Hundreds of people enjoy the "Festival of Light," slightly dimmed by the clouds. | P. PELLICER
The feast of Saint Martin (November 11) and Candlemas (February 2) are the same number of days before and after the winter solstice.
In Palma, these two days have come to be known for the Festival of Light, when the early sunlight passes through the giant eastern window of the Cathedral and forms a reflection below its smaller western counterpart - the eight, which is said to have all manner of spiritual significance.
It is believed that mathematics were applied in ensuring this phenomenon. But as is so often the case with history when the facts can’t be established for certain, there is the counter view that there was a degree of luck involved.
Whatever the truth behind the phenomenon, it was once suggested that it could contribute to tackling tourism seasonality. Has it? That’s doubtful.