The Sant Joan in Ciutadella By Brenda Jaaback At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Ciutadella is usually a joyous but subdued city in North West Menorca. However, all that changes at festival time, and specifically on the 23rd and 24th of June when the town plays host to the fiesta of Sant Joan. We have a look at the festival and see why it’s a great reason to plan your Menorcan holiday around the 23rd and 24th of June…

What’s the festival’s history?

The festival dates from a 14th century religious practice of taking religious icons of saints through the streets in pilgrimage to a small church in the country. The vestry-board was taken on horseback and people would follow, in order of societal importance at the time. Though the festival seems more about enjoyment and show than religion now, the fact is that it’s still in Ciutadella for ‘religious’ reasons. Not for any dogmatic of faith based reason, but simply because when the capital was moved from Ciutadella to Mahon, the Bishop refused to move and kept the festival with him!

What happens?

The Festival of Sant Joan is a highlight of any holiday in Menorca, where the town bursts with Mediterranean fun and excitement. The festival actually starts on the Sunday before the 24th, when a man dressed in a similar way to John the Baptist walks the streets between Menorca’s historic houses, shops and businesses with all the riders who will take part in the festival itself. On the 23rd at 2.00pm the festival actually starts at the house of the ‘nobleman’ (the ‘Caixer Senyor’) who is in charge of the festival for a revolving two year period. Once the festival is started the riders get ready, and start to display their skill on horseback. The stunts and skills exhibited get ever more daring and exciting as the festival goes on.

However, if you can fit in only one part of the festival into your Menorcan holiday, make it the medieval games and the ‘Convidada’ on the 24th. In the morning, games and sports from the Middle Ages are exhibited in the old streets of Ciutadella, and are great fun for children and adults alike. For those with a greater taste for danger and the exotic, the ‘Convidada’ is the true attraction of the festival. Comprising the hardest feats of equestrian skill and power, the ‘Convidada’ takes place on the evening of the 24th. The event, which includes three trials, is not for the faint hearted, and only the best riders are allowed to compete.

The first trial is the ‘Ensortilla’, a test of balance, aim and precision. The second is the ‘rompre ses carotes’ which is very much like a jousting tournament from the dark ages (though not as well armed or armored). The last trail is the most dangerous in modern terms. Competitors ride at full speed and link arms side by side. As you can imagine, keeping at the same speed and right next to each other while at full gallop requires huge amounts of dexterity, courage and expertise in handling your mount. Watching the display is one of the best moments in a festival of incredibly memorable and exciting events; just one of the great experiences available on a holiday in Menorca.

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