During the summer months, the Menorcan’s celebrate their islands festivals commonly known as “Jaleo”. These festivals date back to the 14th century and have a religious origin and each village or town take their turn to celebrate their Patron Saint’s day. The first of which the festival of Sant Joan in Ciutadella and the last the festival of Gràcia in Mahón.
Horses play an important role in the festivals and are the star of the show along with their riders. These beautiful creatures are purebred Menorcan horses with black coats. The horses jump and dance amongst festival goer’s whist music is played out. The riders rear the horses up on to their rear legs while brave members of the crowd help support the horses and remain standing. Historically there was belief that rather than supporting the horse the individuals were touching the horses heart for good luck.
The festivals are held over two days and begins with a parade, the leader ‘Fabioler’ plays a flute and drums whilst followed by the caixers riders dressed in black and white riding the decorated horses. When they arrive at the town or villages square, the Jaleo begins.
Most of the festivals have fairground rides, competitions, fireworks and music and a wonderful family friendly atmosphere.
Please find below the list of festivals in Menorca during 2024:
June 2024
Festival of Sant Joan 23rd-24th June – Ciutadella
July 2024
Festival of Sant Marti 20th and 21st July - Es Mercadal
Festival of Sant Jaume 24th, 25th and 26th July - Es Castell
Festival of Sant Antoni 27th and 28th July - Fornells
August 2024
Festival of Sant Cristofol 3rd and 4th August - Es Migjorn Gran
Festival of Sant Gaieta 5th - 7th August - Llucmacanes
Festival of Sant Llorenc 10th and 11th - Alaior
Festival of Sant Climent 17th and 18th - Sant Climent
Festival of Sant Bartomeu 23rd, 24th and 25th August - Ferreries
Festival of Sant Lluis 31st August - Sant Lluis
September 2024
Festival of Gràcia 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th September - Mahon