Mallorca is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the train to the island this year, commemorating the historic first journey between Palma and Inca on 24 February 1875. To mark this milestone, the Government of the Balearic Islands and Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM) have organised a special programme throughout the year, with activities aimed at highlighting the role of the railway in the island’s economic, social, and cultural transformation.

The President of the Government, Marga Prohens, during the official event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the train in Mallorca at Palma’s Intermodal Station. Photo: CAIB.

The President of the Government, Marga Prohens, led the official event this Sunday at the Intermodal Station in Palma, where a commemorative plaque was unveiled, and the exhibition “150 Years of the Railway in Mallorca” was inaugurated. During the event, Prohens highlighted the Government’s commitment to modernising and expanding the railway network with projects such as the Llucmajor train and the extension of the metro to Parc Bit. “The train has been and will continue to be a driver of progress and social cohesion for Mallorca,” she stated.

The celebratory day continued with a special journey on the ‘Mallorca’ train, named in honour of the historic Nasmyth Wilson steam locomotive that completed the inaugural trip 150 years ago. Authorities and citizens travelled to Inca, where family activities, live music, and a popular vermouth event were held in Antoni Fluxà Square. The day saw the participation of the mayors of Palma and Inca, Jaime Martínez and Virgilio Moreno, respectively, as well as representatives from SFM and the Associació d’Amics del Ferrocarril.

A Year Full of Commemorative Activities

The 150th anniversary programme extends beyond the inaugural event. Throughout the year, the exhibition on the history of the railway will tour various municipalities, including Inca, Manacor, Marratxí, and Petra. Additionally, talks and conferences on the historical impact of the train in Mallorca will be held, along with photography and painting competitions open to all ages.

One of the key milestones planned is the publication of an educational book on the evolution of the railway on the island and the continuation of work towards establishing the future Railway Museum in Son Carrió. This project, developed in collaboration with the Town Council of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar and the Ferrocaib Foundation, aims to become a cultural and heritage reference centre.

Moreover, SFM will launch a cultural engagement programme featuring guided tours, workshops, and educational activities for schools and local associations, promoting awareness of the island’s railway legacy among younger generations.

As part of the celebrations, train and metro journeys were free of charge this Sunday and will also be on Monday, 24 February, the exact anniversary date, allowing residents and visitors to join in commemorating this historic event.