Dance of the Cosiers. Feast of the Virgin Mary of Alaro.
Date: 30.05.26
Location: Alaro. Mallorca
Dance of the cosiers is one of the most vibrant and ancient Mallorcan traditions, stemming from the medieval times. This is a colorful ritual involving six dancers – a cosier, a lady (representing Good), and a demon (representing Evil). They are accompanied by musicians playing traditional Mallorcan instruments: the gaita, the flabiola, and the drum.
During the dance cosiers form a circle around the lady, protecting her from the demon, who is trying to break into the center. This dance symbolizes the constant battle between good and evil.
Special attention is paid to costumes: cosiers wear bright skirts, white trousers, colored ribbons, and hats with mirrors and flowers; the lady wears a long festive robe with bells; the demon wears a mask with horns and carries a whip or club.
The dance came to Mallorca from Catalonia with the migrants, after the conquest of the island by the Crown of Aragon in the 14th century.
The event features different folk traditions: a procession of giant figures, fun games, a festive mass and evening celebrations with music and a common meal.
Official website: https://visit.ajalaro.net/es_ES/event/festa-de-la-mare-de-deu-amb-el-ball-dels-cossiers-2026-05-30-839/register
Address: Los Damunt, 07340 Alaró, Mallorca, Illes Balears, España
