Night-time Pilgrimage to the Lluc Monastery: Island-wide Closures Announced

Night-time Pilgrimage: Lluc Calls, Roads Stand Still

When the lamps on village squares go out tonight and the first pilgrims set off with headlamps, it is time again for the Pujada a Lluc. The annual foot pilgrimage through the Serra de Tramuntana brings people from villages from Pollença to Estellencs toward the monastery—and presents real challenges to traffic on the island.

What drivers can expect

From Saturday evening, temporary closures and restrictions will apply on more than 60 roads. Major connections such as parts of the MA-10, access roads to the small mountain villages, and several municipal streets around Inca and Lluc are affected. The Consell de Mallorca has announced it will mix closures with short opening windows: specifically, sometimes opened for 10–15 minutes, then closed again.

Safety comes first – with many helpers

This year the island council is organizing the operation — local clubs are withdrawing or have reported staffing shortages. About 200 personnel are deployed: civil protection, municipal police, Guardia Civil, paramedics and supply drivers. Two operations centers, one in Inca, the other at the monastery, are to ensure coordination and radio communications. For the route, additional refreshment stations have been planned; at some points helpers with water bottles and thermal blankets are ready.

Tips if you are on the move

Anyone needing to be on the move this weekend should plan ahead: refuelling and parking options in Inca are limited from Saturday evening, and through routes near Bunyola and Selva can be crowded. Authorities recommend checking the Consell’s notices on X before departure and, if possible, using public transport or the early evening window. Residents with urgent appointments were asked to carry identification documents so that emergency services can prioritize in case of emergencies.

A piece of island tradition — with consequences

For many Majorcans, the night walk to the monastery is more than a trip: a ritual meant to bring families together. At the same time this means: communities, commuters and visitors must improvise. So if you see a larger police presence on the Coast Road on Saturday evening or encounter detours, the driver will still be glad if you stay calm and respect rail traffic—and perhaps have a thermos of coffee with you.

Short and to the point: plan, check, bring a little patience. The island has plenty of experience with such events, but a bit of preparation spares you stress — and gives the emergency services room to do their job.