MUNICIPALITY
HIS
TO
RY
Banyalbufar, like other places in Mallorca, has quite significant archaeological evidence of the first settlers of the island. The foundations of today’s possessions (estates) which define and shape the current territory, were formed during the medieval Muslim and Christian periods.
The first evidence of human occupation dates back to 3000 and 4000 B.C. The sites of Son Valentí, Son Bunyola and the Casas de en Jordi are examples from the Talaiotic period.
With the arrival of the Roman Empire in 123 B.C., the Talaiotic period came to an end, but some areas of the island remained inhabited, such as Banyalbufar.
When a new order was introduced, most of the earlier settlements lost their raison d’être, favoring others in better locations and suitable for cultivating and exploiting the land.
Banyalbufar arose from an Andalusian community, formed by a network of marjales (terraces) with an extraordinary Islamic system of groundwater collection and distribution.
When King James 1st’s army conquered Mallorca (1229), the Muslim world on the island came to an end. The lands and towns were gradually populated by Christians who came mainly from Catalonia.
During the 13th century, an important agricultural activity took place in the valley where the possessions of Son Valentí and Son Balaguer are located.
During the time of the Templars, the feudal spirit dominated Banyalbufar.
In the past, Banyalbufar and Esporles were a single community. The administrative center was in Banyalbufar and the ecclesiastical center in Esporles, until the second half of the 18th century, when Esporles asked the Royal Council of Madrid for the definitive separation from Banyalbufar, which was finally granted in 1836.
The phylloxera plague (1891) forced the vineyards to be replaced by tomato plantations, especially the ramellet (branch tomato), which became the main means of subsistence for the population at the beginning of the 20th century. It was not until the 1930’s that fat-fruited tomatoes began to be grown in Banyalbufar.
In the 1920s, as a result of this agricultural and economic development, Banyalbufar was the first village with the highest per capita income on the island.
After the “Year of the Snow” (1956) and the “hailstorm” of 1959, the decline of the ramellet tomato crop caused many Banyalbufarins to move into Palma.
Fishing was the other major economic sector in the area. In fact, Archduke Luis Salvador cites Banyalbufar as the second most important place in the fishing industry after Valldemossa and above Sóller.
FAIRS AND
FESTIVALS
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Chocolatada (a traditional social gathering around chocolate drinks), Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass) with the singing of the Sibila, Royal Pageboy Visit and the Three Kings’ Parade with the distribution of gifts in the church.
Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni, foguerons (bonfires) and demons in January, torrada (barbecue) in the Plaça de la Vila. The animals’ Beneïdes (blessings of pets and animals) in the main street of the town where they come along with their owners, either on foot or on traditional-themed decorated floats.
Sa Fava Parada
Sa Fava Parada (a traditional stewed bean), is a popular meal served in Plaza de la Vila (Town Square), organised in March by the Bany-al-Bahar Cultural Association and the Festival of the Balearic Islands.
EASTER WEEK
Good Friday and Easter Sunday processions in Plaza de la Vila.
POPULAR WALK AND PICNIC
Popular walk and picnic to Sa Torreta, Torre d’es Verger, organised by the Bany-al-Bahar Cultural Association.
Banyalbujazz
Annual event with jazz and blues performances during the months of July and August in Banyalbufar and Port des Canonge.
festivities of Port des Canonge
25th July, Saint James celebration.
BANYALBUFAR FESTIVITIES
September 1st to 8th, celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. A solemn mass with refreshments is held in the square, accompanied by the Esporles music band, Lira Esporlerina.
The festivities begin on the 1st of September with the “barrumbada” (candy storm) from the balcony of the Town Hall in the Plaza de la Vila. These are days of festivities, joy and brotherhood with lots of activities and proclamation with concert of guitars and plectrums.
- Street Dinners and Verbenas.
- Truco and Siset (cards) tournament.
- Theatre and Ses Variettes.
- Bike ride in Sa Font de Sa Menta.
- Races, popular games and other activities.
EL RECREO ("THE RECESS")
The Recreo is a popular walk and lunch in La Planícia.
THE VIRGINS AND BUÑOLADA
The Virgins and Fritters in October-November, organised by the Bany-al-Bahar Cultural Association.
SPORT EVENTS
- Mountain trail race.
- Cycle Tour 312.
- Tour of Mallorca by motorbike.
PUBLIC
TRANSPORT
L202 LINE
Banyalbufar has the bus service of line L202 operated by the Transports de les Illes Balears (TIB).
This line connects Palma (Intermodal Station) with Esporles, Banyalbufar and Estellencs.
It can also be used to get to and from the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB).
Free phone number for public attention: 971 177 777
