The Balearic Islands, both as a whole and each island individually, are unique territories in the world, capable of fascinating with the abundance of resources they treasure, and which are showcased to tourists, visitors, and locals through their culture and gastronomy.
In the Pla, in the heart of Mallorca, despite being an area where the predominant sea is a sea of crops and not of salt, this reality is not very different. The Pla is undoubtedly an inland paradise that dazzles with its landscapes and agricultural character, and with the feast for the senses offered by the products of its rich and varied gastronomic offerings.
There are many fruits of the land and the good work of the residents of the Pla recognized for their quality through various Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications: olive oils, Mallorcan almonds, hanging tomatoes… or foods that, due to the care with which they are made, sometimes do not even need these recognitions: bread, ensaimadas… the result of years of tradition dedicated to lovingly cooking what the Pla provides.
While it is true that throughout the island, the various restaurants and cellars that dot it offer the opportunity to enjoy this gastronomy all year round, the Pla stands out as a territory that offers unique ways to get to know and delve into the gastronomy of the region and the island, with fairs and gastronomic days spread throughout the regional geography and throughout the year, for a long time now.
The already established Llubí Honey Fair, with 23 editions under its belt, is held every November to showcase honey products and their derivatives in the streets of the town. Notable is the honey produced by its characteristic almond and carob fields, recognized nationally, which pairs with the caper of Llubí and the work of the local bees.
Another event with great tradition in the region, with deep roots in local gastronomy, is the one held in Lloret de Vistalegre, the Festa des Sequer, which at the end of summer pays homage to the king of the garden at that time of year: the fig.
Also in summer, specifically in September, and for more than 50 years, Vilafranca de Bonany has celebrated its particular tribute to the melon (with different varieties on the island such as “eriçó”; “marina”; “groc”; “pell de melicotó” …). the Vilafranca Melon Fair.
Finally, every April in Santa Eugenia, the Agricultural and Livestock Fair is held, which in 2024 has celebrated its XLI edition, a fair that preserves the industrial character of these fairs, offering not only samples of the area’s gastronomy and crafts but also giving space to the agricultural machinery and livestock of the region, a fundamental effort to keep the heart of Mallorca alive with its traditions and idiosyncrasies.
In short, these gastronomic showcases – not the only ones, as we will talk later about cellars, markets, wineries… – serve as a showcase and incentive to get to know the treasures and traditions of the Pla up close, through its gastronomy – and the cultural activities and traditions that accompany these fairs – at any time of the year.
