Sant Jordi takes over Mallorca: Why roses and books are everywhere

Sant Jordi week is in full swing across Mallorca and from Thursday April 23 2026, the island shifts into full celebration mode. Rooted in the legend of Saint George and the tradition of exchanging books and roses, it’s now one of the most atmospheric cultural moments of the year, transforming streets into open-air festivals of literature, love and community.

What is Sant Jordi?

At its heart, Sant Jordi is one of the most romantic and literary traditions in Spain. Rooted in the legend of Saint George slaying a dragon – where a rose bloomed from the dragon’s blood – it’s now celebrated on April 23 with a simple exchange: a rose for love, a book in return.

But in Mallorca, it’s grown into something much bigger: a full week of events blending literature, culture, family activities and community celebrations.

Palma: April 23 and beyond

In Palma, Thursday April 23 is the centrepiece, with the city hosting a full-day open-air book fair from 10:00 to 21:00 across Plaça d’Espanya, Sant Miquel, Carrer Major, Plaça de Cort and La Rambla.

Throughout the day:

• 10:00–19:00+: Rolling author signings across multiple stalls, with appearances scheduled hourly
• 11:00–13:00: Peak signing sessions in Plaça Major and Sant Miquel
• 16:00–19:00: Afternoon signings and comic artist sessions
• Continuous: book stalls, rose vendors, workshops and cultural pop-ups

Across the wider week Palma also hosts:

• Morning storytelling sessions and children’s activities
• Afternoon literary talks, workshops and presentations
• Evening concerts and cultural events across different venues

Pollença: April 23–28 programme highlights

In Pollença, Sant Jordi runs across multiple days with a strong cultural programme:

April 23

• 17:00: Live radio special
• 17:00: “Café i llibres” live storytelling

April 24

• 19:30: Book presentation and talk

April 28

• 12:00: Literary awards ceremony

Earlier in the week (leading into the 23rd), events include:

• Morning book and flower markets (10:30+)
• 11:00 storytelling sessions for children
• 19:30 evening recitals and performances

Alaró: April 22–28 village programme

In Alaró, events feel local and community-led:

April 22

• 17:30: Literary café discussion

April 25 (main day)

• 10:00–13:00: Book fair in Plaça Sebastià Jaume
• 11:00: Book presentation (Ajuntament)
• 11:30: Sant Jordi creative workshop
• 12:00: Writing and collage session in the town hall courtyard

April 28

• 17:30: Children’s storytelling session

Alcúdia: April 23 weekend celebrations

In Alcúdia, the historic old town hosts a family-focused programme from April 23 onwards:

• Late morning (from ~10:30): Book stalls and markets
• Midday–afternoon: Children’s storytelling and activities
• Evenings: Cultural performances and gatherings within the old town

The atmosphere here is lively but relaxed, with events spread across the weekend rather than one single day.

Marratxí: April 23 onwards

In Marratxí, Sant Jordi centres around accessible, community-led programming:

• Late morning to afternoon: Workshops, literary activities and family events
• Selected evenings: Cultural sessions and local gatherings

Events are spread across multiple venues, creating a neighbourhood-focused feel.

A week-long island celebration

While Palma delivers the headline event on April 23, the rest of Mallorca extends Sant Jordi into a flowing, multi-day experience.

Across every town, the rhythm is the same:
morning markets, afternoon storytelling, evening culture – and everywhere, roses and books.