This weekend marks the beginning of the popular Santa Margarita festivity in Mallorca, just 20 minutes from hotel BelleVue Club and hotel BelleVue Lagomonte (Alcudia)
These celebrations of great tradition, but of unknown origin, have been taking place since 1792 in the village of Santa Margalida. Located northeast of the island, here is the first parish church of Santa Margalida, built in 1232.
This church is dedicated to St. Margaret, whose legend resembles the story of Scheherazade from The Arabian Nights. The origin and the scene of the legend date back to the Arab culture. The troubadours who came from Eastern countries sang about her: “The innocent and enchanting princess that became the loot of a dragon. With the magic of her seductive eyes, she managed to tame the beast, which began following her like a loyal dog. “Christian conquerors named this beautiful place after her. She and St. Catalina Tomas have long been revered by the people of Santa Margalida as patrons of the town.
The Festivities of the Blessed begin on the first Saturday in the afternoon, with the ringing of church bells and the offering of flowers at the monument of the saint, followed by a festival that lasts until dawn.
The first Sunday of September is the day of the Blessed, when neighbors and all visitors take part in the most awaited event of the year. In the morning, the festivities begin with demons gathering to walk the streets, waking people up with the sound of bells hanging from their clothing. Then there is a mass during which the demons wait at the church doors for the saint and her court. About 7 pm, couples begin to come out, dressed in the traditional clothes of Mallorca, and set out to collect the jars from the convent of the nuns, while the demons roam the streets, making a racket with their bells and sticks, thus letting everyone know that they will be causing a stir all night long.
The procession begins at 9 pm. Declared of touristic interest, it is led by the Blessed on foot, accompanied by various groups of xeremiers (musicians playing the xeremier, a wind instrument of the cleats family), a crowd of peasants, demons, marching bands and 12 spectacular floats, each dedicated to one of the different stages of the life of the Blessed. The farmers, carrying jars of clay, are assaulted by various demons, trying to seize the vessels to later break them at the feet of the young woman who represents the Blessed. Surrounded and harassed by demons who crash jars and jugs at her feet, she manages to overcome the temptation and thus, earn her status of a Saint.
The festivities will last until next September 7th and include many activities throughout the day: concerts, DJs, football … Check the full program here.
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