History and Culture of Sóller
Sóller is a municipality located in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on the island of Mallorca, nestled in a valley with access to the sea. It shares borders with the towns of Fornalutx, Bunyola, Deià, and Escorca. The municipality spans 42.56 km² and has a population of 13,491 inhabitants (as of 2021). It consists of four distinct areas: Sóller, Biniaraix, L’Horta, and the Port of Sóller.
The area of Sóller is home to some of the oldest archaeological evidence of human presence on the island of Mallorca, with remains found in places such as Muleta. Over the centuries, various cultures have inhabited the island, each leaving their mark on the valley. This is reflected in place names of Pre-Roman, Arab, and Catalan origin.
During the Middle Ages, the region developed an important olive-growing tradition in the mountains, shaping the landscape with terraced fields. In the valley’s lower areas, horticultural farming flourished, along with a thriving textile manufacturing industry. The production in Sóller served both local consumption and export markets, primarily France, Valencia, and Barcelona.
From the second half of the 19th century, many locals emigrated to the Americas and Europe, a phenomenon that had a significant social and economic impact on the town. This migratory trend, with periods of fluctuation, continued until the 1940s.
At the same time, Sóller’s textile industry underwent a major transformation, becoming increasingly mechanized. As many as eighteen factory buildings were constructed in the area, and products were exported via the Port of Sóller.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sóller experienced a period of economic prosperity, which brought with it a boom in social, cultural, and urban development. Eager to showcase their newly acquired wealth, returning emigrants, industrialists, and merchants built or renovated manor houses, often adopting the Modernist architectural style that still characterizes many buildings in the town today.
Our Traditions and Festivals
Dances, music, Saint Anthony, Carnival, Easter, Fira i Firó, Saint Peter, Saint Bartholomew, neighborhood festivals, Christmas, heritage elements…
In Sóller, there is a long-standing tradition of performing traditional Mallorcan dances (Ball de Bot). The municipality has been a pioneer in reviving these folkloric expressions. Thanks to local cultural groups such as Aires Sollerics and Estol de Tramuntana, traditional dances like boleros, jotas, and others are kept alive and continue to evolve today.
Traditional music is also a key part of Sóller’s cultural identity. Just like with the dances, Sóller has played a leading role in preserving and reviving the island’s folk music, thanks again to the work of groups like Aires Sollerics, Estol de Tramuntana, and the local Xeremiers (traditional Mallorcan bagpipers).
The town also proudly supports a municipal band, a choir, and several DJs and contemporary music bands that take part in many events and concerts throughout the year.
The festival of Saint Anthony, patron saint of animals, is celebrated on January 17. On the evening of the 16th, the town lights a traditional bonfire in Plaça de la Constitució, where people gather for music, dance, and grilled food. In recent years, the festival has featured performances by demon troupes like Esclatabutzes and Estol de Tramuntana, adding a modern twist to an age-old tradition.
Throughout January, the Valley extends the bonfire celebrations, organized by local cultural associations, political groups, and neighborhood communities, with barbecues (“torrades”) featuring Mallorcan sausages like sobrassada, botifarró, and longaniza.
One of the most important religious and cultural festivals in Sóller, Holy Week is celebrated with deep devotion. Highlights include the Palm Sunday Mass, the Holy Thursday and Good Friday processions, and the “Encuentro” (The Encounter) on Easter Sunday morning.
It’s also traditional for families to prepare typical Easter dishes such as panades, robiols, and frit de Pasqua.
Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is honored on June 29 in the Port of Sóller, the municipality’s second-largest area. Though organized by local residents, it attracts large crowds from across the valley and is a highlight of the summer festivities.
The biggest celebration in Sóller, taking place on the second Sunday of May and the following Monday.
The Fira showcases local products with long-standing events like the livestock fair, crafts market, and flower exhibitions.
The Firó, held on Monday, commemorates the historic pirate attack on May 11, 1561. The event features a reenactment with hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators.
It’s traditional to eat snails, a local specialty, during these festivities.
The feast of Saint Bartholomew, patron saint of Sóller, is celebrated on August 24. These are some of the most lively and well-attended festivities of the year. The highlight is the “Correfoc” (fire run), organized for over two decades by the local demon troupe Esclatabutzes.
During the summer months, each neighborhood (barriada) in the valley organizes its own popular street festival, offering a family-friendly, community atmosphere every weekend. These events are rooted in tradition and local pride.
Sóller takes pride in preserving its rich heritage. The town is home to numerous ethnological elements, such as springs, old pathways, dry-stone terraces, and lime kilns, all closely tied to the Serra de Tramuntana, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The valley is also considered one of Mallorca’s centers of Modernist architecture, second only to Palma.
Excellent examples include:
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Can Prunera (Modernist museum)
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The parish church of Sant Bartomeu
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The Bank of Sóller, designed by Joan Rubió, a disciple of Antoni Gaudí
A Sóller hi ha una llarga tradició en la representació de les dances tradicionals mallorquines (Ball de Bot). El municipi ha estat pioner en la recuperació d’aquests balls. Gràcies a agrupacions com Aires Sollerics i Estol de Tramuntana els balls tradicionals (boleros, jotes, mateixes, etc.) es mantenen vius i en constant evolució.
La música tradicional també és un element molt important en la cultura sollerica. Igual que va ocórrer amb els balls, des de la Vall de Sóller hem estat pioner i capdavanters amb el manteniment i en la recuperació de les músiques tradicionals de l’illa. Gràcies a les agrupacions folklòriques Aires Sollerics i Estol de Tramuntana o el grup Xeremiers de Sóller.
També cal destacar l’existència d’una banda de música, una coral i diversos Dj’s i grups de música contemporània que participen en múltiples actes i concerts al llarg de l’any.
