In the past, being granted the right to hold a fair was one of the most coveted privileges for municipalities, as it greatly boosted the local economy and development. In Llucmajor, fairs did not take place until three years after their concession, due to legal disputes with other Mallorcan towns that saw them as competition.
In 1543, Emperor Charles V granted Llucmajor the royal privilege of holding fairs from September 29th (Saint Michael) until the Sunday before October 18th (Saint Luke), as well as a weekly market on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The fairs begin on Saint Michael’s Day with the opening speech, followed by exhibitions, contests, and other events. The most important day is the last fair, on the Sunday before Saint Luke.
In the past, lovers would gift their beloved a fermança (a jewel or valuable object purchased at the fair). Not doing so meant a lack of affection; and if the woman refused it, it meant rejection. Today, the expression bona fermança is equivalent to “happy fair.”
Since 1546, the Llucmajor Fairs have been celebrated between September 29th and October 18th, although their agricultural and livestock nature has evolved into industrial, artisanal, commercial, and recreational content.
The beginning of the fairs coincides with the feast of the town’s patron saint, Saint Michael, with religious and civic ceremonies, traditional dances, and the participation of elements of popular culture.
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1st Fair: Saint Michael, September 29th.
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As many fairs are held as there are Sundays before October 18th (Saint Luke).
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On the Monday after the last fair, the Firó is always celebrated, a public holiday in Llucmajor.
The program is published on the Llucmajor Town Hall website: www.llucmajor.org
