What’s happening in June in Menorca?
June in Menorca means Fiestas de Sant Joan – A captivating display of medieval splendour.
“Is there any month in Spain which doesn’t have any fiestas?” a slightly perplexed student asked his Spanish teacher during a class dedicated to fiestas in Spain.
“No”, replied the teacher, “barely a week goes by when there is not some kind of religious fiesta taking place”.
The word ‘fiesta’ has become almost as synonymous with Spain as sangria and paella, with locals and visitors celebrating fiestas with similar passion and vigour.
The island of Menorca is no stranger to almost “wall-to-wall” year-round fiestas, each one a unique and exceptional celebration of a religious, historical and cultural component of Menorcan life. Although it is perhaps the Fiestas de Sant Joan, which are the biggest, boldest and most vibrant annual fiestas on Menorca.
Held on 19 – 24 June in the town and municipality of Ciutadella on the western end of Menorca, the whole region comes alive with vivacious public displays of folklore dancing, children’s activities and games and music, as people travel from every corner of Menorca, Spain and beyond to soak up some of the tradition and culture this highly entertaining fiesta surmounts.
The Fiestas de Sant Joan dates back to the 14th century and is in worship of Sant Joan de Missa, the patron saint of the town of Ciutadella, which has remained the island’s main religious centre since the bishop refused to move from the town many centuries ago.
Horses and horseback riding play a central role in the Fiestas de Sant Joan, with the annual “Jaleo” being one of the main attractions. A huge crowd gathers to witness the “Jaleo”, where horses and riders demonstrate their horsemanship skills to the rhythm of traditional “jaleo” music.
The following day the “convida” takes place, when a “noble rider” invites town hall officials to witness a series of medieval games, as horsemen joist dangerously in a series of equestrian trials, much to the delight of the highly captivated crowd.
This profoundly atmospheric fiesta is concluded on 24 June with a spectacular firework display, and really is an event not to be missed.
The marvellous 3 bed Menorca villa, S’Hortal from Vintage Travel would be the perfect place to stay during the Fiesta.