Sa Pobla

Sa Pobla is an inland town in the northwest of the island, surrounded by farmland. The main crop is potatoes, with the majority produced for export. Other vegetables are also grown and, to a lesser extent, rice, a very important ingredient in traditional local cooking.

In the centre of the town stands the parish church of Sant Antoni Abat and you can also visit the Museu Can Planes, a 19th century house that hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and is home to a permanent exhibition on the feast of the patron saint, Sant Antoni, which is the most important holiday in sa Pobla. The exhibition brings together all the traditional elements of the holiday, such as dimonis, caparrots and gegants (devils, big heads and giants), who take to the streets only during the celebrations on 16 and 17 January.

On Sunday mornings, a busy weekly market is held in the Plaça Major, where you can buy fruit, vegetables, agricultural tools and equipment, etc. In and around the square, there are lots of cafes and bars that serve one of the sa Pobla specialities, the variat, which is a combination of different dishes in small portions. For the festival of Sant Antoni, people prepare espinagades: a sort of pie filled with eel and spinach (the most traditional) or pork loin with cabbage.

The food festivals are also an excellent opportunity to sample local specialities. Two of these are the Fira Nocturna de la Patata (Night Potato Festival) in June and the Fira de l'Arròs Pobler (Rice Festival) in November.

Another major event is the international Mallorca Jazz Sa Pobla festival, which has been held in August since 1995. It is a well-established musical event, presenting a very comprehensive programme of concerts featuring internationally renowned artists and bands.

As far as nature is concerned, the s'Albufera de Mallorca Nature Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It is the largest wetland in Majorca, protected since 1988, and has a Visitor Centre, bird hides and marked trails for exploring the natural area.