• Our Area
  • Son Bou and its beach
  • Shops and restaurants
  • Leisure
  • Curious info
  • Useful info
  • Reception and services
• Discover Menorca
  • Location and access
  • Culture and history
  • Sports and excursions
  • Beaches and interesting spots
  • Festivals and shows

Discover Menorca in festivity:

Patronal festivities in Menorca

Fortunately in today’s patron saint festivals, especially in Ciutadella during their famous “fiestas of San Juan”, this horsemanship and tradition is still present and alive.

The protagonist of these festivals is undoubtedly the Minorcan horse. The horse is a magnificent beast with a black gloss coat and a strong resilient character. It owes its parentage to the islands historical past – with Arab, English and Spanish genes.

Since 1987 the Minorcan horse has been recognised by the international community of breeders and recently the Royal Academy of Spain in Andalusia was presented with a colt to train within their school.

This beautiful beast can be viewed regularly on the island, and their presence is essential during the islands patron Saint festivals (fiestas patronales). The most famous fiesta and the second most important fiesta within Spain is the “San Juan Fiestas of Ciudadela, held on the 23-24 of June every year.

However, “Saints day festivals “take place in all the islands towns and villages during the summer months; the features of the fiestas include:

 “Es Jaleo”:

This refers to the point when the riders enter the main square of the town to the sound of the fiesta music and where the energetic crowd is awaiting them. The riders make their horses raise onto their back legs, (called the “bot”) the idea being that the valiant locals touch the heart of the horse (it represents luck for the forthcoming year) and they also support the horse, as the horse on two legs walks through the crowd, for as long as possible. The sound of the crowd is explosive as the horse’s parade in this way. Most outsiders believe that this traditional “bot” is cruel to the horses, but the true horsemen and traditionalists know the truth, and the riders and supporters have nothing but respect for the majestic beast.

“Ses Corregudes”:

Are the horse races – racing through the crowd – who of course move out of the way!

“Ensortilla”, “rompre ses carotes” and “correr abraçats”:

These are only seen in the fiestas of Ciutadella, as the committee of fiestas and riders maintain and preserve the original traditions, for example, all the riders are male – lady riders are not permitted. The most experienced and valiant riders also participate in the medieval games, racing together in pairs holding onto each others shoulders, or they knock down comically painted caricatures depicting the personalities and politicians of the moment, the fallen pieces are then passionately fought over between the crowd!

All the townsfolk, islanders and visitors “live” the festivals (fiestas), and during the preparations up to and during you will find live music, street parties, fun fairs, carrying the ram, throwing almonds at the girls!, donkey processions and not forgetting magnificent firework displays (land and water displays).

The fiesta drink is also an icon of the island, introduced by the British! It’s a refreshing and potent mixture of local gin (GinXoriguer) with fresh lemonade, this drink is called “Pomada” (one third gin to two thirds lemonade)

Today’s patron saint festivities can be dated right back to the Agricultural rituals of the XIV Century. One of the original celebrations took place in the rural church of Sant Joan de Misa in Ciutadella. This religious meeting also included exhibitions of horsemanship, where local farmers entertained the locals with their horse riding prowess and played equestrian games, similar in style to the medieval tournaments of middle age England. There was a lot of showing off and bantering between the riders and of course a lot of flirting with the ladies.

Patron festivals calendar:

Shows & Diversions in Menorca

The “Son Martorellet” horse show and the Minorca School of horsemanship

Menorca has a long time history and passion with horses, employed as resilient and hard working land horses or travel companions or elegant partners during the islands fiestas…

This love and respect for the horse is most visible during the islands patron saint festivals, however a regular and popular summertime evening show, which incorporates equine dressage with “Showtime”, can be enjoyed at the “Son Martorellet” stables, located on the Cala Galdana road.

For your ease, tickets can be purchased in the menorca rentals reception.

The cliff-cave discothèque “Cova d’en Xoroi”

This unique discotheque and terrace bar, the only of its type in the world, is located in the southern resort of Cala en Porter. A fascinating mystery lies behind the caves name, some argue it’s a romantic fairytale others do indeed say is true. The story is based around the life of an Arabic man called Xoroi, a shipwreck survivor, who upon reaching the shores of Menorca found shelter in a large natural cave situated in the rock face of the Cala en Porter cliff. Well hidden and protected from prying eyes he made this cove his home. He survived by stealing from the surrounding farmlands, and it is on one of these furrowing trips that he fell in love with a local girl, and who, either against her will or with her consent; was taken to his cave. Years later, the searching locals found the hideaway, the girl, Xoroi and their three children. Xoroi was cornered by the approaching angry mass and he and his eldest son dived into the foaming seas below, whether they survived, nobody knows. The girl and the remaining two children were taken back to the town of Alaior- where it is said that there are still descendants of Xoroi living today. The disco has steps down to the cave and has an outside terrace area too. It is on this terrace that you can enjoy an intimate drink and watch the sun go down. The actual disco starts from around midnight and throughout the summer invited international DJ’ play their style of music with club, minimal house etc. Although Menorca is a quiet island, the caves are without doubt the “hottest” night club in the Med and the music plays right through to breakfast time!

Ses Pedreres de s'Hostal (Sandstone quarry)

Located in Ciutadella, these old quarries have been given a new lease of life thanks to the work and energy of Leticia Lara, a local resident and her supporters. Throughout the year one can visit the quarry and the gardens but also events such as sandstone sculpture classes, Tai-chi courses and musical events are held, particularly during the better weather.

Other shows:

Alaior´s Annual Horse Jumping Competition
Annual Minorcan Horse Show
Alaior´s Agricultural and Cattle Show
Es Mercadal´s Annual Food Show