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The driving force behind the renewal of the monastery at Lluc as a pilgrimage site.

The blessing takes place at the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Cura, near Algaida. It possibly dates from the time of Ramon Llull, who founded the original hermitage in the 13th century.

The 18th-century cardinal developed the more opulent side of church life on the island (see Raixa).

Participants dress up as eagles and perform the Ball dels Àquiles (“Dance of the Eagles”) in Pollença’s town square. What exactly this has to do with the miracle of Transubstantiation during Holy Communion is not really explained, thus scholars suspect the celebration’s origins are pre-Christian.

This celebration of the patron saint of seafarers and fishermen takes place in various coastal settlements. Boats are blessed, torches are lit (as at Port de Sóller), and sailors carry effigies of the Virgin.

Port de Sóller is the venue for a mock battle between Christians and Moors, in commemoration of a skirmish in which Arabic corsairs were routed in 1561. Expect lots of rowdy, boozy fun, brandishing of swords and the firing of antique guns.

St James is celebrated with the usual summer highjinks, including folk dancing, fireworks and parades, featuring an icon of the saint and various religious symbols.

Highly devout himself, the architect was responsible for the restoration of Palma Cathedral and other holy sites.

Many Mallorcan towns have processions during Holy Week. The Calvari steps in Pollença are the scene of a moving re-enactment, the Davallament (the Lowering) each Good Friday, when in total silence a figure of Christ is removed from a cross and carried down the steps by torchlight.

The hated Inquisition was introduced to the island in 1484 and led to the burning alive of at least 85 people between 1484 and 1512.