History of Mallorca in Timeline

Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands and the seventh-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its stunning beaches, dramatic mountains (the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), picturesque villages, and vibrant capital city of Palma, it's a popular tourist destination. The island boasts a rich history evident in its architecture, cuisine, and culture, influenced by various civilizations throughout the centuries. While tourism is a major industry, Mallorca also has agriculture, producing almonds, olives, and wine.

1920: Jorge Luis Borges published La estrella

In 1920, Jorge Luis Borges published his poem "La estrella" in the regional magazine Baleares.

1921: Jorge Luis Borges published Catedral

In 1921, Jorge Luis Borges published his poem "Catedral" in the regional magazine Baleares, expressing his admiration for the Cathedral of Palma.

La catedral del mar

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1929: Joan Miró married Pilar Juncosa in Palma

In 1929, Joan Miró married Pilar Juncosa in Palma, Mallorca.

August 1936: Amphibious landing during the Spanish Civil War

On August 16, 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, Republican forces launched an amphibious landing on Mallorca, aiming to reclaim the island from the Nationalists.

1946: Robert Graves moves to Mallorca

In 1946, the English writer and poet Robert Graves moved to Mallorca with his family.

1954: Joan Miró settled permanently in Mallorca

In 1954, Joan Miró settled permanently in Mallorca.

1954: Camilo José Cela visits Pollença

In 1954, Nobel Prize winner Camilo José Cela visited Pollença, Mallorca, before settling permanently in Palma.

1956: Camilo José Cela founded Papeles de Son Armadans

In 1956, Camilo José Cela founded the magazine Papeles de Son Armadans.

1978: Creation of the Insular Council of Mallorca

In 1978, the Insular Council of Mallorca, also known as Council of Mallorca, was created as the specific government institution for the island.

1983: Indirect election of councilors

From 1983 to 2007, councilors were indirectly elected from the results of the election to Parliament of the Balearic Islands for the constituency of Mallorca.

1983: Palma becomes capital of the Balearic Islands

In 1983, Palma became the capital of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands.

1983: Balearic Islands become an autonomous region of Spain

In 1983, the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, became an autonomous region of Spain, granting them a degree of self-government.

1985: Death of Robert Graves

In 1985, Robert Graves died and was buried in the churchyard on a hill at Deià, Mallorca.

2005: Restaurants on the island of Mallorca

In 2005, the Mallorcan Tourist Board reported that there were over 2,400 restaurants on the island of Mallorca.

2006: "caso Andratx" scandal

In 2006, a scandal erupted in Port Andratx, named "caso Andratx" by El País, due to attempts to build illegally.

2007: Direct elections to elect the Council

Since 2007, separate direct elections are held to elect the Council of Mallorca.

2009: Incarceration of former mayor for bribery

In 2009, the former mayor of Andratx was incarcerated after being prosecuted for accepting bribes to permit illegal house building.

2010: Over 6 million visitors came to Mallorca

In 2010, Mallorca welcomed over 6 million visitors, marking a significant milestone in its tourism industry.

2011: Serra de Tramuntana registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2011, the Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2011: Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival

Since 2011, the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival has taken place annually every November.

2012: Increased usage of Palma de Mallorca Airport

Between 2012 and 2017, Palma de Mallorca Airport saw an increase in passenger use every year, highlighting its growing importance as a transportation hub.

2012: Announcement of intention to end preferential treatment for Catalan in schools

In 2012, the then-governing People's Party announced its intention to end preferential treatment for Catalan in the island's schools.

2013: Mallorca visited by nearly 9.5 million tourists

In 2013, Mallorca was visited by nearly 9.5 million tourists, with the Balearic Islands as a whole reaching 13 million tourists.

May 2015: Pro-Catalan party sweeps into power

In May 2015, an election swept a pro-Catalan party into power, leading to the dropping of the policy to end preferential treatment for Catalan in schools.