Mallorca connects with its roots on Dijous Bo

When we talk about sustainability, we tend to think of new technologies, renewable energy or emerging consumer habits. But there are places where the key to understanding the future lies, precisely, in looking to the past. One such place is the Dijous Bo in Inca, the largest traditional fair in Mallorca and one of the most important in the Balearic Islands, which fills the town with local producers, artisans and visitors every autumn.

Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when Inca had already become one of Mallorca's most important trading centres. There is evidence of markets and fairs linked to the agricultural calendar dating back to the 13th century, and Thursday became the day of the week set aside for buying and selling animals, tools and crops. Over time, that weekly market grew to become known as “Dijous Bo”, meaning Good Thursday, the most important day of the year for farmers and traders.

Nowadays, Dijous Bo marks the culmination of a series of three autumn fairs—dedicated to the land, sport and leisure, and the season—and the festivities of Santa Maria la Major. For weeks, Inca gears up with cultural activities, themed markets, and community gatherings. On the eve of the festival, known as “Dimecres Bo,” the streets come alive with concerts and a festive atmosphere, but the real highlight comes the following day, when the town centre transforms into a sprawling marketplace dedicated to local produce and heritage.

One of the most iconic venues is the Plaça del Bestiar, where the Mallorcan black pig (porc negre mallorquí) conformation competition is held, along with exhibitions of other native breeds. Beyond mere curiosity or photogenic appeal, these shows serve a clear purpose: to remind us that behind every animal lie years of hard work, selective breeding and expertise, and that preserving these breeds also means preserving a model of livestock farming that is deeply rooted in the local landscape. At the same time, the fair offers educational areas and activities designed to help young people discover a world that is becoming increasingly distant from their everyday lives.

Just a few metres away, the streets are lined with local food products, including olive oil, trencades olives, wines, cured meats, nuts, honey, jams, cheeses, and traditional Mallorcan pastries. In a single morning, you can explore dozens of small-scale projects that rely on the land and find a prime showcase at Dijous Bo. Shopping at these stalls isn’t just about filling a bag; it’s about supporting family farms, artisans and local economies that help preserve Mallorca’s rural way of life.

Traditional crafts are another of the fair’s main attractions. Leather and leather goods—a hallmark of Inca—along with ceramics, textiles, woodwork, jewellery and embroidery, form a tapestry of traditional crafts which, without fairs like this, would risk disappearing in a globalised market. The fair enables artisans and potters to sell their work directly, explain their craft, and connect with an audience looking for unique, locally made products.

From a sustainability perspective, Dijous Bo functions as a small open-air workshop. On the one hand, it promotes short supply chains: producers and consumers meet face to face, cutting out the middlemen and reducing the need for transport. On the other hand, it promotes local tourism during the low season: thousands of people travel to Inca in the autumn, often by train from Palma or from towns in the Raiguer region, taking advantage of the increased train services. It is a clear example of how a traditional fair can help to counter seasonal fluctuations and boost the economy outside the summer months.

The cultural dimension adds to the event’s sustainable value. In addition to the programme of events, the city hosts concerts, folk dances, exhibitions, guided tours and the Dijous Bo Awards, which recognise organisations, artists, schools, associations and giant figures (gegants) performance groups that work to promote culture and social cohesion. In this way, the fair is not merely a day of consumerism, but becomes an opportunity to strengthen the community’s sense of identity.

In short, Dijous Bo is so much more than just a grand fair. It is a space where rural work is brought to the forefront, where local production becomes an economic driver, and where tradition proves that it can be a tool for the future. At a time when there is much talk of food sovereignty, the climate emergency and more responsible tourism models, this event offers a different perspective on Mallorca: that of an island that knows how to care for what is its own and showcase it to the world with pride and responsibility.

To a first-time visitor, it may just seem like a huge fair. To those who see it in a different light, Dijous Bo is proof of something fundamental: that preserving traditions, protecting our heritage and supporting local produce are three cornerstones of a more sustainable future for our villages and the surrounding countryside.