Menorca: Sant Joan Festival

You've probably heard or read about the Sant Joan festivities in Menorca. They are undoubtedly a wonderful experience, full of beauty and joy, which is why thousands of people from all over the world come to the island year after year at this time so as not to miss a single detail.

Are you going to miss it? You shouldn't, because Sant Joan is a celebration where tradition, music and revelry come together to create a unique spectacle that is well worth a trip to Menorca.

At Nelva Resort, you'll find the perfect retreat to relax after the excitement of two days of festivities. Our apartments and facilities will provide everything you need for an unforgettable stay in Menorca. Come and visit us, but don't delay in booking on our website, as these dates are very popular!

Origins of the Festival:

The origins of the Sant Joan festival in Ciutadella date back seven centuries, to be exact, when local laborers, on horseback, would make a pilgrimage from Ciutadella to the Hermitage of Sant Joan de Missa, collecting donations. Today, this tradition is recreated, and the different social classes of the time are clearly represented, with every detail meticulously observed. Thus, riders dressed in the traditional "just" attire, combining black and white, mounted mostly on stallions of the Menorcan breed, parade through the town's streets.

The most representative aspects of the Festival:

We've all seen the beautiful images of the black horses rearing up on their hind legs, rising majestically amidst the crowds, having galloped into Plaça del Born. The excitement is palpable; people throng to witness this unique spectacle as the horses circle the square three times to the sound of music—it's the Caragol.

It is one of the most impressive moments of the entire festival; the strength of the horses, along with their beauty and power, leaves everyone present speechless.

Take a few days:

The festivities last a few days, so take note and reserve a few in your calendar to come to Menorca and enjoy them with us.

The first of the events takes place in Ciutadella on the Saturday before Saint John's Day: La Vetlla des Be, followed by Dia des Be. On both days, the main attraction is a white lamb, which is kept vigil over on Saturday and paraded through the streets of Ciutadella on the back of the Barefoot Man on Sunday. This is how these unique Ciutadella festivities officially begin.

Aside from the Caragol, which we've already mentioned, horses continue to be the main attraction these days. So, it's essential that you're in Ciutadella on June 24th as well. Riders and their horses will be participating in several activities worth seeing, known as the Jocs Des Pla (Plains Games). There's the Carotadas, a game where one rider holds a mask and the other tries to break it by throwing a stone, and also the Joc de la Ensortilla (Ring Game), where knights, armed with lances, try to hit a ring that has been hung from a cable.

Ciutadella is dressed in its finest; laughter, applause, shouts of admiration, and the clatter of horses' hooves on the cobblestones fill the air. Sant Joan is undoubtedly a grand celebration here in Menorca, and that's why you can't miss the opportunity to enjoy it with us.

At Hotel Nelva, you'll find the perfect place to spend your holidays. The relaxed atmosphere and our spacious, comfortable facilities will be the perfect finishing touch. Unwind and take a few days off to enjoy Menorca, the sun, and the vibrant nightlife. .

Book now, choose from our fully equipped one or two bedroom apartments, relax in our spacious pool area and marvel at the stunning views.

We're waiting for you!