40 tonnes of seafood heading to Palma as Spain’s biggest Galician food festival returns

Seafood lovers are in for a treat as one of Spain’s biggest travelling food festivals returns to Palma this month, bringing tens of tonnes of fresh shellfish, traditional Galician flavours and a lively festival atmosphere to the city.

The MarisGalicia Gran Fiesta del Marisco will take over a huge marquee in Nou Llevant from September 11 to 27, promising nearly three weeks of seafood feasts, live entertainment and authentic northern Spanish culture.

A taste of Galicia in Mallorca

Visitors can expect everything from lobster, king crab and razor clams to octopus cooked Galician-style, giant prawns, mussels and seafood paella. The organisers say more than 40 tonnes of fresh seafood will be transported directly from Galicia using specially equipped live transport trucks to ensure it arrives at its freshest.

The festival has become a popular stop on its nationwide tour, recreating the atmosphere of a traditional Galician fishing port with maritime décor, open kitchens and stalls selling regional delicacies.

Alongside the seafood, guests can enjoy Galician breads, empanadas, desserts and a wide selection of wines, including Albariño and Ribeiro, with around 15,000 bottles expected to be served during the Palma event. Organisers estimate more than 25,000 people will visit over the festival’s 17-day run.

More than just a food festival

The experience goes beyond what’s on the plate. Traditional bagpipe music, folk dancing and cultural performances will bring a festive atmosphere throughout the event.

Saturday evenings will once again feature the famous Queimada ceremony, a centuries-old Galician ritual where a flaming alcoholic punch is prepared while an ancient incantation is recited to ward off evil spirits, adding a theatrical finish to the night’s celebrations.

Visitors can either build their own meal by choosing dishes from different food stations or order specially prepared seafood platters to take home.

Everything you need to know

The festival will be held in a 1,500-square-metre marquee next to the Diario de Mallorca building in Nou Llevant. Entry is free, with no table reservations required thanks to seating for more than 1,000 diners. The venue is also fully accessible.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 4.30pm and 8pm to 11pm, while on Sundays the festival opens for lunch only from 1pm to 4.30pm. Seafood takeaway orders can also be placed in advance for collection.