The Sant Joan festivals in Menorca

The Sant Joan festivals, celebrated in the city of Ciutadella, Menorca, are one of the most iconic and anticipated events in the island's festive calendar. This celebration, held every year from June 23 to June 24, has a deep history and a tradition that spans centuries, combining religious rituals, popular customs, and an atmosphere that attracts both residents and tourists. Learn more about this festival in this article from IsasMenorca.

Origins and Tradition

The origin of the Sant Joan festivals in Ciutadella dates back to medieval times. While the religious celebration is the foundation of these festivities, over the years, the Menorca festivals have acquired a series of traditions that not only include liturgical acts but also pagan elements reflecting the island's cultural syncretism. Over the centuries, the festival has evolved into a spectacular event that attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

In its early stages, the festivals had a purely religious character, dedicated to honoring St. John the Baptist, whose feast day falls on June 24. However, the influence of popular customs, such as music, dance, and outdoor rituals, began to be integrated into the celebrations, turning the festivities into a unique blend of the sacred and the profane.

The Horses: The Protagonists of the Festival

One of the most unique features of the Sant Joan festivals is the presence of horses. During the festival days, horses become the undisputed protagonists. The streets of Ciutadella fill with Menorcan breed horses, a symbol of the island, ridden by riders known as "caixers" (knights).

The most anticipated event of the festival is the “Jaleo,” which consists of a display of skill and bravery by the riders, who ride through the main squares of the town, challenging the nerves and abilities of the animals. The riders perform acrobatics and fast movements, while the crowds gather around them, clapping and cheering. The highlight of the Jaleo is when the horses stop in the center of the square, and the rider, standing on the horse, performs a series of gravity-defying movements, generating a mix of excitement and adrenaline in the spectators.

In addition to the “caixers,” other people participate in the festival by guiding the horses through the streets, creating an atmosphere of pure Menorcan tradition. This type of event highlights the special relationship the island's inhabitants have with horses, essential elements of Menorca's culture and history.

Parade of Colors and Sounds

The celebration is not limited to equestrian events, as the festival includes a series of parades and processions that fill the streets of Ciutadella with music, dances, and a multitude of colors. The day of Sant Joan begins with a solemn mass in honor of the saint, followed by a religious procession in which the image of St. John the Baptist is carried through the streets of the historic center of Ciutadella.

Local music groups, known as “music bands” and “tabal and flute groups,” play traditional melodies while the festival participants gather in different groups dressed in traditional costumes. Dances and popular dances are combined with the music that accompanies every step of the procession. All of this helps create a unique atmosphere that makes both children and adults feel like participants in a celebration that has transcended generations.

One of the most vibrant moments is the lighting of the bonfires, where large bonfires are lit in the squares and streets of the city. These bonfires are not only a symbol of protection and purification but also a way of sharing a moment of warmth and joy among all attendees.

Gastronomy and Popular Tradition

Throughout the festivals, Menorcan gastronomy also plays a fundamental role. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of traditional island dishes, such as “lobster caldereta,” a traditional seafood stew, or “ensaimada,” a sweet pastry especially consumed during festive days. The terraces of the bars and restaurants in Ciutadella fill with people savoring these delicacies while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

The Sant Joan festival in Menorca is not only a religious or popular celebration but also an opportunity for the Menorcans to showcase their pride in their cultural heritage and traditions. Through music, dance, horses, and gastronomy, the residents of Ciutadella bring to life a festival that reflects the very soul of Menorca.