AGENDA BCN
Majorcan San Antoni Fiesta
On the eve of 16 January, residents in the Majorcan district of Gracia in Barcelona celebrate Sa Pobla. Gathering in the streets, they hail the passing by of drummers, costumed singers and red devils in a tribute to the patron saint of animals, San Antoni.
Peculiarly no animals feature in this fiesta which once served as an agricultural celebration when Gracia was no more than a remote village on the outskirts of Barcelona. Devils, however, do.
Festival-goers take the opportunity to gather around open fires and indulge in traditional Majorcan fare - a notable example is sobresada being a harmless looking large flat pastry like brioche - bite through the pastry and you'll discover a raw rich meat filling that gives this delicacy a totally different edge. Bonfires are lit in the streets and festive onlookers make way for riotous processions of dancing devils and drummers.
One of the more traditional instruments to be seen amongst the drum bands is the zambomba. It is a large base drum that makes quite a racket! The residents are known for their raucousness on these occasions and essentially anything goes. So be prepared to let your hair down a la Mallorquina!.
Try skipping a meal or two on the day as you will be sampling some of the most sizzling, hot and tasty culinary delights of the island and dance into the early hours.
When:16 Jan 2008 (annual)
Where:Plaça de la Virreina
Cost:Free