Mallorca Curiosities: Siurells, Ensaïmades, and Traditions You Might Not Know

Unknown stories, special flavors, and objects or customs that don’t appear in travel guides are what make Mallorca such a special island. Today we’ll explain some of the most iconic, starting with two stars: the siurell and the ensaïmada.

What is a siurell and why does every Mallorcan have (or have had) one at home?

White figurines decorated with green and red, with a small whistle incorporated. That’s a siurell. And you’ve probably seen one at a Mallorcan market or restaurant. Don’t think of it as a souvenir; it’s a clay piece with a somewhat uncertain origin: some say Arab, others link it to ancient rituals, or to an Italian friar who had a pottery workshop in Sicily and moved to Mallorca…

Siurells were used as toys, amulets, and even decorative items in homes. Today, they are a symbol of identity, with each artisan adding a personal touch.

The ensaïmada: the queen of Mallorcan pastries (and its story)

If there’s one culinary delight that represents Mallorca, it’s undoubtedly the ensaïmada. This special sweet is made with patience and also significant amounts of lard – called “saïm” in Mallorcan, hence the name enSAÏMada. The ensaïmada appears in documents from the 17th century and has countless versions — cream, custard, angel hair (the most traditional), chocolate — but the classic “plain” version remains a favorite. Tip: you can try it at the breakfast buffets in most Universal Beach Hotels.

The ensaïmada appears in documents from the 17th century and has countless versions — cream, custard, angel hair (the most traditional), chocolate — but the classic “plain” version remains a favorite. Tip: you can try it at the breakfast buffets in most Universal Beach Hotels.

Other Mallorcan curiosities you might not know

The Serra de Tramuntana: a World Heritage site for a reason

It’s not just a spectacular landscape; it’s a unique agricultural system based on terraces, dry stone walls, and water channels. A perfect example of how humans adapted to the environment without harming it.

The tradition of the glosadors

The rappers and improvisers of medieval Mallorca. A kind of poetic “freestyle” that has been part of popular culture for centuries.

And you, what Mallorcan curiosity would you add?