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Inca, Spain
Inca, Spain
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Inca (Balearic Catalan: [ˈiŋkə]) is a town on the Spanish island of Mallorca. The population of the municipality is 32,137 (2018) in an area of 58.4 km2.

Key Information

There is a junction station on Mallorca's rail network with trains to Palma, the island's capital, to Sa Pobla, and to Manacor.

Inca is home of the footwear company "Camper".

Inca was known for its wine cellars. The town, like its neighboring municipality Binissalem, was a mass producer of wine from the 17th to 19th centuries when phylloxera destroyed the industry and its inhabitants turned to other activities such as tanning and leather craftsmanship. Many old wine cellars are being used as restaurants for serving traditional Mallorcan dishes like sopes mallorquines, tombet and gató d'ametlles.

Twin towns – sister cities

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Inca is twinned with:

References

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from Grokipedia
Inca is a and town situated in the central interior of , within the Raiguer region of Spain's autonomous community. Covering an area of 58.34 square kilometers, it serves as a key residential, industrial, and commercial hub, with a population of 35,654 inhabitants as of 1 2024. Historically, the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, featuring Talayotic settlements that persisted through Roman occupation until the , followed by an Islamic period when it was known as "Inkán" and included hydraulic systems such as siniés and qanats. The town's modern development accelerated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the arrival of the railway in 1875 and establishment of a gas factory around 1901, which bolstered its emerging and sector that originated from 19th-century workshops, including the foundational shoe factory of Antonio Fluxà in 1877—now linked to the global brand Camper. Economically, Inca remains Mallorca's premier center for leather goods production, hosting over a hundred factories at its peak in the 1930s and continuing to drive local industry alongside and . The town is also famous for its vibrant Thursday market, one of the island's largest, where vendors sell fresh produce, artisanal items, and textiles, drawing crowds for its cultural and economic significance. Complementing this are traditional cellers—rustic cellar-restaurants serving hearty Mallorcan dishes like arròs brut and pa amb oli—and annual events such as the Dijous Bo (Good Thursday) fair, which celebrates local heritage with livestock shows, crafts, and festivities. Among Inca's notable landmarks is the Baroque-style Church of Santa María la Mayor, a 17th-century architectural gem with twin towers overlooking the main square, alongside convents like Sant Domingo and Sant Francesc that reflect the town's religious history. Positioned roughly halfway between and the northern town of Pollensa, Inca functions as a vital transport junction with its railway station, facilitating connectivity across the island while maintaining a blend of industrial vitality and preserved cultural traditions.

Geography

Location and Topography

Inca is situated at coordinates 39°43′N 2°55′E, in the central part of the island of , forming part of the of Raiguer in the of . The municipality encompasses an area of 58.34 km² and lies at an average elevation of 120 meters above . The of Inca consists of flat to gently rolling characteristic of the Raiguer plain, which serves as a transitional zone between the rugged mountains to the west and the broader central plains of . This positioning places Inca roughly midway between the urban center of to the south and Alcúdia Bay to the north, contributing to its role as a regional hub. Inca functions as an important transport junction, particularly for the island's rail network, where lines from Palma converge and branch toward Sa Pobla in the north and in the east.

Climate

Inca experiences a , classified as Csa under the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. This classification reflects the region's temperate oceanic influences moderated by its inland position in the Pla de Mallorca, where surrounding topography helps temper extreme temperature fluctuations. Average annual temperatures in Inca hover around 17.2°C (63°F), with summers reaching highs of up to 29°C (85°F) in August and lows around 19°C (66°F), while winters feature highs of about 14°C (57°F) in and lows near 4°C (40°F). These seasonal variations support a comfortable growing period, though summer heat can occasionally exceed 30°C (86°F). Annual precipitation totals approximately 499 mm (19.6 inches), predominantly falling during autumn and winter months, with being the wettest at around 70 mm (2.8 inches) and July the driest at less than 10 mm (0.4 inches). This distribution results in low summer rainfall, contributing to dry conditions that necessitate seasonal agricultural adjustments. The region's flat plain topography exposes Inca to environmental vulnerabilities, including periodic droughts exacerbated by and occasional flash flooding from intense autumnal rains, which influence local water management strategies such as reservoir maintenance and irrigation planning. These risks are part of broader trends in the , where increasing precipitation variability heightens the need for adaptive measures.

History

Pre-Roman and Roman Periods

The region of Inca, located in central , was first settled during the , which emerged around 1300 BC and persisted until the Roman conquest. This prehistoric society is known for its megalithic constructions, including talayots—large, circular or square stone towers used for defensive, ceremonial, or residential purposes—and evidence of organized agricultural communities focused on dry-stone farming and livestock rearing. Archaeological traces indicate several Talaiotic settlements in the Inca area, reflecting a dense population that exploited the fertile plains for . The Roman conquest of the , including , occurred in 123 BC under the command of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus, who subdued local Talaiotic resistance and incorporated the islands into the as part of . Metellus's campaign targeted piracy in the western Mediterranean, establishing Roman control over strategic island outposts; Inca, due to its inland central position, likely served as a supporting rather than a major urban center like Palma or Pollentia. Under Roman rule, which lasted until the AD, the area around Inca benefited from imperial agricultural innovations, notably the introduction of that transformed local farming practices and laid the foundations for Mallorca's wine production. Infrastructure developments, such as improved water management systems and networks connecting inland sites to coastal ports, facilitated and , with Inca's location enhancing its role as a waystation for goods and travelers. The decline of Roman authority in the began with the fall of the around 476 AD, leading to economic contraction and abandonment of many rural sites. This period of instability transitioned into influences from the on the , which exerted nominal oversight over the islands amid broader Germanic migrations, setting the stage for later medieval shifts.

Medieval and Early Modern Era

During the Muslim period, beginning with the conquest of in 902 AD, Inca was established as one of the twelve alqueries, or administrative districts, on the island, falling under the influence of the after its ruler Mujāhid al-ʿĀmirī seized control of the Balearics in 1015. This organization emphasized agricultural development, with local economy centered on advanced irrigation techniques that supported the cultivation of crops such as cereals, olives, and figs, transforming the arid landscape into productive farmland typical of Islamic . The Christian reconquest arrived in 1229 under , whose forces captured after a decisive battle on December 31, marking the end of three centuries of Muslim rule; Inca is referenced in James I's contemporary chronicle, the Llibre dels feits, as part of the conquered territories. Following the conquest, the area was repopulated primarily by Catalan settlers from the mainland, who brought new agricultural practices and established feudal structures under royal grants. In 1300, issued a , or charter of privileges, to Inca on March 5, granting exemptions from certain taxes and promoting commercial activities, which laid the foundation for its emergence as a regional trade hub. A notable development in the mid-14th century was the establishment of Inca's Jewish quarter, or call, in 1346 by order of Peter IV of Aragon; this followed violent anti-Jewish riots in Palma earlier that year, prompted by the governor Gilabert de Centelles to relocate and protect Jewish families from urban tensions in the capital. The call fostered a vibrant community engaged in commerce, crafts, and medicine, contributing to Inca's economic diversity amid the challenges of the Black Death and ongoing feudal tensions. In the early , under Habsburg rule beginning with Charles I in 1516, Inca solidified its role as a , with the medieval enabling the growth of weekly fairs like the precursor to the modern Dijous Bo, which originated in the as an agricultural and exchange. Religious institutions played a key role in social consolidation, exemplified by the founding of the of Sant Francesc in 1325 by Franciscan friars authorized by , which became a center for education and charity through the 15th and 16th centuries. This period saw steady population growth and infrastructural improvements, positioning Inca as a vital inland node in Mallorca's Habsburg-era economy before the onset of later industrial shifts.

Industrial Transformation

During the 17th to 19th centuries, Inca established itself as a prominent hub for wine production in , rivaling the nearby town of Binissalem in output and significance to the island's economy. The area's fertile plains and favorable climate supported expansive vineyards, prompting the construction of numerous cellers—robust stone structures designed for fermenting, storing, and aging wine prior to export to mainland and beyond. By the late , annual wine production in Inca had reached substantial levels, with records indicating approximately 200,000 liters in alone, underscoring the industry's role in local prosperity and trade. The epidemic, which arrived in around 1891, abruptly ended this era by ravaging the vineyards and obliterating nearly all cultivation on the island. This aphid-induced plague triggered a severe in Inca, resulting in massive , abandoned farmlands, and the shuttering of many cellers as the wine trade halted. The crisis forced residents to seek alternative livelihoods, marking a pivotal turning point in the town's . The economic shift led to the emergence of a industry by the early , initially centered on small-scale workshops producing shoes, belts, and other from locally sourced materials. Inca quickly gained renown as the "city of ," with these operations laying the groundwork for mechanized production and transforming the town into a specialized . In the aftermath of the (1936–1939), the sector underwent rapid industrialization, fueled by postwar reconstruction efforts and increasing demand for durable footwear and accessories. Factories expanded, employing thousands and solidifying as Inca's economic mainstay, with workshops evolving into large-scale operations that integrated modern techniques while preserving artisanal quality. A landmark development occurred in 1975 with the founding of Camper by Lorenzo Fluxà, whose family had deep roots in Inca's tradition dating back to 1877; the company revolutionized casual footwear design, elevating the town's global profile in the industry.

Demographics

Population Statistics

As of January 1, 2024, the of Inca has a population of 35,654 inhabitants, according to official data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE). This represents an increase from 32,137 residents recorded in , reflecting consistent demographic expansion over the intervening years. The population of Inca has shown steady growth since the early , when it stood at approximately 10,000 inhabitants, with 9,439 recorded in the 1920 census. This expansion, reaching current levels, has been driven by industrialization and internal and external migration patterns. By 2023, the figure had risen to 34,577, underscoring an annual growth rate of about 3% in recent years. Inca's population density is approximately 611 inhabitants per square kilometer, calculated over its 58.34 km² area, with the majority concentrated in the urban core.

Social Composition

Inca's social composition features a near-balanced gender distribution as of 2024. This slight female majority aligns with broader trends in the , where women constitute approximately 50.1% of the total population. The age structure underscores an aging society. This distribution reflects a demographic shift driven by low birth rates and youth emigration to urban centers like in search of education and employment opportunities, contributing to the town's maturing population profile. Ethnically, Inca's residents are predominantly native Mallorcans who speak Catalan as their primary language, alongside Spanish, with the local Mallorquín dialect prevalent in daily interactions. Since the 2000s, migration patterns have diversified the community through an influx from —particularly and —and , mainly , resulting in about 22.6% of the population being foreign-born. This group fosters a strong local identity, with residents identifying as Inqueras or Inqueros, emphasizing cultural ties to the town's heritage.

Economy

Leather and Footwear Industry

The leather and footwear industry in Inca originated in the late as an adaptation to the plague, which devastated the island's vineyards around 1891 and collapsed the wine sector. Local residents repurposed abandoned wine cellars for tanning hides, leveraging the availability of vegetable from local plants and initiating small-scale processing operations. This shift transformed Inca into a center for craftsmanship, with workshops emerging to produce basic goods like belts and saddles. By the late , Inca had solidified its position as Mallorca's primary leather hub, with workshops evolving into larger factories that specialized in high-quality hides processed through traditional methods. The footwear sector took root in the early , building on this foundation to produce espadrilles and simple shoes, which gained traction for their durability and craftsmanship. Throughout the , the industry expanded significantly, with exports driving growth; by the 1920s, footwear and goods accounted for about 14% of Mallorca's output, enabling shipments to mainland Spain and beyond as demand for premium products rose. This period marked Inca's transition from local artisanry to an export-oriented economy, supported by innovations in production techniques and the establishment of cooperative networks. At its peak in the 1930s, the sector hosted over a hundred factories. A flagship example is Camper, founded in 1975 in Inca by Lorenzo Fluxà, drawing on his family's shoemaking heritage dating back to 1877 when Antonio Fluxà established a workshop in the town. Camper revolutionized the sector by blending traditional Mallorcan techniques with contemporary design, producing innovative casual footwear that emphasized comfort and style; the company now employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people globally, with its headquarters and primary in Inca supporting thousands of jobs. Annually, Camper manufactures approximately 4 million pairs of shoes, contributing to the industry's scale through a network of specialized suppliers and factories in the region. Other notable firms, such as Pons Quintana and Castañer, further anchor Inca's reputation for quality leather goods. The and industry remains Inca's economic cornerstone. However, has introduced challenges, including competition from low-cost imports and fluctuating prices, prompting a strategic pivot toward and designer branding. Initiatives like through the Leather Working Group and eco-friendly tanning processes, as adopted by Camper, underscore efforts to meet international standards for ethical sourcing and reduced environmental impact, ensuring the sector's resilience amid evolving global markets.

Agriculture, Markets, and Tourism

Inca's agricultural sector reflects the broader Mediterranean traditions of , where farming has long centered on subsistence crops suited to the island's dry climate and rocky soils. Historically, the region produced olives for oil, almonds, cereals such as and , and vineyards for wine, supporting local economies through both consumption and trade. The epidemic, which ravaged European vineyards in the late , severely impacted Inca's wine production, leading to widespread destruction of grapevines across . In response, farmers diversified into more resilient crops like olives and almonds, which became staples alongside cereals and other dryland agriculture, helping to sustain rural livelihoods during the recovery period that lasted into the early . In the 21st century, small-scale viticulture has seen a revival in Inca and surrounding areas, driven by renewed interest in indigenous grape varieties and sustainable practices. This resurgence has integrated modern techniques with traditional methods, allowing vineyards to coexist with olive and almond groves while contributing to Mallorca's growing wine tourism and export sector. The weekly Dijous Bo market, translating to "Good Thursday," has operated every Thursday since , with origins tracing back to century when Inca received royal permission to host fairs. As Mallorca's largest traditional market, it features over 300 stalls spread across the town's streets and squares, selling a mix of goods from local artisans, fresh produce and foodstuffs like cheeses and , and including sheep, goats, and poultry. The annual edition of Dijous Bo, held in , stands as a major event showcasing the island's rural economy through exhibitions of farming machinery, livestock breeds, and artisanal crafts. This gathering draws over 100,000 visitors, providing a platform for demonstrations of modern agricultural tools alongside traditional and handmade products, reinforcing community ties and economic exchange. This market serves as a vital commercial hub, fostering direct sales between producers and consumers while preserving cultural practices tied to Inca's agrarian heritage. It attracts locals and visitors alike, emphasizing seasonal goods and handmade items that highlight the town's non-industrial economic vitality. Tourism in Inca has emerged as a complementary sector to and markets, leveraging the town's historic cellars—originally built for wine storage and now converted into cozy restaurants serving authentic Mallorcan dishes like pa amb oli and roast . These venues offer an immersive experience of local cuisine in atmospheric settings, appealing to those seeking cultural depth beyond coastal resorts. Factory outlets for and , tied to Inca's renowned industry, provide affordable access to high-quality goods, drawing shoppers year-round. Enhanced by convenient rail access via the Soller train line from Palma, which runs frequent services, the town sees growing footfall from day-trippers exploring its blend of heritage and . In 2025, continues to expand, supported by these amid Mallorca's overall visitor recovery.

Government and Administration

Local Governance

Inca serves as a municipality within the Balearic Islands autonomous community of Spain and functions as the capital of the Raiguer comarca in Mallorca. The local government is structured as an ayuntamiento, or town council, which handles administrative functions including urban development, public services, and community welfare. The ayuntamiento is led by Mayor Virgilio Moreno Sarrió of the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE), who has held the position since June 2015 and was reelected in the 2023 municipal elections. Assisting the mayor are deputy mayors, including First Deputy Mayor María del Carmen Oses Ramos (PSOE), responsible for equality, public spaces, and services; Second Deputy Mayor Alice Weber (MÉS per Inca), overseeing culture, language, heritage, and memory; and Third Deputy Mayor Sebastián Oriol Díaz (PSOE), managing labor organization, regulatory compliance, and contracting. The council comprises 21 members, known as concejales, elected by universal suffrage every four years, with the most recent election occurring in May 2023. Key administrative functions are distributed across specialized areas, often managed through dedicated committees or delegations, including (led by Andreu Caballero, covering urbanism, housing, mobility, museums, and conservatory), (under Miguel Ángel Cortés, focusing on city promotion, , and digital management), and (via Alice Weber's portfolio). These bodies facilitate decision-making on local policies, budgeting, and implementation of municipal projects. The council operates through plenary sessions and a junta de gobierno, ensuring democratic oversight of expenditures and initiatives. In the 2020s, the has prioritized , with initiatives such as the 2025 completion of the heat island mitigation project, which expanded and urban green spaces to combat effects. Green energy efforts include participation in the Energy Challenge program, promoting energy savings and renewable adoption across municipal facilities. projects, like the 2025 refurbishment of the historic Calle dels Gerrers to enhance pedestrian areas and prohibit parking, further support these goals by improving environmental resilience and public accessibility.

Twin Towns and International Projects

Inca maintains formal partnerships with Lompoc in the United States and Telpaneca in , fostering cultural, educational, and developmental exchanges. The relationship with , was established in 1984 through efforts led by former Lompoc mayor Mitch Andrew and Dr. Bartolome Font Abrador from Inca, aiming to build ties based on shared historical and cultural interests, including the birthplace connection to Father Mariano Payeras de Borras, a Franciscan born in Inca who founded missions in California. These exchanges have included mutual visits, such as Lompoc residents exploring Inca's leather heritage and wine cellars, and the naming of a street in Inca after Lompoc to symbolize the bond. The partnership with Telpaneca, , dates back to 2001 and focuses on in , management, , and local economic support, reflecting Inca's commitment to decentralized international . In 2008, the de Inca funded a collection project in Telpaneca that benefited 186 families by constructing structures on a nearby hill, improving access to clean in rural communities. This initiative earned third prize in the 2018 PLATFORMAwards for exemplary town twinning, recognizing achievements in and community empowerment, with the partnership remaining active as of 2025 through continued exchanges in agriculture and . These relationships have broader impacts on Inca's local by promoting from international visitors interested in the town's and industry, as well as facilitating skill-sharing in craftsmanship and sustainable practices. For instance, delegations from Lompoc have highlighted Inca's artisanal traditions, boosting visibility for local producers and encouraging collaborative workshops. Similarly, the Telpaneca collaboration has enabled Inca to share expertise in agricultural techniques, enhancing bilateral knowledge transfer while supporting eco-friendly trade links aligned with priorities for Latin American partnerships.

Culture and Heritage

Traditions and Festivals

Inca maintains a vibrant array of s and festivals that reflect its agricultural roots and community spirit, with events centered on markets, religious observances, and cultural performances. The weekly market, held in the historic center, serves as a longstanding dating back centuries, featuring hundreds of stalls offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and especially goods for which Inca is renowned. This market transforms the town's streets into a bustling hub every from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., fostering social interactions and local commerce while showcasing Mallorcan artisanal skills. The annual Dijous Bo, or "Good Thursday," elevates this weekly custom into one of Mallorca's largest festivals, occurring on the third Thursday of November—in 2025, November 13, which took place successfully on November 13, 2025, drawing thousands as reported. Originating as a medieval market, it now includes exhibitions, parades with giants and demons, live music, correfocs (fire runs), and demonstrations of traditional crafts, drawing thousands to celebrate harvest and heritage. Accompanying events like the preceding Dimecres Bo evening feature , pig contests, and fairground activities, emphasizing communal gatherings. In January, Inca joins island-wide celebrations of Sant Antoni on January 16–17, honoring the of animals through bonfires, animal blessings at local churches, and fireworks displays by demon groups. These festivities, rooted in 14th-century rural customs for crop and livestock protection, include processions and communal meals, reinforcing Inca's agrarian identity. The Fira d'Inca, an agricultural fair typically held in late autumn as part of the town's series of Fires d'Inca, highlights local farming with parades, music performances, equestrian shows, and folk dances, attracting families for exhibitions of produce and breeds. Complementing this, the Mercat de Nadal in December focuses on winter themes, featuring lights, crafts, and community events to usher in the holiday season, running from December 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Leather artisan traditions remain integral to Inca's identity, with skilled craftsmen from local workshops demonstrating techniques passed down through generations, often showcased at markets and fairs to preserve the town's status as Mallorca's leather hub. Mallorquín folk dances and songs, such as the energetic jotas and mateixais, enliven community gatherings during these events, performed by local groups to maintain cultural continuity. In a modern adaptation, the 2025 festival program incorporates innovations like enhanced online promotions and interactive elements to engage younger demographics, blending digital outreach with traditional formats for broader appeal.

Landmarks and Culinary Heritage

Inca boasts several notable religious landmarks that reflect its historical ties to the and . The Església de Santa Maria la Major is a church whose construction began in the late and continued into the 18th, featuring a neoclassical on Plaça de Santa Maria Major and housing a Gothic of Santa Maria d'Inca painted in 1373. Its neoclassical elements, including the Mere de los Ángeles group, and half-barrel vault with lunettes highlight its architectural evolution. The Ermita de Santa Magdalena, a small hilltop on Puig de Santa Magdalena approximately six kilometers from the town center, offers serene surroundings and panoramic views of the island, accessible by footpath, car, or bicycle. The town's convents further enrich its ecclesiastical heritage. The Convent de Sant Francesc, established by Franciscan monks who arrived in Inca in 1325, includes a baroque-style church and cloister constructed in the late 18th to early , showcasing elegant arches and until the monks' departure in 1835 due to confiscations. The Convent de Sant Domingo, founded in 1604 by the , features a 17th-century church built between 1664 and 1689, with a baroque added in 1730; today, it serves as a cultural and arts center, having previously functioned as a during the . Inca's industrial past has influenced its modern landmarks through the repurposing of historic wine cellars, or cellers, into atmospheric restaurants that preserve architectural features like stone vaults and wooden beams. Examples include Celler Can Ripoll and Celler C'an Marron, where former storage spaces from the 18th and 19th centuries now host diners amid rustic decor. These venues emphasize Inca's leather and agricultural roots by serving traditional Mallorcan dishes such as —a cured spiced with —often paired with pa amb oli, a simple yet iconic preparation of rustic bread rubbed with tomato, drizzled with , and seasoned with salt. Desserts like gató d'ametlles, a dense cake made with ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest, draw from the island's abundant nut harvests. The cellar dining tradition emerged in the , evolving from wine-selling spots frequented by local workers in the mid-1940s to full restaurants offering hearty meals by the , catering to both residents and tourists seeking authentic flavors. Signature dishes include sopes mallorquines, a thick vegetable soup incorporating seasonal produce like , green beans, and potatoes soaked with slices of dark in broth, and tombet, a layered of , potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes topped with a garlicky alioli, both utilizing Inca's fertile ingredients for nourishing, fare.

References

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