Folklore

The many external influences the island has recieved from the civilizations who have inhabited it during its history have deeply marked its character, its customs and minorcan traditions. This variety of minorcan popular culture has been transmitted from parents to children, in the majority of times orally, as in the case of the "rondalles"; tales fed by magical stories where mysterious characters become protagonists.

The richness of the Minorcan Folklore is shown in its popular music, mentioning the minorcan fandangos as well as in its atavistic traditional dances which have preserved its entire essence without losing its purity. We can discover its expressiveness and outburst of colour at any of the continuous performances held by the different folk groups around the island's stages which sometimes become as magical as the church cloisters.

Another cultural sample not to be missed if we want to discover the inhabitants knowledge, is a venue with the "glossadors"; authentic oral rhyme poets, who will surprise us with their skill to improvise as they challenge each other.

The sea is the eternal protagonist of the minorcan lives; in order to show devotion to the Virgin protector of sailors, colourful marine processions are celebrated where sailors brighten up their vessels and set out to sea side by side forming a beautiful coloured mosaic. Another typical fishermen festivity is celebrated on Saint Peter's day, a day when different marine events and cultural performances are held.

History's memory is still alive on the island. Society does not forget its roots and honour their patron saint on the Diada de Sant Antoni (17th January), a date with the celebration of a number of great folkloric events. Ciutadella also celebrates the memory of their ancestors on the 9th July, commemorating the assault of the city by the Turks in 1558.