Three Menorcan Celebrations You Shouldn’t Miss

One sure shortcut to getting to know the local culture, cuisine and the people of anywhere in the Mediterranean is by attending one of its festivals. When visiting Menorca, if you can time your visit to coincide with a traditional "fiesta", you're in for a memorable experience. As one of the gorgeous islands of the Balearics archipelago, this is a favourite destination of tourists who want to get away from the city buzz; but the island is equally famous for its summer fiestas, when the place comes alive as visitors flock to Menorca. Villa holidays are very popular during the festival season, as they afford the independence and flexibility to immerse in the joyous local culture.

The Sant Joan Festival

Ciutadella is one of the two main towns on the island and the venue of the famed Festes de San Joan, held annually every June 23-25. The midsummer’s eve celebration starts with a parade on the morning of June 23 and a huge bonfire that night. This is a great chance for tourists to mingle with the locals and drink in the vibrant culture. On the second day, the festivity continues with locals dressing up black horses and executing various horseback activities. A jousting competition is the highlight of the final day of the Sant Joan Festival, with a marvellous firework display officially culminating the event. At this time of the year on Menorca, villa holidays are even more popular, so booking early is an advantage.

Ciutadella Summer Music Festival

More often than not, music defines a culture, and attending a local concert or music festival affords visitors a unique experience. The Ciutadella Summer Music Festival is held every year, either in July or August at the Church of El Socorro seminary cloister. A tradition that started in 1973, the music festival is now in its 41st year and features well-known opera singers and orchestras, creating a powerful ensemble that should not be missed. When you're on the island, stay in the loop with all the other cultural events of Menorca; villa holidays shouldn't be limited to beaches and historical tours.

Sant Llorenc Fiesta

Held every August in Alaior, the Sant Llorenc Fiesta is similar to other local festivals in that it also stars the famous locally bred horses. The celebration officially begins as the image of San Lorenzo is transported in a procession from the Binixems chapel to the rectory. Over the next few days, a series of parades and masses is held, but the best time for tourists is on the last day, when the festival culminates in a local concert, fireworks display, and a lot of dancing. Tourists visiting during this time of the year will gain a unique understanding of an old tradition of Menorca. Villa holidays can be all the more fulfilling when spent in a culturally rich destination like this.

Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of superb villas for your Menorca villa holidays. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.