It is a unique experience that attracts German residents, vacationers and island visitors alike: On December 24, Palma's majestic cathedral is transformed into the venue for the largest German-language Christmas service outside the German-speaking world. The ecumenical Christmas vespers service has been an integral part of Christmas Eve on Mallorca since 1971.
Two church services for thousands of visitors
Due to the large number of people attending, there will be two services again this year. The first service starts at 3.30 pm, the second at 5 pm. The event is organized alternately by the German-speaking Protestant and Catholic communities on Mallorca. This year, the Catholic priest Andreas Falow will give the sermon, accompanied by the Protestant pastor Martje Mechels and pastor Holmfried Braun. Both will say prayers and bless the visitors.
The Christmas story will be solemnly read, and a greeting from the Catholic bishop Monsignor Sebastià Taltavull Anglada will round off the celebration. The services will be accompanied by music from soprano Waltraud Mucher, organist Tomeut Mut and saxophonist Norbert Fimpel, whose rendition of "Silent Night" has already given people goosebumps in previous years.
A tradition with roots in the 70s
The German-language Christmas mass in the cathedral dates back to 1971. At that time, the then Bishop of Mallorca, Rafael Álvarez Lara, advocated that German residents and holidaymakers should be able to celebrate Christmas Eve in the island's largest church. The idea was born out of a clear need: hundreds of Germans had already gathered in the Porciúncula round church on Playa de Palma at the end of the 1960s - the church was simply too small.
Christmas Vespers in the cathedral succeeded in building a bridge between the denominations and creating a tradition that still brings thousands of people together today.
More church services on Mallorca
In addition to the famous fair in Palma, there are also other ways to experience the Christmas message on Mallorca:
Protestant church services:
- December 24, 3 p.m.: Church service in Cala Ratjada
- December 25, 5 p.m.: Church service in Peguera
Catholic services:
- December 24, 9 p.m.Mass in the white beach church of San Fernando on Playa de Palma
- December 25, 9 a.m.Church of San Crist in Peguera
- December 25, 10:30 a.m.: White beach church San Fernando
- December 25, 12 noon: Great church of Santa Cruz in Palma
- December 26, 10:30 a.m.: White beach church San Fernando
A special moment of reflection
Whether German Christmas carols, the contemplative atmosphere of the cathedral or the international community - the German-language Christmas Vespers in Palma remains a highlight of the Christmas season on Mallorca. It combines tradition, music and faith in a unique way and offers a piece of home away from home.
I was looking forward to the mass in Palma all year. I stood in a huge queue, unfortunately I couldn't get into the church anymore, although some people went out and none were allowed to come after me as a devout Catholic, which gave me a lot of strength, and I always flew to Palma especially. It was the highlight of every year. It's a shame that you're not allowed into the church, despite people going out! I'm very 😢 disappointed