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
San Juan is celebrated throughout Mallorca and indeed many other parts of Spain. It is a celebration of the shortest night of the year, the summer solstice. The event takes different forms in different locations – all however based around the central features of the sun, fire and water.
There are beach parties with bonfires, and celebrations in many towns with fireworks, fire runners (“Correfoc”) and music ranging from local folk bands to more popular and modern music.
In Palma de Mallorca the San Juan celebrations this year were in their usual location of Parc de Mar in front of Palma Cathedral.
Starting with folk music and dancing at 9pm, at 10.30 the entertainment moved on to the Correfoc and fireworks which were the centrepiece of the evening. Following this there was more music continuing through to the early hours.
Correfoc – the fire runners
The word Correfoc comes from “Correr” – to run, and “foc”, which is fire in Catalan. Correfocs are spectacular events whereby “fire devils” run through the streets and interact with the crowds whilst playing with fire staffs and various fireworks.
The devils are playful sprites rather than evil spirits – they taunt the crowd in a playful fashion, usually to the hypnotic sound of drums and demonic chanting. Whilst the Correfoc looks decidedly dangerous and it is best to be reasonably cautious while watching or taking part – there are generally few accidents and injuries are slight!
Photo gallery – San Juan, Palma de Mallorca, 23.06.09 (18 photos)
