FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

A UNIQUE LIGHT PHENOMENA-FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

Fiesta de la luz or the festival of light, is an amazing and unique light phenomena that happens only twice a year, November 11 (The feast of Sant Martin) and February 2 (The feast of la candelaria). This is when the sun casts an image of the rose window that presides over the main altar in the beautiful Palma Cathedral in Mallorca, on the opposite wall, just under another rose window. for a short period of time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE LARGEST GOTHIC ROSE WINDOW IN THE WORLD

Two tangential rosettes can be seen, one made of glass and the other made of light, forming a figure of eight. This happens between 8.00 to 8.30 in the morning, and lasts for approximately ten minutes. A totally different kind of sunrise. Doors opens at 07.30 and the entrance is free of charge.

Palma Cathedral has one of the largest original Gothic rose window in the world, also known as the Gothic eye. And this is one of the reasons why the Palma Cathedral is known as the cathedral of light.

A RARE PLAY OF LIGHT AND ARCHITECTURE

What makes this phenomenon truly unique is that it’s not just a visual spectacle—it’s the result of masterful medieval engineering. The alignment of the sun, the cathedral’s orientation, and the precise placement of the rose windows all come together in a perfect harmony designed over 700 years ago. This interplay of light and sacred geometry has led many to believe the event was planned intentionally by the original architects—a subtle dialogue between nature, mathematics, and faith.

SPIRITUAL AND SYMBOLIC DIMENSION

Beyond the visual beauty, the Fiesta de la Luz carries a deep spiritual resonance. For many, watching the light form a perfect figure-eight—often interpreted as the symbol of infinity—is a moment of reflection and connection to something larger. Whether you’re religious or not, there’s an undeniable stillness and awe in the cathedral when this rare alignment takes place. It’s a moment where time seems to pause.

TWO VERY SPECIAL DATES FOR THE CHRISTIANS

Those two specific dates are also very interesting and probably not chosen by chance.

February 2, is the second day of the second month, forty days after Christmas. It is when the feast of Candlemas is celebrated, which marks the return of light, a symbol of protection and prosperity. On this day, christians take candles to be blessed in church,

November 11 , the eleventh day of the eleventh month, is Saint Martin’s Day. For the christians, this is a day to reflect on the transition from the light of summer to the darkness of winter, a symbolic reminder of the need for light and warmth in both a physical and spiritual sense.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit www.catedraldemallorca.org