C.M.W..MaóLast Sunday, the "Dia des Be" (Day of the Lamb) was celebrated in Ciutadella, marking the beginning of the period of fiestas held in Menorca during the summer months.
The Fiesta of Sant Joan is the most popular of all the celebrations on the island, its fame having spread far wide and attracting visitors not only from the rest of Spain but also from further afield.
The main events will continue on Friday afternoon, the eve of Sant Joan:
1400 hrs. Permission will be asked to form the cavalcade and, following a time-honoured protocol, the riders will gradually be collected together.
1800 hrs. The cavalcade will then parade around the Plaça des Born three times, followed by a hazelnut battle in Sa Contramurada during which empty shells (representing kisses) are thrown, after which the riders will attend vespers in the Sant Joan de Missa Hermitage. After sunset the riders will take part in races and further parades in Sa Plaça and Santa Clara.
The following day, Saturday, is the Day of Sant Joan and the celebrations last throughout the day:
0800 hrs. Permission is given to form the cavalcade.
1000 hrs. The procession makes its way to Es Pla where there will be heats for the mediaeval games which will be held later in the day. After further parades the riders will make their way, on foot and accompanied by authorities and the band, to the Sant Francesc Church where a special mass will be held.
At approximately 1700 hrs. the cavalcade will be reformed and the Mayor and Councillors will be invited to attend the games in Es Pla which will take place after a parade through the central streets of the old town. The celebrations will continue late into the night.
On Sunday, the Day of Sant Joanet, there will be a children´s show in the Plaça Almirall Ferragut at 1930 hrs., followed by an open-air dance at 2200 hrs.
The grand finale of the celebrations will be the firework display at 2300 hrs., with displays over land and water which can be enjoyed from the Paseo Marítimo.
