As winter winds down and the island starts buzzing with anticipation, February and early March bring one of the most colourful traditions across Mallorca: Sa Rua — the island’s beloved adult Carnival parade Though winding streets and festive vibes are everywhere, the towns in the North of Mallorca have their own lively take on this age-old celebration.
What is sa rua?
Sa Rua is the traditional Carnival parade for adults that marks the high point of Mallorca’s Carnival season. It usually takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, just before Lent begins, a time when communities let loose with music, costumes, creativity, and sheer fun. Across the island, towns host their own versions, each reflecting local spirit and personality.Every Sa Rua features participants dressed up in imaginative costumes — from satirical themes to whimsical outfits, walking or rolling through the streets in groups comparsesor on floats carrosses, all to the rhythm of upbeat music and cheers from the crowd.
📍 Inca
Inca’s Carnival, tucked into the northern part of Mallorca’s central plain, is one of the region’s standout celebrations. Here, Sa Rua is a real community affair: local groups and floats parade through town, with dozens of participants bringing colour and laughter to the streets. In 2025, 22 comparsas and 15 carrozas hit the route, starting in the early evening and winding through the historic centre before ending in Plaza de Mallorca for award ceremonies and festivities.
The event is part of a broader Carnival week that kicks off with Sa Rueta — a joyful children’s parade involving schools, families, and teachers — making the whole of Inca come alive with cheer.
📍 Pollença & Port de Pollença
Up near the Tramuntana foothills, both Pollença and Port de Pollença proudly offer their own Carnival rues, usually around the same weekend. In mid-afternoon on Carnival weekend, locals and visitors take to the streets with music and dancing, and the town squares fill up with friends and neighbours celebrating together.
📍 Campanet
Like many towns in northern Mallorca, Sa Rua is part of Campanet’s winter calendar of events. With participants gathering in the Plaça Major in the early evening before the festive parade began — a fun, colourful way for locals and visitors to celebrate together with costumes and music.
In Campanet Sa Rua is celebrated over the course of nearly 10 days, with many activities and events being child friendly and held outside for all to enjoy.
📍 Other Northern Villages
Towns like Muro or Sa Pobla also join the Carnival wave with their own Sa Rua parades. Muro typically holds its celebration with prizes for best costumes and groups, while Sa Pobla mixes its own local flavour with floats, music, and party energy.
Sa Rua vs Sa Rueta — What’s the Difference?
Mallorcan Carnival often comes in two acts:- Sa Rueta— the kids’ parade filled with playful costumes, floats, and family fun, usually earlier in the weekend.
- Sa Rua — the big adult parade where creativity cranks up, music blares, and groups of all ages bring vibrant energy to town streets.
Why Sa Rua Matters
Sa Rua isn’t just a party — it’s a celebration deeply embedded in Mallorcan culture. Rooted in ancient Carnival traditions that mark the last days before the austerity of Lent, it brings together people of all ages, celebrates creative expression, and keeps alive a sense of community that defines life on the island. Whether you’re in Palma or one of the northern towns, it’s one of the most spirited, colourful times of the year.
Check out our events pages for the timelines of each sa rua celebration in all of the different towns of North Mallorca.