Palma de Mallorca is especially happening these days, with a young vibe and the recent honor of being declared “best place to live in the world” by Britain’s Sunday Times. Plus several years ago, in a trendy but not particularly touristy area below the Plaça Major in Old Town, a dozen bars created a weekly event that has become a hit among locals and visitors alike, transforming once slow Tuesday and now also Wednesday nights in Majorca’s capital. The Ruta Martiana (Tuesday Trail) is a tapas crawl which covers the main streets of a district called Sa Gerreria, back in the day a stronghold of the island’s traditional trade guilds and now something of a party central, particularly popular with students and twentysomethings.
So what’s the deal, exactly? Basically, participating establishments (dubbed los hijos de ruta, a pun on the Spanish for SOBs) offer a pincho (aka tapa) and a drink (wine, beer, soft drink) for as little as 2 euros. And in addition, between 6:30 pm and 9 pm, you can also get more substantial combination platters for 4 euros. All this is not only a boon for student budgets, but also a chance to rub shoulders with some very enthusiastic young locals eagerly taking advantage of these extraordinary deals.
Perhaps the trail’s best known member is El Molta Barra (Pes de la Farina 12), but it has plenty of distinguished company in tapas bars like L’Ambigú (Carnissería 1) and Ca La Seu (Corderia 17), which serve up a wide variety of classic Spanish tapas along with local delicacies like pa amb oli (bread with sausage, tomato, and olive oil).
All goes to show that with a touch of creativity, even the most “boring” nights of the week can sizzle…
Photo | WolfgangV PB
