In Palma was on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, the expected light phenomenon Vuit de la Seu did not occur. Thick cloud prevented direct sunlight from entering Palma Cathedral, so the characteristic figure of eight made of light did not appear. According to the cathedral and matching reports by Europa Press, around 1,900 people had gathered early in the morning for the Festa de la Llum ; the church opened at 7:30 am for the occasion.
Vuit de la Seu is an optical effect that occurs in the cathedral on only two fixed dates each year: 2 February and 11 November. When the rising sun shines unobstructed through the large rose window, the rosetó, its coloured pattern is projected onto the opposite interior wall. At the same time, the light reaches the second large rose window, so that the two windows form a figure of eight as overlapping circles. Clear skies and direct sunlight are essential; even an unbroken layer of cloud makes the projection invisible.
The cathedral administration had invited people to the Festa de la Llum and announced the special opening hours for 11 November 2026 in advance. Weather-related cancellations are not unusual: regional media note that cloud has also prevented the phenomenon from being seen several times in previous years. The cathedral also regularly points out that viewing depends entirely on the weather and cannot be guaranteed.
The next opportunity to see the phenomenon is scheduled for 2 February, weather permitting. The arrangements are generally much the same: the cathedral opens early in the morning so visitors can make use of the brief period when the angle of the sunlight allows the projection to appear. The cathedral provides further organisational details shortly before each date.
The light effect that failed to appear this time remains a major draw for visitors to Mallorca. The interplay of architecture and the sun’s position makes Vuit de la Seu a rare event that attracts attention beyond the Balearic Islands, while also highlighting the limits imposed by natural conditions: no sun, no figure of eight.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).