Colors of Menorca - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Menorca is often referred to as the island of fire and winds. The island is mentioned in numerous interesting legends. Thus, the name of the island of fire was given to Menorca by the Phoenicians. When their ships got close to the island they saw a coast in bright fires and lights the origin of which is still undiscovered and has not got any scientific proof. Local people cautiously keep the cultural heritage and eagerly share with travelers incredible stories about the island. Visiting Menorca during one of the brightest holidays and festivals is a real luck for travelers. Exciting fests and holidays are held there almost every month.

Every ethnic fest is accompanied with local equestrians’ performance as horses are the main symbol of the island. There are many families on Menorca engaged in horse breeding for many centuries. Fathers devolve their knowledge to their sons. For many local families horse breeding is the main business in life. During the fests the island witnesses various exhibition shows of equestrians and exciting competitions which will be of great interest for everyone.

The most interesting holiday is considered to be the Festes de San Joan traditionally held in June. For the whole week local folks honor San Joan. The fest is rich in different events. The holiday is added with festive treats. During a walk one may find numerous concession stalls offering sweets and refreshing drinks the most popular of which is gin of local production called “ginebra”. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The end of the August brings another exciting and original fest date being the Equine Fiesta of Horse Fiesta. The most waited event of this holiday among local folks and tourists is an amazing performance named “jaleo” in which the best equestrians of the island take part. It should be noted that each equestrian has a special festive ethnic costume for performances. Before any event horses are also dressed in special suits. The equestrians in festive costumes look fantastic.

Exploring ethnic features and traits of the islanders, one should pay attention to culinary traditions. The most known product of local cookery specialists is cheese. Cheese cooking is one of the oldest ethnic crafts. Featuring astonishing taste and flavor, being rich and healthy the cheese can be bought on the market or during numerous fairs.

The middle of July is marked by another equestrian festival (as already noted, the love for horses is a national feature of local residents, so such events are held here quite often). This is the Fiesta de Sant Martí, which takes place in the city of Mercadal, in the center of the island. Horsemen dressed in medieval clothes ride graceful horses through the central streets. Such an amazing sight is definitely worthy of the attention of every tourist visiting Menorca. The apogee of the festival is horse dancing to folk music - many come to celebrate the festival for the sake of this particular event.

At the end of the same month, one can witness an event called Festival de Sant Jaume, which takes place in Castell resort. The festival is ideal for tourists traveling with kids who will be pleased with live musical performances, fireworks, parades, and, of course, horse races - no festival on the island can do without them. All large-scale actions take place on the central streets of the resort town and its harbor. At the end of August, it's worth visiting Ferreries that hosts the Sant Bartomeu Festival. Its main part is brilliant theatrical and dance performances - not by people but horses. Costume parades are held and fireworks are launched in the evening.

Throughout August, in Ciudadela (more specifically, at cultural institutions, the main of which is Iglesia de El Socorro), wonderful symphonic music concerts are held. Both eminent orchestras and young talents are invited to entertain the audience. The name of the event is the Festival de Música de Verano Ciutadella. The beginning of September is a great opportunity to check out the Gràcia Festival, which is held annually in Mahon. The event is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, and, of course, the holiday wouldn't be complete without an equestrian procession. The main venue is Plaça de la Conquesta. The festival is also interesting in that bottles of wine are thrown from the Town Hall building into the crowd. All participants try to catch and, of course, taste them (right there or at home - at the discretion of the lucky ones who caught the wine).