If there’s one festival capable of reflecting the purest essence of Mallorcan traditions, it is undoubtedly Sant Antoni. Held every year on 16 and 17 January, these festivities turn the island’s villages into a veritable spectacle of culture, history and gastronomy. It’s an experience that we at Garden Hotels wouldn’t dare miss out on, as it invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the most authentic spirit of Mallorca.
Demons, bonfires and music: the magic of La Revetla
The start of the festivities is marked by the Revetla de Sant Antoni on the night of 16th January. The streets of towns such as Sa Pobla, Manacor, Artà and Muro are filled with life as the demons dance to the rhythm of traditional music, creating a unique and energetic atmosphere.
The foguerons (bonfires) are lit on every corner, illuminating the night and serving as a meeting point for the locals, who roast sobrassada (spreadable, cured pork sausage) botifarrons (blood sausages) and other typical products while they enjoy the glosses (improvised traditional songs) and the sound of the ximbombes (zambombas). This night, full of fire and music, is one of the most magical of the year.
Blessings and Pi de Sant Antoni
On 17th January, the day of Sant Antoni, it is time for one of the most beloved traditions of the Mallorcan people: the Beneïdes (blessings). During this ritual, the villagers bring their animals to receive the saint’s blessing, a tribute to their agricultural past. In Muro and Palma, these blessings bring together hundreds of people, creating a unique scene with the Cathedral of Mallorca as a backdrop.
For those looking for a different and adrenaline-charged experience, El Pi de Sant Antoni in Pollença is a must. This event consists of moving a huge pine tree from the Ternelles estate to the village’s Plaça Vella , where the bravest try to climb it once it has been soaped.
Gastronomy and tradition: the taste of Sant Antoni
It is impossible to talk about Sant Antoni without mentioning its gastronomy. Espinagades, a kind of pie filled with cabbage and loin or eel, is one of the most typical dishes of this festival. Along with them, sobrassada, botifarrons and coques amb pebres (savoury pies with peppers) take prode of place on Mallorcan tables at this time of year.
If you are lucky enough to visit the island in January, don’t miss this unmissable event. Let the fire, the music and the tradition surround you, and experience Sant Antoni like a real Mallorcan!
