Herbes de Can Planetes: A Two-Decade Tradition of Solidarity in Capdepera

The volunteer collective Herbes de Can Planetes continues its two-decade tradition of producing traditional Mallorcan herbal liqueur to fund charitable causes in Capdepera. Since its inception in 2002, the group has evolved from a small neighborhood initiative into a staple of the annual Fira Medieval de Capdepera, using the proceeds from their “medicinal potions” to support vulnerable populations through local non-governmental organizations and social institutions.

How the Herbes de Can Planetes Process Works

The production cycle for the herbal liqueur follows a rigorous, year-long schedule that begins with the harvest of native flora. According to project participants, the process involves gathering botanicals from both private estates and wild areas within the municipality of Capdepera. Once collected, the ingredients are processed at the finca of Ani Muñoz, where volunteers clean and prepare the bottles before adding the herbs and filling them with either sweet or dry anise-based alcohol.

The liquid then undergoes a multi-month maceration phase, during which the herbs infuse the alcohol with their signature color and flavor profile. The group typically hosts a tasting during the sopar a la fresca held at the Sant Bartomeu festivities in late August to assess the quality of the current year’s batch. The final product is then bottled and sold at the medieval fair the following May.

The Commitment to Local Philanthropy

Every euro raised through the sale of the liqueur is donated to charitable projects. The collective maintains a transparent decision-making process where members gather to review and select initiatives that assist people in vulnerable situations. By prioritizing smaller, community-focused projects—often those with which members have a direct, verifiable connection—the group ensures that the funds provide tangible, traceable support. This model of grassroots fundraising has remained the core philosophy of the group since the project began in 2002.

Why the Collective Focuses on Continuity

Despite the growing reputation of Herbes de Can Planetes, the group intentionally limits its production volume to maintain the collaborative spirit of its origins. While the initiative has successfully operated for over 20 years, members are currently focused on a generational transition. This effort aims to mentor younger residents of Capdepera to ensure the tradition survives as a permanent fixture of the town’s cultural and social calendar. The group’s resilience is rooted in its dual identity: acting as both a historical reenactment element of the medieval fair and a functional charitable engine for the local community.

Key Facts About the Initiative

• Origin: Established in 2002 by neighbors in Capdepera.
• Primary Event: The Fira Medieval de Capdepera, held annually in May.
• Methodology: Traditional maceration of wild and cultivated botanicals in anise-based spirits.
• Mission: Full donation of proceeds to social welfare projects chosen by the collective.
• Current Status: Active, with ongoing efforts to integrate younger generations into the production process.