Summer festivities at Alcúdia

Majorca's festivals and traditions are influenced by the festivals and traditions of the Mediterranean, in which the sea is one of the main focuses of the celebrations. In addition, all the festivals share a component of folklore because with the exception of the Holy Week they all feature "gegants" (giants), "xeremiers" (traditional Majorcan bagpipers) and "cossiers" in their celebrations. In summer Alcúdia becomes the center of the celebrations with unique and special events for the guests.

 



 

The main festivity takes place on the 25^th of July however the celebrations start a week before. It is the "Sant Jaume" fest. Sant Jaume is the Patron Saint of Alcúdia and therefore it is the main event of the year. The festivities include many live concerts, open-air dances, plays, exhibitions, bullfights and, obviously, religious celebrations. The Triennial of Saint Christ takes place every third year. It is a mass and a deep-rooted procession which dates back to 1507. The tradition says that the Saint Christ sweated blood and water ending a time of drought. The next Triennial will be in the year 2016. In the night of Sant Jaume a firework display near the walls ends up a week of fun.

On the 25th of July a curious celebration takes place. It is the "Llanternes" fest where the young ones parade with lamps made of melon and watermelon, singing to popular Majorcan songs. On the 28th and 29th of July other celebrations take place; religious events in the parish, musical festivities like a "Michael Jackson´s History" musical, folkloric dances, etc.