Must Do Fairs and Festivals in Menorca this year!
Menorcans love a good fair or festival and with good reason! With stunning native horse displays, excellent food and drink and an opportunity to showcase their rich culture, Menorca’s variety of firas and fiestas have something for everyone! Take a look at our insider’s guide to the best fairs and festivals you can experience in Menorca this year.
Dia de Sant Jordi (St George’s Day)
When: 23rd April
Where: The centre of Ciutadella, Ferreries, Sant Lluis or Es Castell
What to Expect: St George’s Day signifies bravery, with the celebration dating back to the legend of St George slaying a dragon to save a princess. St George is the patron saint of Catalonia and so this festival is celebrated across Catalunya, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. In Catalonian culture, St George’s Day is the most romantic day of the year – similar to Valentine’s Day in the UK. Expect to see open markets full of roses and books, as this day offers an opportunity to encourage others to read something new!
This celebration is very popular with Menorcans so make sure you head down to soak up the atmosphere – and don’t forget to buy roses if you are visiting with your significant other!
18th Century British Heritage Festival
When: 28th - 29th April
Where: Mahon
What to Expect: For a large proportion of the 18th century, Menorca was actually British as the island was captured during the War of Spanish Succession. The influence the British had on the island can still be seen today and this festival celebrates the rich historical ties between Menorca and Britain.
Head to the capital of the island to take part in this fun festival and enjoy local delicacies galore from the food stalls dotted around.
Menorca Horse Fiestas
Menorcans love a fiesta, and they relish being able to combine a festivity with the chance to show off their stunning native horses. From June to September each year, a number of horse fiestas take place across the island. These are exciting spectacles which consist of religious ceremony, live entertainment, food and parades. Local horses are raced through the streets, and riders show off their skills with Jaleos, where horses stand and jump on their hind legs while the brave in the crowd try to ‘touch the heart’ of the horse, as it is believed to bring good luck.
If you want to sample some real Menorcan culture, we recommend going along to one of the many Horse Fiestas taking place during the summer months…
June
Sant Joan Festival
When: 23rd – 24th June
Where: Cuitadella
July
Sant Marti Festival
When: 15th – 22nd July
Where: Es Mercadel
Sant Jaume Festival
When: 24th – 26th July
Where: Es Castell
Sant Antoni Festival
When: 21st – 22nd July
Where: Fornells
Sant Cristófol Festival
When: 28th – 30th July
Where: Es Migjorn Gran
August
Sant Gaietà Festival
When: 3rd – 6th August
Where: Llucmaçanes
Sant Llorenç Festival
When: 10th – 13th August
Where: Alaior
Sant Climent Festival
When: 17th – 20th August
Where: Sant Climent
Sant Bartomeu Festival
When: 23rd – 25th August
Where: Ferreries
Sant Lluis Festival
When: fourth or fifth weekend of August
Where: Sant Lluis
September
Mare de Déu de Gràcia Festival
When: 6th – 9th September
Where: Maò
Sant Nicolau Festival
When: 15th – 16th September
Where: Es Mercadel
Cala en Porter Festival
When: 22nd – 23rd September
Where: Alaior