Church festivals & traditions
Assumption Day: 15 August and Mallorca’s Marian beds
In around 50 churches, a life-size figure of the Virgin Mary lies on a baroque bed of flowers, basil and carved straw for 15 August.
A custom for 15 August: the ornate Marian bed in a church in Palma.
The short answer
What is Assumption Day?
In Mallorca, Assumption Day on 15 August is a public holiday. The custom typical of the island is the Llits de la Mare de Déu, the Marian beds: elaborately decorated beds with a reclining figure of the sleeping Virgin, which around 50 churches set up for a few days – usually between 14 and 22 August.
Fixed date August
Quick facts
- When
- 15 August, Marian beds usually 14–22 August
- Where
- Island-wide, incl. La Seu and Sant Francesc (Palma), Sineu, Valldemossa, Lluc
- Duration
- display usually from 14 to 22 August
- Admission
- free, churches open during the day
- Who it suits
- People interested in culture, photographers, visitors to Palma
- What makes it special
- A custom found in such density only in Mallorca
- Date rule
- Fixed date 15 August, the same every year.
- Public holiday
- yes, public holiday
Note on currency
This information is updated before each season, in particular the display period of the llits, participating churches and opening times.
Location: island-wide, incl. La Seu and Sant Francesc (Palma), Sineu, Valldemossa, Lluc.
What is Assumption Day in Mallorca?
For the Church, 15 August is the feast of the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven; for the state, it is a public holiday – public authorities and many shops stay closed, and in the villages the day often coincides with the local Festes de la Mare de Déu.
For visitors, the custom that accompanies the holiday is more interesting than the holiday itself: the Marian beds.
What are the Llits de la Mare de Déu?
A llit is a baroque bed of state that is set up in the church specially for these days. On it lies a wax or wooden figure of the Mare de Déu Morta, the Virgin Mary fallen asleep, in embroidered robes.
She is surrounded by gilded angel figures, flowers, candles and pots of basil – alfàbrega (basil) is considered Mary’s plant. The canopies are traditionally made of carved bean straw, a craft technique that is now practised almost solely for this purpose.
Where can you see the most beautiful Marian beds?
The most elaborate beds are in Palma, the most atmospheric in the villages and at Lluc monastery. If you want to see both, plan an afternoon in the old town and a tour of the island.
- La Seu cathedral, Palma: the grandest setting, lots of visitors
- Basílica de Sant Francesc, Palma: richly decorated, a few minutes’ walk from La Seu
- Sineu parish church: village version with local craft details
- Valldemossa: easy to combine with a trip to the Tramuntana
- Lluc monastery: the most atmospheric place outside the city
Route through Palma
La Seu and Sant Francesc are less than ten minutes’ walk apart and can be combined with a walk through the old town. For the island option, we suggest Sineu in the morning, Valldemossa in the afternoon and Lluc to finish.
Why is this a Mallorcan speciality?
Reclining rather than standing figures of the Virgin, basil symbolism and around 50 churches decorated at the same time: this combination is not found in such density anywhere else in Spain. The custom is maintained by volunteers from the parishes, and each church develops its own version.
Tips for your visit
- The beds are usually on display from 14 August; a call to the parish office will clarify opening times.
- Churches are active places of worship – keep quiet, no flash photography during Mass.
- 15 August is a public holiday: supermarkets closed, beaches and roads busy.
- Cover shoulders and knees, otherwise some churches will refuse entry.
Who is it worthwhile for?
A good fit for:
- People interested in culture
- Photographers
- Anyone looking for something to do in August away from the beach
Less suitable for:
- Anyone who wants to go shopping on the public holiday
- Children with no interest in church interiors
Similar dates
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Good Friday in Mallorca
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Devallament Pollença
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Pancaritats
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Virgen del Carme
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Rosaris Ensucrats
A rosary of sugared beads given to godchildren at the beginning of November – sweet, colourful and almost forgotten.
Frequently asked questions
Is 15 August a public holiday in Mallorca?
Yes, Assumption Day is a public holiday. Public authorities, banks and many shops stay closed.
What is a Marian bed?
A Llit de la Mare de Déu is a decorated bed of state with a reclining figure of the Virgin Mary fallen asleep, surrounded by flowers, basil, angels and a canopy.
Where can you see the llits?
Among other places, in La Seu cathedral and in Sant Francesc in Palma, as well as in Sineu, Valldemossa and at Lluc monastery.
How long are the Marian beds on display?
Usually from 14 to 22 August, varying slightly from church to church. Check before you go.
Next steps
This page belongs to the topic area Church festivals & traditions and can be found at /en-gb/mariae-himmelfahrt-mallorca.