Fiesta de la Luz: The Light Festival at Palma Cathedral

Fiesta de la Luz: The Light Festival at Palma Cathedral

In the heart of Palma de Mallorca, a rare and breathtaking natural spectacle unfolds twice a year at the city’s iconic La Seu Cathedral. Known as the “Fiesta de la Luz” or “Festival of Light,” this phenomenon occurs as the early morning sun aligns with the cathedral’s largest rose window, casting its radiant colors on the opposite wall, mirroring the second rose window of the facade to create a fleeting figure of eight. This dazzling display, a masterpiece of medieval engineering and design, is visible only on two specific dates each year—November 11th, the Feast of Sant Martin, and February 2nd, the Feast of La Candelaria—captivating visitors with its beauty and symbolism.

The Magic of the Gothic Rose Window

La Seu Cathedral, one of Europe’s most stunning examples of Gothic architecture, houses the world’s largest original Gothic rose window. Known as “The Eye of the Gothic,” this vast circular stained-glass window measures over 12 meters in diameter and is embedded with more than a thousand individual pieces of colored glass. When sunlight streams through this magnificent window, it casts a vivid, kaleidoscopic image that fills the interior with hues of red, blue, green, and yellow, symbolizing themes of faith, light, and divine presence.

The rose window in Palma Cathedral is strategically positioned to capture sunlight at precise angles, transforming the stained glass into a luminous tapestry that plays against the cathedral’s intricate stone walls. On ordinary days, this effect is mesmerizing, but during the Fiesta de la Luz, the sun’s rays create a unique double image, or “figure of eight,” as the light from the rose window is projected onto the western wall, just below another rose window on the main facade.

The Biannual Alignment: A Phenomenon Rooted in Faith and Astronomy

The Fiesta de la Luz phenomenon occurs as a result of a careful alignment that medieval architects meticulously planned centuries ago. At approximately 8:00 to 8:30 in the morning on November 11th and February 2nd, the rising sun shines through the main rose window at just the right angle to project its image onto the opposite wall, creating a second, ethereal rose window. For a short time, visitors inside the cathedral can witness two tangential rosettes—one made of glass and the other made purely of light—forming an elegant figure-eight, symbolizing infinity and the cyclical nature of life.

This alignment on the dates of the Feast of Sant Martin and the Feast of La Candelaria carries religious significance as well. Both festivals traditionally celebrate light and renewal, with Sant Martin marking the start of winter preparations, and La Candelaria, occurring halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, symbolizing the return of light and hope. The Fiesta de la Luz, then, is not only a visual spectacle but also a celebration of the rhythms of nature and the enduring power of faith.

A Celebration for All to Witness

Attending the Fiesta de la Luz has become a cherished ritual for locals and visitors alike. On November 11th and February 2nd, the cathedral opens its doors at 7:30 a.m., with entry through the Porta de l’Almoina, the eastern gate. Admission is free, allowing everyone the opportunity to experience this fleeting moment of wonder. As the cathedral fills with soft, morning light, a quiet anticipation falls over the crowd. By around 8:00 a.m., as the sun rises to just the right angle, the light projection begins, creating a captivating display of the figure of eight for all to see.

Experiencing the Fiesta de la Luz

Witnessing the Fiesta de la Luz is not just about observing a natural phenomenon; it’s about immersing oneself in a centuries-old tradition that marries art, science, and spirituality. The quiet awe of the spectators, the play of light and color, and the sense of historical continuity lend a profound feeling to this experience. For photographers, it offers a rare opportunity to capture the interplay of light and architecture in one of Europe’s most striking cathedrals, while for those seeking a moment of reflection, it provides an atmosphere of contemplation and peace.

Whether you’re a lover of history, an admirer of architecture, or simply drawn by the beauty of light, the Fiesta de la Luz at Palma Cathedral is an unforgettable experience. This festival invites us to pause, appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, and marvel at the ingenuity of those who came before us. As the light fades and the figure of eight dissolves, one is reminded of the ephemerality of beauty and the timeless allure of light in sacred spaces.

So, mark your calendar for November 11th or February 2nd, and arrive early to secure a spot for this magical encounter. It is a rare and moving event where light, faith, and human craftsmanship converge, leaving an indelible impression on all who witness it.

See more about the cathedral: https://catedraldemallorca.org/