Finally, the patron saint festivities of Menorca 2022 are back
Summer is approaching by leaps and bounds and after these years of hiatus, due to the global pandemic, the patron saint festivities are finally back on our horizons. Starting with Sant Joan until the Fiestas de Gracia, we bring you a lot of curiosities about our festivities so that the wait until these special days becomes more enjoyable.
With the horse as the main protagonist, the patron saint festivities of each of the island's towns have always been a point of union between family and friends during the summer and a time to return home for those who are displaced abroad. The holidays are a time of brotherhood for Menorcans and although we all know the festive dispute between the "pomada" or the "gin amb llimonada" (gin and lemonade) we all recognize this drink as typical of these dates.
With an estimated origin in the fourteenth century and representing the estates of the Minorcan society of the Middle Ages (church, nobility, artisans and peasants) the “jaleos” have become one of the most deeply rooted traditions on the island. During this show, the horses, most of the Menorcan breed, parade with the "caixers" or riders through the town and are taken to the main square where they perform an impressive dance of capers and jumps among the crowd that cheers them to the rhythm of the popular music of the “jaleo”.
But, adapting ourselves to the popular phrase, man does not live by fuss only, as traditions vary from one municipality to another on the island. We will be able to observe “jaleos” all over the island, except in Ciudadela where we will find the "caragols", an older version of the popular “jaleos”.
In Ciudadela, we also have several traditions that differ from those of the rest of the island. Only in this municipality do we find the “d'es be” day, the day on which these festivities officially start and where “s'homo d'es be” carrying the lamb on his back and with the rest of the entourage They go through the houses of the town inviting everyone to the next festivities. Also in Ciudadela, we have the "jocs d'es Pla" or "ses avellanes" two unique moments that will only be found at these parties.
But not only in Ciudadela do they have unique moments, we cannot fail to name the "jaleo d'ases" of Es Migjorn and Ferreries that are celebrated the day after the festival; "Sa devallada" in Es Castell where the procession and the “caixers” preceded by all the youth of the town walk through the streets until they reach the square accompanied by music and water thrown by the neighbours from the windows; as well as the already traditional parade of floats that has been held for approximately 25 years in Alaior.
Although in reality each of the festivals is unique and special for all those who live it, especially when they are their own, wherever they are from, you are going to live a unique moment that you will undoubtedly want to repeat.
We leave you a list with all the dates of the different festivities in the towns on the island so that you can start planning the summer. Without a doubt, summer is not summer without enjoying the parties.
Sant Joan from Ciutadella: June 23 and 24, in addition to the previous Sunday (Día des Be).
Sant Martí from Es Mercadal: third weekend of July.
Sant Antoni from Fornells: fourth weekend of July.
Sant Jaume from Es Castell: July 24th and 25th.
Sant Cristòfol from Es Migjorn Gran: fifth weekend of July or first of August.
Sant Gaietà from Llucmaçanes: first weekend of August.
Sant Llorenç from Alaior: second weekend in August.
Sant Climent from Sant Climent: third weekend in August.
Sant Bartomeu from Ferreries: August 23th and 24th.
Sant Lluís from Sant Lluís: 4th weekend of August.
Mare de Déu from Gràcia de Mahón: September 7th and 8th.
