In the Balearic Islands, and particularly in Mallorca, 26 December is marked as the feast of Saint Stephen, a date which, as in Catalonia, is recognised as the second day of Christmas. This day, popularly known in Catalan as Sant Esteve, is a public holiday with deep cultural and historical roots. Its origins lie in the influence of the Carolingian Empire in the region, a decisive factor that shaped the customs and traditions of the time and established a practice that has endured to the present day. This tradition is intrinsically linked to family gatherings and the travel conditions of earlier centuries.
The origins of this distinctive celebration are found in a crucial historical period: the era of the Carolingian Empire. During those centuries, what is now Catalonia lay within the sphere of influence of this powerful political entity, whose reach also extended significantly to Mallorca. At that time, religious festivals and family reunions held enormous social importance, while the distances separating members of the same family were often considerable. Travel, usually undertaken by cart or on foot, involved long and arduous journeys, making it essential to allow additional time both for the gathering itself and for the return journey home.
Christmas, as one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, brought families together in a single location. However, after the intensity of the festivities, an extra day was required to allow guests to begin their journey back. In this way, Saint Stephen’s Day became a natural extension of Christmas, giving families the necessary time for travel while also strengthening the emotional bonds between them. Over the centuries, this practice — born of a logistical and social need — became firmly established as an essential tradition in regions influenced by the Carolingians, including not only Mallorca and Catalonia but also Menorca.
Saint Stephen’s Day was soon institutionalised as an official public holiday, acquiring the popular name of the “second day of Christmas”. Far from fading over time, this custom has survived to the present day and remains a prominent date in the festive calendar of the Balearic Islands. Its continuity stands as a living testament to the strength of tradition and to the way historical circumstances can shape the social and cultural fabric of a community, transforming a practical necessity into a symbol of family unity and historical heritage.
Historical origins
Saint Stephen, whose feast day is celebrated on 26 December, is recognised as the protomartyr of Christianity, the first martyr to shed his blood for his faith. His feast falls strategically one day after Christmas — an arrangement which, while carrying its own theological significance, took on a particular practical dimension in certain parts of Europe. The link between this celebration and the Carolingian Empire is key to understanding its deep roots in places such as Mallorca and Catalonia. The Carolingian Empire, which reached its height under Charlemagne in the ninth century, was a political and cultural entity that sought to unify vast areas of western Europe under a single faith and administration.
Its influence extended through the Spanish March, a frontier zone that included what is now Catalonia and maintained close ties with the Balearic Islands. The Carolingian administration promoted the standardisation of religious and civil practices, and the need for an additional day for post-Christmas travel was incorporated into this framework. As a result, the celebration of Saint Stephen became an institutionalised and widespread practice, facilitating social and family cohesion at a time when mobility was a considerable challenge. This Carolingian legacy is the key to understanding the uniqueness of this feast in the Balearic and Catalan calendars, setting it apart from other regions of Spain where 26 December is not a public holiday.
Culinary traditions
Beyond its profound historical significance, the celebration of Saint Stephen’s Day in Mallorca — and more generally in areas where it is a public holiday — is closely associated with a range of culinary traditions that enrich the occasion. The most emblematic of these customs is undoubtedly the preparation and enjoyment of cannelloni. It is common for families to gather around the table to enjoy this dish, which is often made using leftovers from the lavish Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day lunch.
This tradition is not merely gastronomic; it symbolises continuity, resourcefulness and creativity in family cooking. Sant Esteve cannelloni have become an iconic dish, a true ritual that transforms leftover roast meats, chicken or cured meats into an exquisite meal, topped with béchamel sauce and cheese. This custom reflects a strong culture of avoiding waste, deeply rooted in Mediterranean society, and turns 26 December into a day of culinary enjoyment and togetherness, extending the festive spirit of Christmas.