Being in Palma for the weekend of their famous carnival was a happy coincidence, but one that meant we could see the Sa Rua parade in all its glory. It may not be on the scale of Rio, but there’s colour and dazzling outfits as far as the eye can see in the 90 minute parade. If you have young kids they will love seeing everyone dressed up for the children’s parade, Sa Rueta, early on the Sunday morning before Lent.

The Sa Rua carnival takes to the streets of Palma’s medieval centre around 5pm on the Sunday with crowds gathering an hour before to get the best spot. This year’s theme was Carrer de Colors (Street of Colours) and it certainly lived up to its name with an array of colourful costumes. The creativity on view is amazing; from full length dresses made of newspapers to a set of crayons, minions and Roman centurions. My favourite had to be the flock of caged birds. There’s also a strong Bolivian contingent giving a touch of South American flavour to this Mallorcan celebration.

Dance routines and samba bands kept the procession moving from Avenida Jaume III to La Rambla and the crowd enjoying the show. With dozens of carnival crews and groups taking part, it’s an unmissable way to make your carnival weekend in Palma de Mallorca one you wont forget!

If you’re hungry afterwards, there is a fantastic mile-long market along the city walls by the sea which runs from Thursday – Sunday over the carnival weekend. Everything is on offer from local cheeses to candied nuts, freshly-cooked crisps to Mallorcan craft beer. There’s also an area within the market which specialises in local tapas from all different regions of Spain. For only 1 or 2 euros a tapa it’s an excellent place to refuel before you find a tapas bar for the night – Café Antiquari on Carrer Arabi is highly recommended for its great atmosphere, cool playlist and very tasty tapas.