, the public has become increasingly aware of their health and especially the quality of the food they eat. Hence the boom in…
Modernism in Mallorca
Modernism, what is it? If you are an observant person and appreciate beauty, when you travel to a city you will surely notice the most special monuments and buildings. Some…
The Song of Sibil.la
Anyone who has spent time in Mallorca, especially during the Christmas season, will have heard of the song of the Sibil.la. It is one of the most important traditions on…
Tap de Cortí: Mallorca’s most iconic pepper variety
Among the ingredients that make Mallorcan cuisine unique, few are as important as the Tap de Cortí. This native variety of pepper, traditionally grown on the island, is responsible for…
First car in Mallorca
Mallorca is a small territory, and the longest distance in a straight line that can be travelled by car is about 120 km. Even so, there are almost 600.000 cars…
Coronat, the remarkable motorbike built in Mallorca
In 1950s Mallorca, an industrial project emerged that was as ambitious as it was little known. It was spearheaded by a mechanic and inventor from Inca who designed and built…
Types of sobrasada
People who appreciate good food and fine products usually know very well in which country or region they will find the best quality of what they are looking for. Good…
The coats of arms of Mallorca’s villages and their fascinating stories
We have always been accustomed to seeing royal houses and ancient noble families with a coat of arms to represent them. But countries, cities and even the smallest villages have…
History of Mallorcan surnames
Origin and evolution of the most typical surnames on the island of Mallorca
Dimonis of Mallorca
The dimonis of Mallorca are a great tourist attraction. As they are a cause for celebration and fun, a multitude of ‘collas’ have been formed to represent their activities in…
Sailing around Mallorca
Let’s imagine 9 friends, now of an age and financial stability that allows them to enjoy more of life’s pleasures. Eating well is one of them, and travelling and seeking…
Spies in Mallorca: the incredible story of Tommy Harris
A well-known spy lived in Mallorca. This article recounts his adventures, with the espionage plot he weaved together with Garbo.
Ways to enjoy sobrasada
Those who enjoy cooking say that the more you know, the less you need to stick strictly to a particular recipe. Because you develop a kind of ‘sixth sense’ with…
Nazis in Mallorca
It is said that nowadays Mallorca is a very cosmopolitan island, as there are people of every imaginable origin. And among them, of course, many come from Europe, be they…
Mallorca and the return of eco-friendly sailing transport
Long before the advent of large motorised cargo ships, Mallorca was already connected to the whole of the Mediterranean thanks to sailing vessels that transported goods between its ports. Today,…
Cars made in Mallorca: the story of the CBA Condesa and Duquesa
The Countesses and Duchesses of Mallorca were small cars built in the 80s of the last century on the basis of the Citroën 2CV.
Seaplanes in Mallorca
Seaplanes have had a special interest in Mallorca, thanks to the orography of its coastline.
Christopher Columbus was Mallorcan.
Some arguments that defend the Mallorcan origin of Christopher Columbus
Trotting races in Mallorca: tradition and excitement at the racecourses
Mallorca is not only known for its beaches and Mediterranean landscapes. The island also preserves deeply-rooted traditions, and one of the most intriguing is trotting racing. At Mallorca’s racecourses, this…
Bellver Castle in Palma de Mallorca: history, interesting facts and what to see
If there is one monument that symbolises the history, power and best views of Palma de Mallorca, it is Bellver Castle. Perched on a hill 112 metres above sea level…
What was Mallorca like in 1960
More than 60 years have passed, and much has changed. Mallorca was a haven of peace and only 362,000 people lived on the whole island. Tourism was just beginning. Today…
Roman Mallorca
More than 2000 years have passed since then. But that was the moment when Mallorca made the most important development breakthrough in its history. We are talking about the year…
UFO phenomenon in Mallorca
Some people believe in UFOs as if it was a religion. Others think they are just the dreams of a few crackpots. And this is helped by the fact that…
Archduke Luis Salvador
Palma de Mallorca is a medium-sized city with about 450,000 inhabitants. Obviously it has many streets, some named after regions of Spain, or rivers, or different personalities. And among these…
The Kingdom of Mallorca and its kings
What was the Kingdom of Mallorca? For over 300 years, our island was under Muslim rule, until King Jaime I of Aragon conquered it and established the Kingdom of Mallorca….
Muslim conquest of Mallorca
Do the words Sulyar, Muruh or Manaqur mean anything to you? You may find these names a bit strange but they vaguely sound like something. And you are not wrong,…
The talayots of Mallorca: the island’s mysterious prehistoric culture
Long before hotels, roads or even the arrival of the Romans, Mallorca was already inhabited by a civilisation capable of erecting enormous stone structures that still inspire admiration and mystery…
Roman conquest of Mallorca
All of us who live in Palma are familiar with the name Cecilio Metelo, although it may not give us the best of sensations. Because that is the name of…
The Sóller Railway: Mallorca’s most iconic railway
For over 100 years, one of Mallorca’s most beloved symbols—the Sóller Railway—has been running through mountains, tunnels and orange groves. Long before it became a tourist attraction, this railway was…
Sharks in Mallorca
Surely for the inhabitants of Australia or South Africa, talking about sharks is more or less normal, because on their coasts they are very common. But here in Europe this…
The extraordinary story of travelling around Mallorca on a camel
In January 1964, two young Mallorcans decided to do something completely out of the ordinary: travel around Mallorca on a camel. What began as an extravagant adventure ended up becoming…
The Mallorcan celler: tradition and typical Mallorcan cuisine
If you’re visiting Mallorca and want to discover the island’s most authentic cuisine, there’s one place you really ought to visit if you’re a food lover: the Mallorcan celler. These…
Snails with “all i oli”
Who hasn’t heard of snails with “all i oli”?… Although you may have read it in many different ways, such as: alioli, ali oli, allioli. The name has been Spanishified,…
Dry stone walls in Mallorca: the art of building in the Serra de Tramuntana
There is one thing that greatly surprises many people visiting Mallorca for the first time, especially if they visit the Serra de Tramuntana. We are referring to those long stone…
The Mallorcan possessió: the heart of rural Mallorca
For centuries, much of Mallorca’s economic, social and agricultural life revolved around the possessions. These large rural estates were not merely farms, but veritable centres of production where landowners, workers,…
Cathedral of Palma
If you arrive in Palma from the airport you will surely be amazed by our fantastic Paseo Marítimo, with its palm trees, its pleasure boats and a magnificent view of…
Bandits in Mallorca
When we think of bandits, we usually picture the mountains of Andalusia or, more specifically, the Sierra Morena. However, for centuries, Mallorca also experienced a period marked by armed gangs,…
Traditional trades of Mallorca: the artisans of Búger
Until just a few decades ago, the villages of Mallorca were small, self-sufficient communities. Each had its own specialist artisans who made tools, utensils and other items essential for everyday…
From Mallorca to California: the story of Junípero Serra
Junípero Serra was a friar from Mallorca who played a key role in the history of California and in the expansion of the missions in the United States. Thanks to…
The French on Cabrera: the prison island for Napoleon’s soldiers
Between 1809 and 1814, thousands of French soldiers were abandoned on the island of Cabrera, off the coast of Mallorca, in what is considered one of the harshest episodes of…
Apricot cake
Apricot cake with sobrassada is a traditional Mallorcan dessert. A very fluffy, sweet cake. The combination of flavours when adding sobrassada may surprise some, but it must be tasted to…
How to make cocarrois
Ever since I started describing Mallorcan recipes this post has been on the to-do list and every now and then someone has been reminding me that I had to do…
First flight in Mallorca
This morning you thought you’d like to go north to Santiago de Compostela for a few days. It’s simple, you sit down in front of your computer, go to an…
La Lonja de Palma
One of the most spectacular historical buildings in Mallorca is the Lonja de Palma, which together with Bellver Castle and the Cathedral, constitute the architectural jewels of the capital. La…
The Balearic slingers: the most feared warriors of the Mediterranean
In our city, Palma, there is a well-known street called Honderos, and here we will explore the origin of this name and its fascinating history. The Balearic slingers were legendary…
Stuffed aubergines Mallorcan style
Mallorcan-style stuffed aubergines are a traditional dish that allows a multitude of filling variations, from mushrooms to meat, fish, etc. This dish in Mallorca is conceived as a festive meal,…
The llaüt: a symbol of Mallorca’s seafaring tradition
If you’ve ever strolled through traditional ports such as Porto Colom, Cala Figuera or the Port of Sóller, you’ve no doubt noticed some boats with simple yet elegant lines and…
Alaró, the pioneering village of electricity in Mallorca
In recent years, the term ‘electrification’ has been used a great deal, particularly when discussing cars and reducing their emissions. But true electrification took place much earlier, and in this…
Broken eggs with sobrasada
Broken eggs with sobrasada are a dish that is as easy to prepare as it is tasty. Personally I prefer to fry everything with olive oil, and if possible extra…
Valldemossa: much more than just a pretty village
Valldemossa is one of Mallorca’s most iconic villages and a must-see destination in the Serra de Tramuntana. Its cobbled streets, the Cartuja de Valldemossa and the legacy left by figures…
Origin of Porc Negre
Anyone who comes to Mallorca and enters the inland villages will surely be struck by the rural landscape. And especially those black pigs that are raised and cared for on…
Making frito de cordero
Making frito de cordero known in Mallorca as frit de Pasqua or frit de freixura is a tradition in Mallorcan families. The dish traditionally eaten on Easter Day. This dish…
How to make Mallorcan empanadas
This blog is devoted to making known peculiar aspects of our culture. On this occasion I will explain how to make Mallorcan empanadas or, as they are called in Mallorca,…
How to make robiols
When I was a child, Holy Week was highly anticipated, because it meant a few days of not having to go to school and being able to enjoy being at…
Smuggling in Mallorca
The Spanish Civil War (1936-39) was very hard and left our country in ruins. The post-war period was almost worse, because it coincided with the Second World War which was…
How to make crespells
Crespells and robiols are the delight of children (and not so children) at Easter on Mallorca. Every year for a long time now, I have been helping to prepare, within…
Sobrasada Pied-noir
Sobrasada Pied-noir is a word association that you may find curious. We will now tell you this interesting story. The cover image is the flag of the Pied-noir community. Who…
Building with marés: the stone that shaped Mallorca
If there is one material that defines Mallorca’s urban and architectural landscape, it is marés. For centuries, this sandstone quarried from the island’s quarries has been used to build houses,…
The siurell: origins and tradition of the symbol of Mallorcan craftsmanship
The siurell is one of the most traditional and recognisable figures in Mallorca. These small clay figurines, painted in white, green and red, have been part of Mallorcan folk art…
Callet, the grape of Mallorca’s Pla i Llevant region
Mallorca is renowned for its natural beauty and its cuisine, but also for its unique grape varieties found nowhere else. One of the most interesting is Callet, a native grape…
Mestres d’aixa: Mallorca’s shipwrights
For centuries, the sea was Mallorca’s main link with the rest of the Mediterranean. To build the wooden vessels that made this trade and navigation possible, there was a craft…
Porc Negre and healthy diet
Porc Negre and healthy diet “go hand in hand”, according to the news published in various media during 2019 which refers to the results of a study financed by the…
First car registered in Spain
First car registered The first car registered in Spain, on 31st October 1900, was registered in Mallorca, obtaining the PM-1 plate. The vehicle was a quad of the French brand…
Sailors’ rations: ship’s biscuits and provisions on their voyages
For centuries, the sea was the main route for communication and trade in the Mediterranean. Sailors and merchants spent long periods, even months, aboard their vessels, facing the major challenge…
What is fonoll marí and why is it so typical of Mallorca?
Fonoll marí is one of those plants that form part of the Mediterranean landscape and traditional cuisine. In Mallorca, it is often served with the popular pa amb oli and…
Mallorcan winter soups
The sopas mallorquinas de invierno or Mallorcan winter soups are one of the best-known and most popular dishes in traditional Mallorcan gastronomy. It is made with the available vegetables during…
Mantonegro, Mallorca’s most characteristic grape variety
When we talk about wines, names such as Tempranillo, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon are familiar to us. However, Mallorca has its own variety with a unique personality: the Mantonegro, a…
Errol Flynn in Mallorca
The cover photo shows Errol Flynn in Mallorca, aboard his yacht Zaca in the bay of Palma. He is accompanied by his wife, Patricia Wymore, and in the background you…
Ibizan Hound
A legacy from Egypt If I tell you that the Balearic Islands (Ibiza) and Egypt have a very special connection, I’m sure you’ll find it hard to believe, because they…
The Mallorcan ensaimada: historical origins and the present day
The Mallorcan ensaimada is undoubtedly the island’s most famous sweet and one of the great symbols of Mallorcan cuisine. Its origins have long been a subject of interest to historians…
Frit de matances
El frit de matances, or frito de matanzas, is a traditional Mallorcan dish that is usually eaten on the day of the pig slaughter. It is offered to the participants…
Recovering old varieties
Old varieties and local gastronomy Various local entities and groups are recovering old varieties of vegetables. We consider that these varieties have a key importance in the local gastronomy. These…
Sineu, the royal village of Mallorca
Mallorca is best known for its beaches and coastline, but inland there are villages steeped in history and tradition. One of the most interesting is Sineu, the former residence of…
When the Vikings arrived in Mallorca
Although today we associate the Vikings with Scandinavia, the fjords and northern Europe, their expeditions also reached the Mediterranean. Mallorca suffered Norman raids during the Middle Ages and, for centuries,…
The Mallorcan ensaimada and its distant cousin, the Filipino ensaymada
The Mallorcan ensaimada is one of the most iconic products of Mallorcan cuisine. What many people do not realise is that, more than 11,000 kilometres away, in the Philippines, there…
Recipe of the Mallorcan vegetable pie
My mother’s recipe of the Mallorcan vegetable pie is laborious because it involves a variety of vegetables, but it’s simple to make. A main ingredient of this vegetable cake is…
Monastery nougat
When I think of Christmas, my first association is sweets, and especially monastery nougat. Maybe it’s very simple, but that’s what being greedy is all about. The Christmas lighting is…
The origin of sobrasada
Nowadays sobrasada is something very close to us, especially to the Mallorcans who in many cases have made it at home. But few know what is the origin of sobrasada,…
Dijous Bo, the Inca Fair
If I mention the word Inca, to you, possibly the relationship in some way with Peru. But in this case it is not like that, because we are going to…
Pirate attacks in Mallorca and the defence towers
The pirates I remember that when I was a lad, I was fascinated by pirate films. Long before that, in 16th- or 17th-century Mallorca, there was no television or cinema,…
Cocarroi, the traditional Mallorcan pastry
Cocarroi is one of Mallorca’s best-known traditional recipes. This type of savoury pastry, which is very popular in bakeries and ovens across the island, has been part of Mallorcan cuisine…
The Mallorcan pioneer of the helicopter: the story of Pere de Son Gall
We are all moved by stories of those who have a vision, a crystal-clear idea in their minds, and who pursue it against all odds: an impossible journey, a far-fetched…
Autumn buñuelos
This is a typical sweet from Mallorca, they are autumn buñuelos. It is the food representative of the festival of the Virgins, known locally as the festivitat de les Verges…
Hierbas de Mallorca and aniseed liqueur: why they change colour when water is added
Anyone who has tried Hierbas de Mallorca or a glass of aniseed liqueur with water will have noticed how the drink changes appearance and becomes cloudy or milky. This phenomenon,…
Almonds in Mallorca: landscape and gastronomy
As winter draws to a close, many rural areas of Mallorca are blanketed in white and pink blossoms. These are the almond trees in bloom, one of the island’s most…
The black vulture in Mallorca: a jewel of the Tramuntana’s wildlife
Mallorca is known primarily as a tourist destination, but our island boasts a wealth of natural beauty and is home to unique species such as the black vulture, one of…
Joan Miró and Mallorca
“Island of calm”… with that name is also known to Mallorca, and surely that is what our island transmitted to Joan Miró, tranquility and much peace. This famous painter was…
Jaume Munar, a master of sobrasada
Artisan, master of sobrasada Jaume Munar a master of sobrasada, current manager of the company Embutidos Munar, obtained the certificate of MAESTRO ARTESANO, certified with nº 1067 by the Consell…
The mystery of the Mallorcan ensaimada: why does it never taste quite the same outside the island?
The Mallorcan ensaimada is one of Spain’s most famous pastries. However, there is a curious phenomenon that many bakers and baking enthusiasts have been repeating for generations: when they try…
Pa amb oli Mallorquin: tradition, ingredients and how to prepare it
My grandmother was an excellent cook, as were most women of her generation, I’m sure. This was mainly because they were fully devoted to their homes and because it was…
Pig slaughter in Mallorca
I remember that as a child, when winter arrived, we would go to my uncles’ house in Petra, to participate in the festa de matances which is the celebration of…
Recipe of llampuga with peppers
The recipe for the llampuga with peppers is really easy to make. You just need to have the llampuga, which is a season catch. September is the month of the…
Binissalem – Grape harvest festival
July and August are over, holidays too. It’s time to go back to everyday reality, to work the older ones, to class the younger ones. But September is not as…
Ways to enjoy Ron Amazona
When I travel to other cities, other regions, other countries… apart from the typical monuments and “mandatory points to be seen”, I always enjoy if I can discover something else….
The tumbet – summer meal
The tumbet – summer meal par excellence in Mallorca, is made with vegetables such as eggplant, potato, pepper and tomato. The Mallorcans combine it with any food: meat, fish, eggs,…
How to store sobrasada
Here we will explain you how to preserve sobrasada so that it maintains its best properties. Curing As sobrasada is a raw sausage, it needs to be “cured” in…
Binissalem, Mallorca’s wine-growing Region
Between 902 and 1229, Mallorca was ruled by the Arabs, and it was they who gave Binissalem its name. However, this quiet village is now best known as a wine-growing…
Mallorcan summer soups
Mallorcan summer soups or “sopas” are eaten hot… despite what you may be thinking. Yes, yes, in the middle of August… it’s hard to believe, but once you try it……
Festival for the conquest of Mallorca
Almost an 8 centuries celebration They say that time passes quickly… and soon it will be 790 years, in September 2019, since Jaime I, head of the kingdom of Aragon,…
Mallorcan “coca” with trampó
The Mallorcan “coca de trampó” is one of the easiest recipes to make. Recipe of the Mallorcan “coca” with trampó Ingredients It is very important that all the ingredients are…
Mallorcan peppers coca
The Mallorcan coca with roasted red peppers is very tasty, but, it gives so much work that I used to wait for some relative to make it. However, since I…
La “coca” mallorquina
The coca mallorquina, like other foods, acquires its raison d’être when it is surrounded by diners. People who, for many reasons, get together to taste, share and enjoy. Mediterranean environment…
Cicadas in Mallorca: nature, summer and the sounds of the Mediterranean
If you’ve spent a summer in Mallorca, you’ll no doubt remember a constant, almost hypnotic sound that accompanies the heat and tranquillity of the landscape. It isn’t music… but it…
The Mallorcans of Valencia
The Mallorcans of Valencia are descendants of the population that was moved there in the seventeenth century, depopulated after the expulsion of the Moriscos. Expulsion of the Moriscos The year…
Moors and Christians festivals
Pollensa nowadays The bay of Pollensa and its port are currently magnificent places to spend holidays: magnificent villas and hotels, quality restaurants and a quiet and select public. This tranquility…
The porc negre: a victim of its own success in Mallorca
There was a time when the Mallorcan Porc Negre was on the verge of extinction. Today, the opposite is true: demand for sobrasada and meat from this traditional breed is…
“Dignitat i Feina” – that’s how it all started
“Dignitat i Feina” – that’s how it all started A challenge for Fr. Tomeu Father Tomeu celebrates the service in the Church of Cala Millor. One day three people came…
How ice cream was made in Mallorca 200 years ago
Eating ice cream is commonplace today, but in Mallorca 200 years ago it was not. Obtaining ice and making ice cream was quite a challenge, as there were no fridges…
The History of Olive Oil in the Mediterranean and in Mallorca
Olive oil is one of the most iconic products of Mediterranean culture. Its history began thousands of years ago in the eastern Mediterranean and, over time, the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans…
When Mallorca made motorbikes
When we think of Mallorca’s manufacturing industry, we tend to associate it with costume jewellery, footwear or leather goods. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, there were also small motorcycle…
How Jaime I conquered Mallorca
Backgrounds In the 13th century, Mallorca was an ideal enclave for trade in the Mediterranean, but it was in the hands of the Muslims. It was also a refuge for…
Eaktai Ahn: the Korean musician who founded the Balearic Symphony Orchestra in Mallorca
Mallorca has historically been a meeting place for cultures and people from all corners of the world. But few would have imagined that the founder of the Balearic Symphony Orchestra…
The curious connection between windmills and Palo de Mallorca
Mallorca’s windmills are a staple of the island’s landscape. When arriving in Palma by plane, many visitors catch a glimpse of these windmills from their window, particularly in the Plà…
Loryc a car manufactured in Mallorca
Does the Loryc brand ring a bell? In the 1960s and 1970s, women’s footwear was manufactured under the Loryc brand. Later, in the same place, he opened a supermarket with…
Ron Amazona a traditional Mallorcan drink
Ron Amazona a traditional Mallorcan drink obtained through artisan processes The cane alcohol will be macerated in selected fruits from Mallorca for 12 months and cane alcohol and caramelized sugar…
The tradition of the pates in Mallorca
The tradition of pates in Mallorca has a curious connection with France, being there the origin of the local tradition. The French connection Between Mallorca and France, commercial ties were…
