On the night of December 24, during the Christmas Eve Maitines, churches across Mallorca celebrate the traditional Song of the Sibyl. This ancient ritual, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage, features a lone singer —typically a child or youth— walking through the church nave with a sword and a candle, accompanied by altar boys carrying lit candles. The song, of medieval origin, foretells the Final Judgment and the coming of the Savior.
The performance is a cappella, with brief organ interludes between verses, preserving the original Gregorian-style melody. The solitary voice, dimly lit church, candlelight, the procession, and the symbolism create a deeply moving, solemn, and timeless experience.
Approximate time: Between 10:00 PM and 11:30 PM, depending on the church; at the Cathedral of Mallorca, it usually starts around 10:30 PM.
Some of the most emblematic venues are the Cathedral of Mallorca (in Palma) and the Sanctuary of Lluc (in Escorca), though many parishes across the island preserve the tradition.
This event is more than a religious service: it is a living link to Mallorca’s history, culture, and identity —a Christmas experience that moves and enchants those who witness it.
