Every autumn, Campos hosts one of the traditional events of southern Mallorca, closely linked to agricultural activities, handicrafts and local gastronomy. During the fair, Tess de Mar joins the celebrations by adding a special menu to its offering.
The Fira d’Octubre de Campos, a Celebration of Tradition
For more than a century, this celebration has been part of life in the town. The Fira d’Octubre de Campos maintains its connection with the countryside, traditional trades and the flavours of Mallorcan cuisine.
A Fair with More Than a Century of History
The fair was officially established in 1911, linked to the agricultural and livestock activities of the Migjorn region. Over time, the celebration expanded to include handicrafts, local products and different expressions of popular culture, while retaining its role as a gathering place for residents and visitors.
The centre of Campos and its squares host stalls run by local producers and craftspeople, demonstrations of traditional trades and cultural activities. These events keep alive some of the customs that form part of the town’s history.
Sobrassada and the Flavours of Mallorcan Gastronomy
Sobrassada holds a prominent place at the fair because of its connection with traditional pig slaughtering, a custom that for generations shaped the preparation of family food stores for the colder months. Alongside it, other cured meats such as botifarrons, camaiot and blanquets are part of a gastronomic tradition that remains very much alive in Mallorca.
Frito mallorquín is another emblematic dish of this popular cuisine. The fair also brings together cheeses, wines and handmade products, as well as sweets prepared in convent and monastery kitchens across the island. One of the most distinctive events is the Mercadet de la Reina, dedicated to this tradition of convent-made confectionery.
The Dimonis, Part of Campos’ Popular Culture
S’Endimoniada, the correfoc performed by the Dimonis of Campos, is part of the fair’s celebrations. Wearing their characteristic masks and costumes, the dimonis parade through the streets carrying pitchforks fitted with pyrotechnics, sending sparks into the air to the rhythm of percussion.
This tradition brings together elements of Mallorcan popular culture and keeps alive a form of celebration in which music, fire and community participation play a central role.
Tess de Mar and the Gastronomy of the Fira d’Octubre de Campos
Food is an important part of the fair’s connection with local culture. The menu prepared by Tess de Mar for the occasion draws on Mallorcan gastronomic traditions and the ingredients associated with this time of year.
Mallorcan Recipes at Tess de Mar
Traditional Mallorcan cuisine is closely connected with produce from the land, fishing and traditional pig slaughtering. Chef Miquel Vila takes inspiration from this culinary heritage and reinterprets it using contemporary techniques, respecting the character of the ingredients and the gastronomic identity of Tess de Mar.
Autumn Ingredients and Their Connection with Mallorca
The choice of ingredients also reflects the season. Llampuga, or dolphinfish, is one of the fish most closely associated with autumn in Mallorca, with its fishing season running from late summer until December. Mushrooms and pumpkin bring other flavours typical of the season to the table.
The origin of other ingredients further strengthens the connection with the local area. Sóller red prawns evoke the island’s fishing heritage, while aged cheese from Sa Vinya, a cheesemaker in Campos, brings a product made near the restaurant to the menu.
During the fair, the special menu will be available alongside Tess de Mar’s regular menu. Guests can choose between the seasonal creation prepared for the occasion and the restaurant’s usual selection.
Campos, from the Fair to the Table
The Fira d’Octubre offers a way to discover local life through the customs, products and gastronomy of Campos.
A Different Way to Discover Local Gastronomy
For guests staying at Sa Creu Nova, the fair is an opportunity to discover the traditions of Campos. At Tess de Mar, this connection with Mallorca is also reflected in Mediterranean cuisine based on local and seasonal produce.
