Religious festivals & traditions

Devallament in Pollença: the Descent from the Cross at the Calvari

Name: Devallament Pollença
Location: Calvari, Pollença (northern Mallorca)

Last checked: October 2026

The Descent from the Cross at the Calvari, followed by a torchlight procession down the steps.

All religious festivals & traditions

365 steps, cypress trees and only torches for light: the descent from the Calvari.

The short answer

What is the Devallament in Pollença?

The Devallament is the Descent from the Cross, re-enacted on Good Friday evening in the chapel on Pollença's Calvary hill. The body of Christ is then carried in a torchlight procession down the 365 cypress-lined Calvari steps into the town – without electric light and in complete silence. It is considered the most impressive Easter scene on Mallorca.

Date confirmed March April

Quick facts

When: Good Friday: 3 April 2026, 26 March 2027
Where: Calvari, Pollença (northern Mallorca)
Duration: around two hours including the procession into the town
Admission: free
Suitable for: Culture lovers, photographers, adults
Highlight: Torchlight procession down the Calvari steps without electric light
Date rule: Movable: Good Friday evening, based on the date of Easter.
Public holiday: yes, public holiday

Note on accuracy

These details are updated before each season, in particular the start time, road closures and parking arrangements.

Note on the date

Traditionally starts late in the evening; the town council announces the exact time each year.

Location: Calvari, Pollença (northern Mallorca).

What happens at the Devallament?

Up in the Calvari chapel, the Descent from the Cross is re-enacted: two performers take the figure of the crucified Christ down from the cross and lay it on a cloth. Then the procession sets off.

The street lighting along the steps is switched off. Brotherhoods carrying torches line the steps, and the body is carried down the middle. Nobody speaks; only a drum is played. Once at the bottom, the procession moves through the old town to the parish church.

Where exactly is the Calvari?

The Calvary hill lies on the northern edge of Pollença's old town. The stairway with its 365 steps and flanking cypress trees was built in the 18th century and is the town's best-known sight outside Holy Week too.

If you don't want to climb: a winding road leads up to the chapel – but it is closed on Good Friday evening.

Best places to watch

There are three sensible spots: up at the chapel for the Descent from the Cross, beside the steps for the torchlight procession, or down at Plaça de l'Almoina for the procession's arrival in the town. You can hardly manage all three in one evening – decide on one in advance.

Middle of the steps: the classic view with the line of torches and cypresses
Foot of the steps: good with children, shorter wait
Chapel at the top: the actual scene, but very limited space

History of the tradition

The Descent from the Cross has been observed in Pollença since the 18th century. Its present form, with the torchlight procession and darkened streets, emerged in the 20th century and is organised by the local brotherhoods – it is performed exclusively by locals.

Tips for your visit

Be in town by early evening at the latest; after that, parking and access roads are full.
Sturdy shoes: the steps are uneven and hard to see in the dark.
No flash – it ruins the effect and is expressly unwelcome.
After the procession, the restaurants on the main square stay open late; book a table in advance.

Who is it worthwhile for?

A good fit for: