The Fira del Meló, Vilafranca de Bonany, Mallorca
6-7 September 2025
Every early September, the tranquil town of Vilafranca de Bonany in Mallorca springs to life for the Fira del Meló, or Melon Fair. An annual tribute to its rich agricultural heritage and most iconic crop: the melon.
Located in the fertile Pla de Mallorca, Vilafranca de Bonany has long been celebrated for its honey-sweet piel de sapo melons, grown in the area’s rich soil. The town’s agricultural roots stretch back centuries, and the first Melon Fair was held in 1970 to mark the end of the harvest season and honour the community’s identity as a farming hub.
The festival is a two-part affair: the Festa del Meló, traditionally held on Saturday, and the Fira del Meló, the main fair on Sunday. Among the most anticipated events are the Meló Gros (largest melon) and Meló de Qualitat (quality melon) competitions, where growers showcase their finest produce.
What to Expect in 2025
The 2025 celebrations are expected to take place over the first weekend of September, with the Firó Nocturn artesanal on Saturday 6 September and the Fira del Meló on Sunday 7 September. Events will begin in the days before, building to a lively weekend programme.
Fira del Meló | Melon Fair 2025
Thursday, September 4
16:00 – Josep Maria Llompart Park
Final of the Petanque Tournament.
20:30 – Plaça Tomeu Penya
Melon Eating Contest
Prizes: 1st €75 + 3 melons / 2nd €50 + 2 melons / 3rd €25 + 1 melon
Registration at 20:00 in the square
Categories: children and adults
Friday, September 5
19:00–21:00 – Rectoria Vella
Opening of the 10th Cossiols Exhibition (small and large clay pots). Open until Sunday.
Workshop: melon bath gel by Carolina Carreras.
Workshop: melon carving by Sílvia Vivo.
Photography exhibition: “Those Who Saw Us Grow” by Catalina Bover Moragues.
Food and drinks service.
19:45 – Es Molí Nou Sports Field
Presentation of CF Vilafranca football team (season 2025–26).
Followed by: Melon Football Tournament – CF Vilafranca vs. Ath. Club Montuïri.
19:30 – Plaça Major
3rd Edition of Vila Got Talent.
Exhibition of local melon varieties can be visited during these days at Ca Na Sopeta Warehouse (Ctra. Palma, 126).
Saturday, September 6 – 54th Melon Festival
10:30 – Josep Maria Llompart Park
Melon Lantern Workshop. Children under 12 must be accompanied. Participants should bring a spoon and knife. Melons and string provided by the organizers.
16:30 – Josep Maria Llompart Park
Quintada Relay and handing over of the Goat Horn. Reading of the oath by the incoming quintada.
19:00 – Rectoria Vella
Opening of the Night Market with exhibitions and workshops.
Photography exhibitions: “Varieties of melons cultivated in Vilafranca” and “Those Who Saw Us Grow.”
Workshops: melon bath salts (Carolina Carreras) and melon-themed postcards (Sílvia Vivo).
20:30 – From Plaça Major to Plaça dels Centenaris
Traditional Lantern Festival with the participation of Vilatukada.
Route: Plaça Major – c/Església – c/Sant Martí – c/Bonany – Plaça dels Centenaris. Participants are asked to wear a white shirt and green scarf.
At Plaça dels Centenaris
Pyrotechnic Show: Melofoc 2025, by Boietons de Foc de Vilafranca and the children’s group Dimonis des Fossar (Sineu).
22:00 – Plaça Tomeu Penya
Line Dance Party with Pep and Paqui.
24:00 – Plaça Major
Revetla of the 54th Melon Festival (free entry).
Performances by Géminis, Tomeu Penya & Géminis, DJ Pep Vanrell, Sergi Ales DJ.
Sunday, September 7 – 31st Melon Fair
09:00 – Palma Road
Opening of the Melon Fair. Free melon tasting.
Sale of tickets for paella with melon dessert (€8 + €1, drinks not included). Limited portions. Takeaway option available.
10:00 – Carrer Església
Workshop: melon perfume (Carolina Carreras).
Workshop: melon carving (Sílvia Vivo).
10:00 – Plaça Major
Free family and children’s spaces: caricatures, giant wooden games, creative lab.
Contest: 23rd Quality Melon of Vilafranca 2025.
Prizes: 1st €250 + plaque / 2nd €100 / 3rd €75 / 4th €50 / 5th €25.
10:30 – During the Fair
Parade of traditional bagpipers (xeremiers).
11:30 – Plaça Major
Biggest Melon Contest (heaviest melon, only traditional Mallorcan varieties).
Followed by: melon weighing and awards ceremony for the Quality Melon and Biggest Melon contests.
12:30 – Plaça Major
Human Towers Performance by Al·lots de Llevant.
13:00 – Palma Road
Paella and melon tasting by Arrozame (Kike Martí).
18:00 – Plaça dels Centenaris
Puig de Bonany Mountain Race.
11:00 – Church Esplanade
Melon Chess Tournament.
Throughout the day
Display of melon varieties at Ca Na Sopeta.
19:30 – Municipal Library
Presentation of the book “Mallorcan Popular Songs (1896)” by Josep Nicolau Perelló.
21:00 – Various bars in Vilafranca
Microtheatre Performances:
“The Man Who Killed Teddy Bautista” – Cafeteria Ca N’Antònia
“Blans, Marrons i Grisos (Reloaded)” – Bar Nou Can Baleto
“Sísif” – Bar Can Ros
Each performed at 21:00, 21:40, and 22:20. Tickets: €4.50 per show.
Why Attend in 2025
A feast for the senses: Taste the finest local melons, explore artisan stalls, and enjoy performances in the open air.
Cultural immersion: Experience traditions such as the melon lantern procession and folk-style contests rooted in the town’s history.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Activities for all ages make it a perfect day out for the whole family.
Connection to local life: Meet Mallorcan growers, artisans, and residents proud of their agricultural heritage.
The Fira del Meló is more than a food festival; it is a celebration of community spirit, tradition, and the bounty of the land. With its mix of contests, markets, music, and cultural events, the 2025 edition promises to be a memorable tribute to Mallorca’s melon-growing legacy.
Mark the dates—6 and 7 September 2025—and experience this unique slice of Mallorcan life.
Note: Dates and programs are subject to change. Check the official municipal website (Ajuntament) or Instagram profile for the latest updates. Read the full program here.