We’re into the Autumn fair season in Mallorca: every weekend somewhere around the island you will find a mushroom festival, an olive oil tasting, a celebration of fish, a cornucopia of cakes, you get the idea. If you’re not leaving for the Caribbean and you’re sticking around in Mallorca for the winter then why not get involved with our local activities and customs. What can you expect at one of these events? Normally there are activities scheduled through the days. You might see a demonstration of Mallorcan dancing, or music. You might see a horse show, or even a tractor show, depending on where you are. If you attend Dijous Bo (November 12th)then you can get it all one place! It’s held in Inca, in the centre of the island and is the largest of its kind in Mallorca. It started off as a harvest festival and has grown, and grown. There are parties, a “Corre Foc” (running with fire, really if you haven’t seen one then you should go!), a black pig competition, a farmers’ market, handicrafts, the traditional Mallorcan giants, typical peasant dresses, wine tasting, cooking displays, a horse show, farm equipment exhibitions, art, bird shows, games and attractions for children live music, and lots and lots of people. There’s also a train service so you can get there from Palma and back again without too much trouble. So get on the train and go and explore!

Here’s some more events you can try out your language skills at Pumpkin Fair, Muro (2nd weekend of November), Olive Fair, Caimari (21st November), Honey Fair, Llubi (3rd weekend of November), New Wine Fair, Santa Maria del Cami (29th November), Mushroom fair, Mancor de la Vall (29th November). If you want to practice shopping and talking then get in touch with Glossolalia who always include practical and real time situations in their language courses, including buying produce at markets.

How much is that?                                             ¿Cuánto es?

I would like a kilo of those please.         Me gustaría un kilo de estos, por favor.

How does this work?                                        ¿Cómo funciona?

What is that for?                                                 ¿Para qué es?

When does the Corre Foc start?              ¿Cuándo empieza el Corre Foc?

Can I have a go?                                                   ¿Puedo intentarlo?