Festes de Sant Bartomeu 2025 | St Bartholomew Festival 2025
24 August 2025
By Claire Miller
Every August, the historic towns of Capdepera and Cala Ratjada on Mallorca’s rugged northeast coast come alive with one of the island’s most exciting summer celebrations: the Festes de Sant Bartomeu. This festival, honouring St Bartholomew, blends ancient tradition with modern festivity, bringing fire, dance, music and community spirit to the streets.
The Festes de Sant Bartomeu have deep roots stretching back centuries. Officially held in honour of St Bartholomew, whose feast day is 24 August, the festival preserves medieval customs that have shaped Capdepera’s identity. One of the most iconic elements is the dance of the Cossiers, where local men dressed in colourful sashes, bells and flowers perform ritual dances accompanied by a devil and a disguised female figure. These dances are believed to date back to fertility rites and have survived through generations as symbol of local folklore.
The highlight for many is the spectacular Nit del Foc - the Night of Fire. On this night, the old town’s streetlights are turned off and the medieval streets are plunged into darkness. Suddenly, fireworks, flaming torches, fire wheels and drums fill the night. Participants dressed as devils and skeletons run through the narrow streets, showering sparks as crowds gather to watch or join the chase. It is a dramatic display of fire and noise, a symbolic battle between good and evil, and one of the most thrilling nights on the island.
Festes de Sant Bartomeu 2025
19 August
18:30 – Capdepera Theatre: “The Smurfs” – children’s film, 92 min, Catalan version, free admission.
20:30 – Plaça des Sitjar: Community dinner outdoors (Sopar a la fresca). Table bookings at the Town Hall from 17 to 18 August. Afterwards: Music Bingo.
20 August
Garbéo Gabellí (art stroll): route Plaça des Sitjar → Carrer Centre → Plaça Constitució, with participating artists/shops listed in the program. (Afternoon start.)
19:00 – Es Figueral Football Ground: Sant Bartomeu Tournament. (Later fixture also notes CE Escolar vs CE Petra.)
21 August
20:00 – Capdepera Castle: Prizegiving for the Palm-weaving Contest (Concurs de Llata) and Commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of Artesania La Palma.
22:00 – Plaça des Sitjar: Capdepera Youth Choir in “Movie Music” concert.
22 August
19:30 – Plaça de l’Orient: Concert by the Coral Gabellina. (Also noted the same afternoon: football tournament match.)
22:00 – starts at Capdepera Church: NIT DE FOC (Fire-Run) by Sa Solera Gabellina; not suitable for under-12s (minors only under parent/guardian responsibility). The route runs from the Church to Plaça Constitució; safety guidelines are printed in the program (cotton clothing, cover head/neck, eye/ear protection, sturdy footwear, follow marshals’ instructions, etc.).
23:30 – Plaça des Sitjar: WHITE PARTY (Festa Blanca) — come dressed in white! With PD Rau Poca, Disccovers, Biel Castell & Antto Cabanellas, Miki Buades.
23 August
09:30 – Capdepera Golf: Sant Bartomeu Golf Tournament.
18.h - Plaça de I’Orient - Jocs i activitats per a infants
Camp de Futbol Es Figueral - Torneig de Sant Bartomeu
17h - Cadet CE Escolar vs CE Arta
19h - Juvenil CE Escolar VS CE Cardassar
20.30: Sant Bartomeu Concert by Coral s’Alzinar.
23:00 – Plaça des Sitjar: GRAND REVETLA (big night) with Tomeu Penya, La Canción del Verano, Mercurio Retrógrado, Cirko.
24 August
07:00 – Plaça des Sitjar: Hot chocolate with ensaïmada.
Afterwards – Plaça des Sitjar: “Diana Florejada” wake-up parade with the Capdepera Concert Band.
17:00 – “Pista des Cavaller”: Sant Bartomeu horse trotting races (separate program; organized by the Balearic Trotting Federation). Bar at the track also listed.
20.00 - Mass - In honor of St Bartholomew at Esglesia de Capdepera
22:00 – Outdoor theatre - Ses Tres Cames des Balte, from the Tot Espectacle theatre company, Plaça des Sitjar
25 August
18:30 – Municipal Pool car park: Holi Festival + Youth Foam Party.
22:00 – Plaça des Sitjar: Capdepera Concert Band in concert. Afterwards: Final string of firecrackers to close the festivities.
26 August -
19:00 – Plaça Constitució: Birthday party for members of “Associació de Gent Gran Ca Nostra” born in 1937, then social dance with Marisa Rojas & Esperança Sureda. Followed by a Dance with Marisa Rojas and Esperança Sureda.
If you want to experience Mallorca beyond its beaches, the Festes de Sant Bartomeu is the perfect window into its living traditions. You’ll witness ancient dances, dramatic fire rituals and heartfelt community celebrations in the shadow of Capdepera’s medieval castle. Families will find plenty to enjoy too, with activities and performances for children and adults alike.
Tips for Visitors
Bring sturdy clothes and shoes if you plan to stand close to the correfoc - sparks and firecrackers are all part of the show. Arrive early for the most popular events, especially on the Night of Fire. And take time to explore Capdepera’s old town or relax on Cala Ratjada’s beaches by day, then return for concerts and food under the stars.
The Festes de Sant Bartomeu are not just a festival - they’re a glimpse into Mallorca’s soul, alive with history, music, fire and the warmth of a community that welcomes everyone to join in. If you’re on the island next August, don’t miss it.
*Whilst we have done our best to cover the events of this festival accurately, we do advise that you check for updates on timings and festival events on the Ajuntament Capdepera instagram account or website. Or check in the official program here.