Mallorca town brings back magical lantern festival for families this October

Families in Mallorca can enjoy a magical evening of lanterns, storytelling and traditional festivities when the Festa de les Llanternes returns to Inca this October.

The annual celebration will take place on Friday, October 9, offering children and families the chance to create their own homemade lantern before joining an evening procession through the town.

The event is free to attend and begins at 6pm in Plaça de Santa Maria la Major, making it an accessible option for families looking for something different to do during the October school break.

The Festa de les Llanternes is rooted in Mallorca’s traditional celebrations and provides an opportunity for younger generations to take part in a hands-on local custom.

Children can make their own lantern

The evening begins with a lantern-making workshop at Plaça de Santa Maria la Major.

Families who want to join in are asked to bring their own materials from home. These include a melon, watermelon or pumpkin, along with a spoon to hollow out the fruit.

Participants should also bring a short, wide candle and approximately one metre of string or ribbon to turn their homemade creation into a lantern.

The workshop starts at 6pm, giving children time to decorate and prepare their lanterns before the procession gets under way.

It is a particularly appealing activity for younger children, who can create something themselves before taking part in the traditional parade.

Lantern parade through Inca

At 7pm, the festivities move into the streets as the lantern parade, or cercavila, sets off from the square.

Families will make their way towards the Claustre de Sant Domingo, carrying their illuminated creations as part of the colourful evening procession.

The combination of handmade lanterns and the gathering darkness gives the event a distinctly atmospheric feel, while maintaining its focus on Mallorca’s cultural traditions.

For families living in or visiting the island, it also offers a chance to experience a local celebration away from the larger tourist attractions.

Storytelling brings the evening to a close

Once the parade reaches the Claustre de Sant Domingo, the evening continues with a storytelling session.

The programme includes “Contes de llum, cuques i fanalets”, which translates as stories of light, fireflies and lanterns.

The storytelling forms the final part of the celebration and adds another family-friendly element to an evening centred around light, imagination and traditional festivities.

The official Inca town council programme confirms the workshop and parade timings, with the event beginning at 6pm and the procession following at 7pm.

Everything you need to know

The Festa de les Llanternes 2026 will be held on Friday, October 9, starting at 6pm in Inca.

The lantern workshop takes place in Plaça de Santa Maria la Major, followed by the parade to the Claustre de Sant Domingo.

Families wishing to make a lantern should bring:

• A melon, watermelon or pumpkin
• A spoon for hollowing it out
• A short, wide candle
• One metre of string or ribbon

The event is free and aimed at families and children.

With its combination of traditional crafts, an evening parade and storytelling, the Festa de les Llanternes offers a simple way for families to experience one of Mallorca’s seasonal traditions while enjoying an evening in the centre of Inca.