Almost everyone enjoys celebrating traditional culture and the vibrant and joyous occasions of festivities, particularly when on holiday. Menorca is no different and here are the best festivals in Menorca that you’ll want to visit during summer.
There are many beautiful festivals and parties around the world that bring together traditional culture, history and a sense of belonging to one’s past.
Menorca is no different. The summer horse festivals in Menorca are a locals delight and if you want something completely different as a tourist and to immerse yourself in the Menorcan way of life, then you have to visit one of the festivals in Menorca during your stay.
Below, we’ve listed everything you need when visiting one of the extravagant fiestas on the island.
History And Tradition Of Summer Festivals In Menorca
Of Christian origin and tinged with Arabic and pagan rituals, Menorca’s festivals honour the patron saint of each Town in Menorca.
The beginning of the summer festivals in Menorca is marked by the festival of Sant Joan in Ciutadella, taking place towards the middle of June. Going back as far as the Middle Ages this is one of the more colourful fiestas. On the Sunday before a young farmer announces the oncoming festival,
Dating back to the 14th century works would pilgrimage on their horses to a small chapel – the Sanctuary of Sant Joan de Misa to honour their patron saint.
What To Expect At The Summer Festivals In Menorca
It’s worth mentioning that each of the summer Menorcan festivals will be busy. You can expect plenty of locals enjoying themselves singing and dancing. Stalls selling food, drink, handmade goods and even funfair rides, particularly at the larger festivals – Alaior for example.
Jaleo
Each town’s fiesta is uniquely different, depending on the size of the town, the locals and what they offer. However what is similar is that most towns will follow the similar ceremonial traditions. Particularly with the horse festival and Menorcan horse show, called Jaleo. In which young men wishing for good luck touch the horses heart as the dance and rear up through the skill of the the riders.
Pointing out that the riders take great care of their horses and this tradition doesn’t stress the horses out, but it can be quite dangerous given the power of the horses and the crowds that can gather,
In the evening is where the action takes place. Gathering in and around the town’s square the Jaleos takes place. Skilled riders canter and walk their horses around the crowds and rear their horses onto their hind legs, holding their position whilst crowds of people attempt to touch the heart of the horse for good luck. It can seem quite chaotic and large crowds do gather, but every one is respectful of one another. If you’re scared of horses, or not great on your feet then it’s highly recommended to stay clear of this celebration.
Drinking & Eating
Whilst you’re enjoying the celebrations there will no doubt be a lot of alcohol being drunk. Mainly the traditional Menorca Pomada. Pomada being the local Menorcan Xoriguer gin mixed with Lemon Fanta.
There are shops and supermarkets open selling products, as well as more typical festival stalls selling handcrafted goods, traditional Menorcan products and plenty of food and drink stalls. Additionally, you may spot one or two locals who have turned their home into a make shift shop selling small cans of beer, Pomada’s and even the odd snack.
Many restaurants will also do the same. Shutting up shop but opening street stalls selling their traditional snacks and other treats.
Fun Activities
Besides the drinking, celebration, dancing and traditional Jaleo, there are often fun fairs with rides for children and small games to enjoy. Live music acts and other rider competitions such as Ses Corregudes. Ses Corregudes is simply a horse race through the town with crowds cheering the riders and their horses on.
Often firework displays on the final day of the towns Fiesta too.
Top Tips For The Menorca Fiestas
There is a lot going on at the Menorca summer festivals and we’ve been to our fair few. So here are our top tips for the festivals in Menorca.
- It’s all free
- Ensure you take cash as well as card for payments
- Wear appropriate footwear and if around the Jaleos, avoid sandals / flip flops
- Be cautious in and around the Jaleos
- It’s common for locals to take alcohol with them
- There are special Fiesta bus services that run – check them out here.
- The horses and riders typically gather in the back streets – if you can find them here it’s great for children to meet the horses in a calmer environment
- Parking will be limited as around the centre the roads are usually closed off
- We advise sticking to Taxis or Buses if possible
- The last night of the festivals in Menorca usually involve fireworks
- Timings can vary for each town’s festival
- Taxis may cost more
- Bus timetables may change slightly
- Bars & restaurants are unlikely to be open in the town (there are plenty of food stalls open though)
- Although the festivals take place in the evening the weather in Menorca at this time of year will still be hot so dress appropriate
Menorca Festival Dates
Below is a helpful table for the dates of the Menorcan festivals. Timings may alter on the day, but typically they are held on the same weekends and dates in the summer.
| Town | Saint | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ciutadella | Saint John / Sant Joan | 23 and 24th June (and the Sunday before) |
| Es Mercadal | Saint Martin/ Sant Martí | Third weekend in July |
| Fornells | Saint Anthony / Sant Antoni | Fourth weekend in July |
| Es Castell | Saint James / Sant Jaume | 24 and 25th July |
| Es Migjorn Gran | Saint Christopher/ Sant Cristófol | Last weekend in July or first weekend in August |
| Llucmaçanes | San Cayetano / Sant Gaietà | First weekend in August |
| Alaior | Saint Lawrence / Sant Llorenç | Second weekend in August |
| San Clemente | Saint Clement / Sant Climent | Third weekend in August |
| Ferrerias | San Bartholomew / Sant Bartomeu | 23, 24 and 25th of August |
| San Luis | Saint Luis / Sant Lluís | Last weekend in August |
| Mahón Cala’n Porter | Virgin of Grace / Mare de Déu de Gràcia Fiesta of Cala’n Porter | 7, 8 of 9th of September Third weekend in September |
Travelling To The Fiestas
When travelling to the Menorca Fiestas you will first need to ensure which fiesta you want to go to and the weekend it’s taking place on.
Taking The Bus
Probably our most recommended route to get to the fiesta. This way you don’t have to worry about parking and you’re free to enjoy your evening, particularly if would like to enjoy the local alcoholic drink of choice – Pomada’s.
There’s a special bus service that runs, which can you can find here.
However, the normal bus services will be running. Albeit once they reach the town of the fiesta, there route may differ slightly due to road closures. But by this point and when you’re close enough, the steady stream of people will be a good sign you’re in the right place and know where to head.
Check out the bus routes and timetables here.
Walking
If possible to walk to and from your accommodation, and it’s safe to do so. This is the route we recommend. However, most coastal resorts may be too far to walk to the festival town. But, it’s possible. You can easily walk from Santo Tomas to Es Migjorn Gran for example.
We do not recommend walking home in the dark and therefore advice taking a taxi home.
Taxi
Another advisable method of transport to the Fiestas in Menorca. Taxi’s will be highly in demand in and around the town. But less common in the coastal resorts.
As you’d expect, most taxi’s will want to go where the money is. Which will be taking locals and tourists home after the festivities.
Menorca doesn’t operate Uber or any similar private taxi firms. You will need to book one here. Or wait at the taxi ranks around the island, called Paradas de Taxi. Here are the taxi rank locations on the island
The island’s taxis are white and the fare metre is easily visible once inside so you can easily see what you are paying. Fares are regulated but there are surcharges after dark and possibly more due to the fiestas.
There are a four passengers maximum.
If you’re on the look out for your next holiday to Menorca, you can search here.
