Astounding Fiestas and Folklore on Balearic Islands

Author: nancygallen | Posted: 27.06.2012

Balearic Islands comprise several islands in two categories: the Gimnesias and the Pitiusas. There are 5 islands comprising the Balearic Islands; they are Cabrera, Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca.

Traditions and Folklore

With the 5 islands comprising Balearic Islands, there is a host of traditions and folklore being practiced by the locals. The rich culture and ancient traditions come through the strong influences of the diverse and past epochs of the Carthigenians, Moors, Romans and Christian Re-Conquest civilizations.

Each epoch’s culture and tradition was passed on to the subsequent generations through an active and vibrant indulgence which thrives even up till today. Most of these traditions and folklore have been turned into fiestas which are widely and colorfully celebrated.

Mallorca as the largest of the Balearic Islands enjoys a host of fiestas with the diverse culture and traditions on the island. Fiestas come on throughout the year in almost every month to make a visit to Mallorca anytime a good time.

Fiestas

Mallorca offers the delightful three Magi procession on December 5th where presents are distributed to children. On January 6, the Des Foguerons fiesta is celebrated in grandeur and style at Artà, Sa Pobla, Muro and Sòller with regional dances and massive displays of fireworks. There is also a colorful procession of well decorated horse coaches in Muro while a tree is erected in Pollença’s square for the public to attempt climbing up to its top.

January also offers the San Sebastian festival on the twentieth day with small fires lighting up Palma de Mallorca. Festive carnivals come on in the month of February with participants donning colorful masks and a lot of merry making.

During April, the reverent Semana Santa or Easter week comes on with a host of processions across the Balearic Islands towns. Sobriety preludes the festivity during this religiously significant festival.

The second Sunday of the month of May foresees the re-enactment of the mise en scène fighting in Soller between the islands’ inhabitants and the Saracens as per tradition. There is the Jazz Festival in July which is held in Palma de Mallorca while the Joan Mas festival comes on in August to commemorate the battles between Saint Joan and the pirates who frequently attacked the island.

The Feria of Inca comes in November with the year ending with a bang on December 31st where Balearic Islands waves good-bye to exit the finishing year through Fiesta del Estandarte or more commonly known as the “Festival of the Banner".

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