Day of the Balearic Islands in Spain

The Day of the Balearic Islands (Día de les Illes Balears) is a local public holiday on the Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain, on March 1 each year. This date commemorates when the Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy came into effect on March 1, 1983.

Majorca (view pictured above) is one of the Balearic Islands.

©iStockphoto.com/Manfred Steinbach

What do people do?

Events around the Day of the Balearic Islands are held in late February and early March, including March 1. Events include:

• Public readings of the Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy.
• Concerts featuring traditional and modern music.
• Sports activities.
• Communal meals.
• Private parties.
• The distribution of promotional articles on the Balearic Islands.
• Exhibitions showcasing art and photography inspired by the islands.
• Markets and displays of traditional products.
• Children's activities.

The events are spread over the five main islands (Cabrera, Formentera, Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca) that make up the Balearic Islands.

Public life

Public life is generally quiet on the Balearic Islands on the Day of the Balearic Islands. Many businesses and other organizations are closed. Most stores are closed but some bakers and food stores may be open. Outside of tourist areas, restaurants and cafes may be closed. Public transport services generally run to a reduced schedule but there may be no services in rural areas. Some events may cause local disruption to traffic.

If March 1 falls on a Sunday, regional or local authorities may move the public holiday to a different date. If March 1 falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many businesses and organizations are also closed on Monday, February 28 or 29, or Friday, March 2. The Day of the Balearic Islands is not a public holiday in the rest of Spain on March 1.

Background

The Balearic Islands form an archipelago in the Mediterranean and an autonomous community of Spain. The islands are close to the autonomous communities of Valencia and Catalonia. The five main islands are:

• Cabrera.
• Formentera.
• Ibiza.
• Majorca.
• Minorca.

The Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy came into effect on March 1, 1983. This confirmed these islands' status as an autonomous community of Spain.

Day of the Balearic Islands Observances

Other holidays in March 2013 in Spain

• San Jose ―Tuesday, March 19, 2013
• March equinox ―Wednesday, March 20, 2013
• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, March 24, 2013
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, March 28, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Daylight Saving Time starts ―Sunday, March 31, 2013