In March the Fira del Fang (Clay Festival) is celebrated; it is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Mallorcan calendar. It is the only festival devoted exclusively to pottery and ceramics; during the festival, you will find hundreds of stands of local, Spanish and even international craftsmen. It is a true engine for the industry in villages like Pòrtol, which can look back on a tradition of more than 300 years.
The festival lasts one week. During the festival, the potters show their works at the La Verònica de Santa Marçal exhibition grounds, unique and exclusive pieces of craftsmanship. During your visit, you will be able to get to know the potters and see how they make some of the traditional instruments of Mallorca, such as clay pots or greixoneres. These inside lacquered pots are produced in different dimensions and heights are used to make typical dishes, such as stuffed aubergines, or Mallorcan soups (with seasonal vegetables and bread slices, which bring up the broth).
Another piece that you will fall in love with is the siurell, one of the most traditional clay figures in the island. It is an old clay whistle of the peasants with the figure of a man, a devil or an animal. In its most traditional version the siurell is painted white and decorated with red and green brushstrokes. This old-fashioned play seduced many artists, like Joan Miró, and inspired the potters to create new, imaginative creations with a Mediterranean flair.
During the festival you will find hundreds of stalls where you have the opportunity to buy all kinds of items: for the kitchen, dishes, or decorations, among many others. And if you feel like it, you can attend workshops and lectures throughout the week, attend exhibitions or music performances, or watch the production of objects using different techniques.
At the same time as the Fira del Fang, the Ruta Fang Tapa is celebrated; on this route you can enjoy the best gastronomic creations in the bars and restaurants of Pòrtol, Sa Cabaneta and Sant Marçal. They are prepared with the earthenware of the pottery shops of the village and offered at very affordable prices. Do not miss this route!
In Mallorca the tradition of pottery has been strongly represented in places such as Pòrtol and Sa Cabaneta. The red clay made it possible for the oldest potteries to establish themselves in the 18th century. Here you will find several workshops, which you can visit all year round and in which you can get to know the potters personally and buy their works.
In Sa Cabaneta is the Museu del Fang (Museum of the Clay), where you can discover objects from different eras of the island's history. The museum will surprise you!
