The Consell de Mallorca has officially declared the Feast of the Beata, celebrated in Palma, Valldemossa and Santa Margalida, as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the island. The decision was made by the Advisory Council for Intangible Cultural Heritage, created in 2025 to protect Mallorca’s traditions and cultural expressions.
This expert committee, composed of historian Juan José Soler, folklorist Caterina Valriu, city chronicler Bartomeu Bestard, musicologist Eugènia Gallego, and artisan Joana Maria Borràs, agreed to unify the three celebrations in one single dossier, given their shared roots honouring Saint Catalina Tomàs i Gallard (1531–1574).
According to Consell president Llorenç Galmés, these parades “are more than festivals — they are symbols of collective identity, rituals that connect generations and deserve institutional protection.”
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Feast of the Beata of Palma, Valldemossa and Santa Margalida declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mallorca
A detailed report prepared by historian Gabriel Carrió highlights the historical continuity, symbolic value, and artistic and musical richness of these celebrations.
The three festivities
- In Palma, the Triumphal Cart of Saint Catalina Tomàs dates back to 1792, following her beatification. It takes place on the third Saturday of October and features the restored 1868 cart, musicians, bagpipers (xeremiers), and the traditional song Sor Tomasseta.
- In Valldemossa, the celebration occurs on July 28, featuring the Beateta, a young girl chosen from the community, along with farmers, musicians, and local associations.
- In Santa Margalida, the Beata procession, held on the first Sunday of September, includes devils, thematic floats, farmers carrying jugs, and the traditional jar-breaking finale.
All three share a rich iconography with angels, demons, and traditional figures, as well as folk music and centuries-old gloses (verses). The parades also preserve valuable material heritage such as floats, costumes, and handcrafted decorations.
The Palma procession, this Saturday, October 18
The declaration coincides with the Triumphal Cart of Saint Catalina Tomàs procession in Palma, which will take place on Saturday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m. Over 900 participants from various municipalities will join with floats, giants, music groups, and historical characters. This year’s Beateta will be Ada Catalina Amengual de Luque.
The route begins at Plaça de l’Hospital and ends at Plaça de Santa Magdalena, where a floral offering and veneration of the saint’s body will take place. The Palma Municipal Band will close the event.
The Ministrils, a historic music ensemble revived by the Consell, will perform again this year, reinforcing the event’s solemn and cultural dimension.