Mallorca marina to glow with hundreds of lanterns for magical family festival

Puerto Portals is preparing to light up the November night sky as one of Mallorca’s most charming European traditions returns, bringing handmade lanterns, children’s workshops and a special charity mission to the island.

The popular Sankt Martin celebration will return on Saturday, November 14, for its 12th edition, transforming the luxury marina in Calvià into a glowing procession of lights as families gather for an evening of autumn festivities.

Running from 5pm until 8pm, the event promises a mixture of traditional storytelling, creative activities and a magical search for Saint Martin on horseback. It will also raise money for a Balearic charity working to protect children from abuse.

A magical lantern parade by the sea

Inspired by the traditional European celebration of Saint Martin, Sankt Martin is particularly popular in countries including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Poland.

The tradition centres on children carrying handmade lanterns through streets after dark, celebrating the values of kindness, generosity and sharing.

At Puerto Portals, the annual gathering recreates this atmosphere against the backdrop of the marina, with children invited to make their own illuminated creations before joining the evening procession.

One of the highlights will be the appearance of Sankt Martin on horseback. As darkness falls, young participants will follow the lantern-lit route around the harbour in search of the traditional figure, bringing a little piece of European autumn culture to Mallorca.

Workshops, biscuits and hot chocolate

The festivities will begin with a programme of activities designed to get children involved in the tradition rather than simply watching from the sidelines.

Young visitors will be able to take part in a lantern-making workshop, creating colourful decorations to carry during the procession.

There will also be a biscuit-making workshop, giving children the opportunity to get creative with something sweet, alongside storytelling sessions explaining the history and meaning behind Sankt Martin.

The combination of crafts, stories and the evening walk makes the event particularly appealing to families looking for something different to do in Mallorca as the festive season approaches.

After the procession, participants can warm up with hot chocolate and biscuits, providing a sweet ending to the evening’s celebrations.

A charity event supporting vulnerable children

Beyond the family entertainment, this year’s celebration will once again support Fundación RANA, a Balearic non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing child abuse and sexual abuse.

The charity works to promote safer environments for children and young people through prevention, education and awareness initiatives across the islands.

All registration fees collected from participating children will be donated directly to the foundation. Puerto Portals will also contribute an additional €3 for every child registered, adding further support to its work.

The charitable element has become an important part of the annual gathering, allowing families to enjoy a community celebration while contributing to a cause affecting children throughout the Balearic Islands.

How to attend Sankt Martin in Puerto Portals

The event takes place on Saturday, November 14, between 5pm and 8pm at Puerto Portals in Portals Nous, Calvià.

Activities are intended for children aged four and above, with advance registration and a ticket required for every participating child. Tickets are listed at €8 per child.

On arrival, families should visit the marina’s information stand to collect their child’s activity wristband before following the programme of workshops and activities.

With lanterns lighting up the waterfront, a traditional appearance on horseback and a charitable purpose at its heart, Sankt Martin offers a different way for Mallorca families to celebrate the autumn season.

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026.
• Time: 5pm to 8pm.
• Location: Puerto Portals, Portals Nous, Calvià.
• Admission: €8 per participating child.
• Age: Four years and above.
• Charity partner: Fundación RANA.