Palma aiming to be 'premier stage' for art and cultural experiences

In a presentation at World Travel Market in London on 5 November 2024, Fernando Gomez de la Cuesta, General Director of Tourism and Culture at Palma City Council, outlined how the city’s cultural renaissance is reshaping travel to Palma, as visitors seek out the city’s artistic experiences, adding a new dimension to its appeal as a tourist destination.

"We aspire for Palma to be a premier stage for art and culture, for contemporary creation, and for history, tradition, gastronomy, architecture, music, theatre, and dance — not just nationally, but also internationally," said Gomez de la Cuesta, who announced that Palma will be a candidate for European Capital of Culture in 2031.

A growing creative scene is attracting both local and international artists, transforming Palma into a destination for contemporary art. 2025 will see the city welcome artist Peter Halley, as well as National Prize winner and Turner Prize finalist Ángela de la Cruz. Both will bring first-rate art to Palma’s most iconic municipal venue, the Casal Solleric. Summer will also see the return of Art Palma Summer, and come September, the annual Nit de l’Art (Art Night) will return to Palma, transforming the city into an open-air gallery.

Palma is set to host numerous live music events in venues across the city next year. February will see the Dido and Aeneas opera playing out in the Teatre Principal, whilst for visitors who prefer something more contemporary, the ground-breaking Film Symphony Orchestra, comprising of over 70 musicians, will play songs from blockbusters such as ‘La La Land’ at Palma Auditorium in March.

In addition to the programming at its theatres and music venues, Palma encourages travellers to get involved in its local cultural festivals year-round. 20 January marks the much-awaited Saint Sebastian festival in celebration of the city’s Patron Saint. Whilst another unmissable festival is the Nit de Foc, celebrating the eve of Sant Joan on 23 June.

For more information on Palma as a tourist destination please visit, visitpalma.com or email palma@wearelotus.co.uk