Car Hire Can Picafort

The people of Mallorca love fiestas. Singing, dancing, eating, parades, and fireworks highlight these colorful events. C'an Picafort is the center of some of the most colorful, entertaining fiestas on the island.

The first two fiestas of summer are in mid-July and are held near C'an Picafort in Santa Margalida and Son Serra. Santa Margalida's fiesta lasts five full days and entertains visitors and locals alike with a variety of sports, games, and other activities. The main event is the pageant of Beatas, young girls selected to represent their town.

Son Serra's fiesta in honor of la Mare de Deu del Carme in mid-July is a local fiesta rarely seen by tourists. Don't miss this event if at all possible. It shows that festivals aren't put on just for tourists.

In August, it seems every day is a fiesta. Fun and entertaining events abound, such as traditional folk music and dancing, competitions (like climbing a greased pole), sandcastle building, and even a fire run with devils. Nighttime brings parties, more music, and even a fireworks display.

Perhaps the most controversial fiesta takes place in mid-August. The Fiesta of Ducks in C'an Picafort attracts over 3,000 visitors. Around noon, a few boats anchor in the harbor and release 350 ducks. The object is for swimmers to jump in and capture the ducks. Care is taken that the ducks are not harmed, and captured ducks are released in the wild shortly after.

The last fiesta of the summer is in September in honor of Sant Catalina Tomas in nearby Santa Margalida. Devils run through the streets ringing bells and waking up the town. A procession then winds through town and is followed by a celebration of music, dancing, wine, and food.

C'an Picafort makes a good base for families and couples attending the fiestas. Two excellent beaches invite sunbathers and watersports enthusiasts. There are many hotels, restaurants, and shops in town. C'an Picafort is adjacent to the 4,000 acre (1709 hectares) nature reserve of S 'Albufera. Over 10,000 species of birds inhabit this important wetland area.

Wise travelers will book early for the fiesta season in C'an Picafort, but last-minute deals can be found on the Internet or at your local travel agency.