What is Sant Antoni in Mallorca?
Sant Antoni is one of the most important celebrations in Mallorca, a festivity deeply rooted in the local culture that combines religion, tradition and spectacle. Celebrated in honor of Sant Antoni Abat (Saint Anthony Abbot), patron saint of animals, the festival stands out for its foguerons (bonfires), parades of dimonis (devils), blessings of animals and folk music.
The celebration has a dual character: on the one hand, it pays homage to Sant Antoni and his pious life; on the other hand, it symbolizes the struggle between good and evil, represented by the dimonis and religious acts. The streets are transformed into a vibrant stage full of dances, drums and fire shows, culminating in the participation of the whole community. It is a moment of union, joy and tradition.
When is Sant Antoni celebrated?
The most important night of the festival is January 16, known as the Revetla de Sant Antoni. During this night, bonfires light up the towns and cities while residents and visitors enjoy food, music and the emblematic correfocs. On January 17, the day of Sant Antoni, the blessing of the animals, known as beneïdes, takes place, and religious events and processions are organized in his honor. In addition, each town has its own traditions, read on to find out more about them all!
Traditions of Sant Antoni in the villages of Mallorca
Sa Pobla
The festivities of Sant Antoni in Mallorca are an emblematic celebration that reflects the rich tradition and culture of the island. Among the municipalities that stand out for the intensity and authenticity of these festivities is Sa Pobla, recognized as the epicenter of the festival.
The bonfires and torrades (open-air barbecues) become meeting points for locals and tourists. It is an essential experience to live the essence of Sant Antoni in Mallorca. During the week of the festivities you can enjoy different workshops, afternoon events, exhibitions and correfocs, both for children and adults, ideal for all ages.
The Revetla of Sant Antoni in Sa Pobla
The Revetla de Sant Antoni, celebrated on January 16, is one of the most anticipated events in Sa Pobla. The day begins early, around 10:00 am, when the young people of the town go out in search of firewood for the foguerons (bonfires), which will be the heart of the night celebration. In the afternoon, the dimonis (demons) make their appearance, walking the streets to the rhythm of drums and accompanied by traditional music, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
At dusk, at approximately 9:30 pm, a pyromusical show takes place in the Plaza Major of Sa Pobla, a combination of fireworks synchronized with music, which illuminates the sky of Sa Pobla and delights all attendees. Afterwards, the foguerons are lit and the popular glosada begins, where the gloses, typical Mallorcan songs that tell stories and local traditions, are performed.
Sant Antoni's Day: January 17
On January 17, the day of Sant Antoni, patron saint of animals, the traditional dance of caparrots (cabezones) is celebrated in the Plaza Major of Sa Pobla and the traditional beneïdes. This parade brings together a variety of animals that are blessed in honor of the saint, highlighting the importance of animal protection in Mallorcan culture. The day concludes with an emotional closing ceremony, full of feelings and colors, which puts an end to the festivities until next year.
Pollença
If we talk about the festival of Sant Antoni in Mallorca, the most emblematic tradition of Pollença is the Pi de Sant Antoni, on January 17, where the young people of the town cut a pine tree and transport it to the main square, where they erect it and perform various challenges around it. It is a unique spectacle full of emotion and symbolism. But it is not the only thing about Pollença.
The week of festivities is full of children’s workshops and workshops to show instruments, exhibitions and cultural events. In addition, it also highlights the two correfocs, children and adult, which is usually held the weekend before January 17.
Contest of foguerons in Sant Antoni in Mallorca
On January 16, eve of Sant Antoni, the traditional contest of foguerons is celebrated in Pollença. This day begins with the visit of the dimonis in schools entertaining both young and old and in the afternoon begins the good part and what you should not miss, the foguerons contest.
The foguerons contest usually starts around 18h, at this time the judges begin the tour of all the foguerons and score them. Once scored and made the awards ceremony these bonfires, made with wood and decorations alluding to the saint or local culture, are lit, illuminating the town and creating a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
El Pi de Sant Antoni In Pollença
On January 17, Sant Antoni’s Day, the festivity reaches its climax with the tradition of the Pi de Sant Antoni. In the morning, the beneïdes, a blessing of animals that reflects the importance of Sant Antoni as the patron saint of animals, takes place.
Afterwards, the inhabitants go to the Ternelles estate to pick a pine tree of approximately 21 meters high! and enjoy the torrades prepared to roast whatever you bring. At the estate you will be offered: bread, wine and arengades, a delicious salted sardine, you must try it!
At 14h the Pi leaves the farm of Ternelles transported by the young people of the village to the Plaça Vella, accompanied by songs and expressions of joy.
Once in the square, those in charge of the festivities prepare the pine tree and it is installed in a vertical position, starting the exciting competition to climb it. The first to reach the top receives a symbolic prize, which traditionally includes a figure of a rooster, emblem of Pollença, and the recognition of the community.
To experience the festivities of Sant Antoni in Pollença is to immerse yourself in a unique experience that combines history, tradition and a deep sense of community. It is an opportunity to appreciate and participate in one of the most authentic and vibrant celebrations in Mallorca.
El Pi de Sant Antoni in Puerto Pollença
For those looking for a quieter experience, Port de Pollença offers its own celebration of the Pi de Sant Antoni. After the morning beneïdes, residents head to Formentor to collect the pine tree, which is transported by sea to the port’s old pier. From there, it is taken in procession to the Plaza Miquel Capllonch, where it is erected and climbing attempts similar to those in Pollença are made in a festive and communal atmosphere.
Manacor
The festivity of Sant Antoni in Manacor includes a variety of cultural events, such as concerts and traditional Mallorcan dance performances. The Manacor Music Band usually offers themed concerts, performing pieces related to Sant Antoni. In addition, children’s and cultural activities are organized to enrich the festive program.
On January 16, the foguerons (bonfires) contest is held, where different groups and associations compete to have the most creative and significant bonfire. These bonfires, decorated with satirical figures and scenes, are lit at dusk, illuminating the city and symbolizing purification and renewal.
On January 17, Sant Antoni’s Day, the traditional blessing of animals takes place, reflecting devotion to the saint, patron saint of animals. The inhabitants of Manacor and its surroundings come with their pets and livestock to receive the blessing, ensuring protection and health for the coming year. In addition to the blessing, a parade of animals is held through the main streets of Manacor. After the parade, the awards ceremony is held for the winners of the foguerons contest, recognizing the creativity and effort of the participants.
One of the most anticipated moments is the last dance of the dimonis (demons), emblematic figures that represent the struggle between good and evil. The dimonis, with their dances and performances, walk through the streets interacting with the public. The day ends with a solemn mass in honor of Sant Antoni, closing the festivities with an act of meditation and devotion.
Check the Sant Antoni program here.
Traditions of Sant Antoni in the villages of Mallorca
Artà
In Artà, the festivities of Sant Antoni are lived with great intensity. The town is decorated with parades, fireworks and the traditional lighting of bonfires. Residents actively participate in the dance of the dimonis (demons) and the blessing of the animals, a tradition that honors the patron saint of animals.
Muro
Muro celebrates the festivities with the lighting of bonfires, dimonis dances and the traditional blessing of animals. The Beneïdes in Muro are especially crowded, with a large participation of residents who parade with their pets and farm animals to receive the blessing.
Palma
In the capital of the island, Palma, the festivities of Sant Antoni also have their relevance. Bonfires are organized in various neighborhoods, and the Cathedral of Mallorca is the scene of the Beneïdes, where a multitude of animals are blessed in honor of the patron saint.
Typical food of Sant Antoni
During the celebrations of Sant Antoni, it is common to taste typical dishes such as espinagada, a pie filled with vegetables and meat or eel, and the traditional coques amb pebres similar to savory cakes covered with roasted peppers.
During the bonfires of Sant Antoni, it is customary to roast local meats and sausages such as sobrasada and butifarrón. Attendees gather around the fire to prepare and taste these delicacies in a festive atmosphere.
Participants in the Sant Antoni festival also enjoy traditional drinks such as Mallorcan herbes and mezclat, typical liqueurs that mix herbs with brandy. This perfect pairing of flavors and aromas enhances the culinary experience of the festival.
These culinary delights are enjoyed in a festive atmosphere, accompanied by the sound of the ximbombes (zambombas) and the gloses (traditional songs), which enrich the cultural experience of the Sant Antoni festivities.
Sant Antoni with Ideal Property Mallorca
To fully enjoy Sant Antoni in Mallorca, it is recommended to stay in apartments, rural houses or fincas near the main towns. These options allow a more authentic and relaxed experience. In Ideal Property Mallorca you will find accommodations in the main villages where the festival is lived in a unique way. Check out our accommodations in Pollença, Sa Pobla and Manacor, but if you prefer to stay in another location take a look at our catalog of accommodations.
Other things to do in January in Mallorca
Besides the Sant Antoni festivities, January offers many other activities in Mallorca.
We recommend you to discover the winter beauty of the Sierra de Tramuntana with different hiking and cycling routes. In addition to different excursions such as the Soller train or cave tours in Mallorca.
You can also visit different restaurants and beaches with the tranquility of winter in Mallorca.
But, what we recommend the most is to live the Sant Antoni festival in Mallorca, whether enjoying the dances of the dimonis, tasting the delicious torradas or admiring the tradition of the Pi de Sant Antoni, every moment of this festivity is unforgettable. Come to Mallorca and be part of this magical tradition!
