Patron saint festivities of Menorca

Patron saint festivities in Menorca

Menorca in festivities: discover the festivities of each weekend 

Menorca is much more than paradisiacal coves, sunset strolls and good gastronomy. The island comes to life in a very special way during its traditional festivals, which flood every corner with culture, emotion and collective spirit. If you travel to Menorca between the months of May and September, it is very likely that, any weekend, you will come across a patron saint festival full of history, horses and contagious joy;

At PortBlue Hotels, we want your experience on the island to be authentic, so we invite you to immerse yourself in one of its most lively expressions: Menorcan festivals. Here we tell you what to expect and how to enjoy them to the fullest. 

The soul of the festival: the Menorcan horse 

If there is something that defines the festivities of Menorca is the horse figure, and more specifically the Menorca breed horse: elegant, strong and dark-coated. These horses are the protagonists of unique acts such as the jaleo, in which the riders -called caixers– make their horses rise on their hind legs among a devoted crowd. 

Living a jaleo is an unforgettable experience: the music of the band, the sound of the hooves on the square and the enthusiasm of the public create a vibrant atmosphere that connects tradition, emotion and community;

A summer of celebrations: parties every weekend 

From June to September, the villages of Menorca celebrate their patron saint festivals following a well-marked calendar. Although they all share a similar structure, each one has its own special touch. Here we leave you a small guide: 

Junio

• Ciutadella – Festes de Sant Joan (June 23rd and 24th): 
  The most famous and multitudinous. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, they offer a unique experience with centuries of tradition. If you can plan your trip for these dates, do not hesitate!

Julio 

• Es Mercadal – Sant Martí (third weekend): 
  Family festivities and very authentic, with a beautiful racket in the town square. 

• Fornells – Sant Antoni (fourth weekend): 
  Fishing village that combines tradition, sea and joy.

Agosto 

• Alaior – Sant Llorenç (second weekend): 
  One of the most lively festivals with great local participation.

• Ferreries – Sant Bartomeu (penultimate weekend): 
  Intimate party, with a cozy atmosphere and mountain views;

• Sant Lluís – Sant Lluís (last weekend): 
  The highlight of the month, with a lot of involvement of local families.

September 

• Maó – Mare de Déu de Gràcia (7 and 8 September): 
  The last big festivities of the summer, with jaleos in the capital and an urban but equally emotional atmosphere. 

🌞 How to experience the holidays like a local (without losing your cool) 

• Get there early: places fill up early, especially during the jaleos. Go in advance will allow you to find a good place and experience it calmly.

• Hydrate and protect yourself from the sun: many celebrations are held at noon, under the summer sun.

• Follow the rhythm of the island: the holidays are lived intensely… but with pause. Don’t worry about the clock and let yourself go.

• Respect the horses and riders: it is a tradition very dear to Menorcans. If you do not know the protocol, observe first and participate later. 

• Beware of ginet/pomada: gin with lemonade obtained by mixing Gin Xoriguer, a Menorcan brand, with lemonade. In summer it can also be drunk frozen and is a very treacherous drink. It is sweet and enters very well, but if you abuse it, it can play a dirty trick.  

Live the most authentic Menorca with PortBlue Hotels 

From our hotels in S’Algar or Ciutadella, you are just minutes away from many of these traditional festivals. In addition to rest and comfort, we offer you a privileged location to discover the most festive and local island.

Do you want to know which festival coincides with your stay? Our team will be happy to inform you and give you tips to live it like a real Menorcan.

Are you ready to dance to the beat and toast with pomade? 

The festivities of Menorca are a unique opportunity to get to know the island from the inside. They are not only visual or folkloric events, but moments of union, pride and shared tradition.

This summer, come to Menorca with the five senses. Experience its landscapes, its cuisine… and its fiestas. 

PortBlue Hotels. More than vacations. Experiences that stay with you.