Sant Antoni: The Blessing
A flock of sheep, black pigs, geese and ducks, dogs and cats gather in the villages and towns on the island. Some of them patiently waiting, others excited and a little nervous about what’s to come. It’s Sant Antoni, today. When Mallorca celebrates the patron saint of animals. With music and dance, dimonis and fires. But also with the blessing of animals as well as pets. The beneïdes have a long tradition on the Balearic Islands. For centuries, the farmers sought protection for their animals…
Dimonis on Mallorca: A Good Scare
In many cultures it is a custom to drive away evil spirits at the beginning of a new year. On the island, though, January is high season for demons. And while they usually look scary, the dimonis on Mallorca are not actually evil but above all naughty. They take devilish delight in playing tricks on people and giving them a good scare. And they just love all kinds of noise and fireworks. Sant Antoni The colorful hustle and bustle reaches its first climax in mid-January with the Sant Antoni…