Thousands of people took to the streets of Palma this Sunday to enjoy the Carnival Parade, one of the most anticipated events on the Balearic capital's festive calendar. Costumes of all kinds, music, spectacular floats, and protest groups filled the city center with a festive atmosphere. Social commentary was a key element among the groups. 'Los bellasombras' (The Beautiful Shadows) was one of the most outspoken, with a large banner bearing the slogan 'Llorenç Villalonga Square. Before-After' and images showing the area's transformation after the tree felling. Composed of participants dressed as trees and tree cutters, and accompanied by a batucada band, the group displayed messages critical of the city's environmental policies and paused in front of the judges as a form of protest. This year's parade featured 11 floats and 36 groups, figures that surpass last year's and further solidify the festival's vitality. The parade proceeded along the Rambla, the streets of Riera and Unió, Plaça de Joan Carles I, and Avinguda de Jaume III, ending at Passeig de Mallorca. The jury was positioned on the stage in Plaça del Mercat, while in Plaça de Joan Carles I the prizes were awarded and the musical group Flamingos performed, bringing the celebration to a close.

The Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Citizen Participation, Lourdes Roca, presented the program for the 2026 Carnival in Palma this Wednesday, which includes the Rueta parade this Sunday, February 8, and Sa Rua on February 15. During her presentation, the Councillor highlighted the official posters for Sa Rua and Rueta, winners of the municipal competition and selected by a jury made up of members of Palma's Children and Adolescents Council.

Palma is gearing up for Carnival 2026. The Palma City Council opened registration this Monday, February 2nd, for the Rúa 2026, the traditional parade of floats and troupes that will travel through the main streets of the city center on Sunday, February 15th, starting at 5:00 PM. The Citizen Participation Department has already published the rules for the float and troupe competition on the municipal website. A total of €2,800 in prizes will be awarded across eight categories. Those interested in participating, either as a float or a troupe, can submit their application from February 2nd to 12th, 2026, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, in person at the Citizen Participation Department, located at Plaça de Santa Eulàlia, 9 (third floor). Float and troupe categories

Registrations must be submitted with the documentation specified in the call for entries, including the official forms and, where applicable, authorizations for the participation of minors. The competition establishes four judging categories for both floats and groups: most elaborate, most politically charged, most original, and most lively. Four prizes of €450 will be awarded to floats, while groups will compete for four prizes of €250. Each group may only enter one category. Regarding floats, the rules stipulate maximum dimensions of 16 meters long, 2.50 meters wide, and 4 meters high, and those exceeding these limits will not be permitted to participate. The competition jury will be located in the Plaça del Mercat during the parade, and the prizes will be announced and awarded on the same day, after the parade has concluded. The full announcement can be found on the Palma City Council website. and in the BOIB.

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