Mallorca’s Port de Sóller to host two nights of free music, tradition and Cuban sounds

The Port de Sóller is preparing to fill with music once again as the 14th Trobada d’Havaneres brings two evenings of traditional maritime songs to the Mallorcan coast this weekend.

The popular event will take place on Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, at Platja d’en Repic, with free performances featuring musicians from Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera, the Costa Brava and Cuba.

A musical tradition returns to the sea

Havaneres have strong links to the historic cultural exchange between Spain and Cuba and are particularly associated with coastal communities.

Their distinctive melodies and maritime themes make the Port de Sóller a fitting setting for the annual gathering, which has become an established fixture in the town’s cultural calendar.

The event is being organised by Sóller Town Hall and Radio Mallorca Cadena SER, with Mar Puigserver returning as presenter. Singer-songwriter Tomeu Penya and Anaïs Perrotte from Port de Sóller restaurant Es Canyís are this year’s patrons.

The gathering also forms part of Sóller’s programme as a cultural destination within the Serra de Tramuntana, adding a strong local heritage element to the weekend.

Who is performing?

Friday night’s programme will feature four acts, beginning with the Xeremiers de Sóller, followed by Costa Brava group Mar i Vent, local favourites Aires Sollerics and Mallorca’s Arpellots.

The programme continues on Saturday with an even more international flavour.

Arredefolk from Formentera will perform at Plaça de Sóller at midday before the main programme continues at the Port. The evening line-up includes the Xeremiers de Sóller, Mar i Vent, Menorca’s A Romandre, Mallorca’s Toc de Crida and Cuban-rooted group Clave y Montuno.

There will also be professional sessions exploring the world of havaneres, while performances aboard a boat are planned in the bay during both days, adding another maritime dimension to the festival.

Free entry and special transport from Palma

One of the biggest attractions for visitors is that the concerts are completely free.

Organisers are also making it easier for people travelling from Palma to leave the car at home.

A combined train, tram and bus ticket is available for €13, with the train departing Palma at 6.30pm before the tram continues towards Port de Sóller. The return journey by bus is scheduled for 12.15am on both Friday and Saturday nights.

The journey itself is intended to become part of the experience, with the Xeremiers de Sóller welcoming visitors and accompanying them towards the beach.

A weekend with a distinctly Mallorcan atmosphere

The Trobada d’Havaneres is more than a series of concerts. It combines traditional music, local culture and the spectacular setting of the Serra de Tramuntana coastline.

Visitors can settle on the sand and listen to performances with the bay providing the backdrop, while the programme brings together artists representing several parts of the Balearics alongside musicians connected to the genre’s Cuban roots.

With the event free to attend and public transport options available from Palma, the 14th edition offers an easy way to experience one of Sóller’s distinctive cultural traditions as summer begins to give way to autumn.