Cleaning Out My Cupboard
Hey, I’m not implying it’s time for a spring clean even though spring will be in the air very soon. A bit of dusting up might not be a bad […]
Another Word On Ramon Llull
Ramon Llull (Raymond Lully) is to Catalan written works what Shakespeare is to English, Dante to Italian, and Goethe to German literature. Llull zealously dedicated his writings to an idealistic […]
The Capilla de Santa Ana
It is probably safe to assume that you will have visited the Palau de l’Almudaina in Palma, formerly a Moorish fortified palace dating back to the 10th century and the […]
The Dancing Light
Twice a year, an awe-inspiring spectacle can be seen in Palma’s Cathedral when the reflection of the sunlight performs a Dancing Light on the walls of La Seu. The dates […]
Blood For The World
You probably think I must be a strange guy when I tell you that I paid a visit to the new mezquida (mosque) in Felanitx, a week or two ago. […]
The Full Moon Almond Blossoms
I forgot to tell you that the Jewish festival of Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, always coincides with the full moon. January’s full moon in Mallorca could […]
Green Mallorca
Even though Winter is seemingly a passive time in nature, with the countryside apparently dormant, appearances can be deceptive. Mallorcan farmers are rather busy planting their potatoes and tomatoes, pruning […]
In Praise Of Slowness
Living in Mallorca can sometimes lead to the unexpected discovery of slowness. It all depends on who you are, of course and, perhaps, where you choose to make your home. […]
Funerals
Church services in Mallorca are not what they used to be. The role of the Catholic Church in Spain, and in Mallorca, used to be a dominant and highly authoritative […]
Beneïdes
After the lighting of all the Sant Antoni bonfires last night all over the island (well, there are always some exceptions, this time Felanitx being one), today is the day […]
A Masterpiece of Gothic Painting
One of the most important paintings in Mallorca has to be the altarpiece of Sant Jordi by Pere Niçard (mid to late 15th century). Little is known about the origins […]
The Kings’ Cavalcada
The holiday of the Three Kings from the Orient will be celebrated here in Mallorca tomorrow (Epiphany), and all over Spain. It is a public holiday and apart from Easter, […]
The Festa De L’Estendard
You may have wondered occasionally why some streets in Mallorca’s towns and pueblos are called 31 de Desembre (31 de Diciembre). It somehow does not quite feel coherent that a […]
How I Missed The Winter Solstice
I have an admission to make: I have failed you. I am terribly sorry. This is about the event of the Winter Solstice. You may know (or you may have […]
The Chant Of The Sibil·la
Before I came to live in Mallorca, I had never heard the Cant de la Sibil·la. This Gregorian chant combines a liturgical prophecy with lyrics describing the Apocalypse of the […]
Looking At Miramar
Around 1255, Ramon Llull tutored the young prince Jaume II de Aragon and later served him as his seneschal (major-domo). After the prince became King of Mallorca in 1276, Llull […]
