Translating...
Sant Sebastia is the Patron Sant of Palma. The story of Sant Sebastia is that of a Roman officer who used his position to protect Christians. He was found out and tied to a tree the had arrows fired at him until thought dead.
He survived however when a young girl called Irene saved him and he was able to continue with his covert saintly activities. Sadly not for long though as he was found out again and this time was whipped to death and thrown into the gutters. His dead body was found by another young Christian woman who gave him a decent burial.
Sant Sebastia is now celebrated every January with what has become Palma de Mallorca’s biggest festival of the year – a weeks worth of music, entertainment and cultural events. The week culminates in the usual Atiàr Foc (fire show) and El despertar de las bestias (Awakening of the Beasts) followed by a pyrotechnic-musical show in front of the Cathedral. All very dramatic and entertaining! Here are a few snaps of the final event.
≈ See here for a full list of festivals in Mallorca
