All About Mallorca / Majorca
Welcome to Mallorca - Live The Dream the brand new Mallorca information website. If there is anything you need to know about Mallorca chances are we will be able to help you. So please take your time to look around and find out about the wonderous place that is Mallorca.
History
The first colonies in the Balearic Islands were believed to be from the Iberian Penisula in the 5thBC, however a cave in Mallorca known as Canet proved that there were colonies on the Island as far back as the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages. In the year 123BC Quinto Cecilio Metelo invaded the Island for the Romans, there were many other invasions from various states all the way up to the year 902 when the Arabs dictated the Island.
The Island was conquered by King James I of Aragon and populated by people from Catalan, after his death James II created the independent kingdom of Mallorca. The war of succession saw the kingdom of Mallorca disappear whereupon the Island lost its identity and privileges. In 1708-1756 there were a succession of invasions and at one point in 1763-1782 the English government reigned supreme, there was then a return to Spanish sovereignty then a brief English domination in 1798-1802.
In the 20th Century the Island was handed over to Franco’s troops, this occurred in 1936. Whilst still under Franco in the 1960’s the Island itself began to flourish and the modern day influence of Tourism pushed the country to where it is today.
Culture
The Mallorquins, as they are known inhabit the Island of Mallorca. Ibizencos, Menorquins and Formenterans inhabit the other Balearic Islands and they do not always see eye to eye however they all have roots that have developed over the centuries and give us the Mallorca and Balearic islands of today. The population of the island has doubled since the early 1950’s and there are a large number of expatriates on the island mainly from Germany and the UK. The island itself still maintains many of the old cultures in the towns hidden around the many beauty spots, here you will find home made bread, wine and other local produce. Every week in the summer period at least one village will celebrate a major festival. It is worthwhile visiting one of these to experience the local culture.
Religion and Languages
On the island there are two official spoken languages, Catalan and Spanish, Catalan is a dialect spoken on the island. You will find nearly 60% of the island will have a good understanding of English. If you visit the many tourist spots this increases to 90%.
Mallorca is a Catholic island and was ruled by the church; however since the death of Franco in 1975 the churches influence over the island has declined. With the influx of expatriates certain traditions have swayed, however most families and schools still teach a strong church related catholic upbringing, and every year over 50,000 islanders visit a monastery known as Lluc, where the islands patron saint lived – La Moreneta.
Economy
The islands economy revolves around Tourism. In 1966 1million tourists visited the island and by the year 2006 over 9million were visiting the island. 38% of these visitors were German and 28% were British. The islands GDP is more than 50% above the Spanish average, with over two thirds of the islanders working in the tourist industry.
