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Santa Àgueda Festival

1st - 5th February 2025

The Santa Àgueda Festival in Sencelles is a cherished annual event that combines vibrant traditions, religious reverence, and community spirit to honour Santa Àgueda (Saint Agatha), the patron saint of the town. Taking place from February 1 to February 5, the festival offers a rich program of cultural, culinary, and religious activities that highlight the heritage of Sencelles and its devotion to this saint.

By Claire Miller

The Legacy of Santa Àgueda


Santa Àgueda, a 3rd-century Christian martyr from Sicily, is venerated as the patron saint of women, breast cancer patients, and nurses. According to legend, her steadfast faith and refusal to renounce Christianity led to her suffering severe persecution, including the removal of her breasts. She is often depicted in Christian art holding her severed breasts on a platter, symbolizing her courage and unwavering faith.

Her feast day, February 5, is widely celebrated in various parts of the world, especially in Spain and Italy. In Sencelles, Santa Àgueda is honored as a protector and guide, with the festival showcasing a blend of religious ceremonies, folklore, and festivities.



Festival Highlights


The Santa Àgueda Festival in Sencelles is a multi-day celebration that caters to all age groups with its diverse lineup of events:

  • Cultural Activities:
    The festival opens with literary presentations, workshops, and storytelling sessions, offering insights into local folklore and culture. This year, highlights include the presentation of “The Book of Snow” and a storytelling workshop on the “Legend of Santa Àgueda.”


  • Family-Friendly Fun:
    Cooking workshops, parades with traditional giants (Tamborino and Na Mustaca), and children’s entertainment ensure that families can participate in the celebrations.


  • Religious Observances:
    A solemn mass on February 5 at the Parish Church of Sant Pere is the spiritual centerpiece of the festival. The mass includes performances by the Coral Sor Francinaina and the Es Jonc group, as well as tributes to the oldest and youngest women in Sencelles, emphasising the saint’s association with women.


  • Traditional Parades and Dance:
    The festival features processions led by the xeremiers (traditional Mallorcan bagpipers) and performances by local folk groups. The colorful parade of floats and comparsas on February 5 is a crowd favorite, showcasing creativity and community pride.


  • Gastronomy and Bonfire Celebrations:
    Food plays a central role in the festivities, with tastings of Santa Àgueda’s tummy (a local specialty) and sweet wine. The lighting of a traditional bonfire on the evening of February 4 is a symbolic act of unity, accompanied by music, dance, and a glosada (Mallorcan improvised singing).

1st - 5th February 2025

The Santa Àgueda Festival in Sencelles is a cherished annual event that combines vibrant traditions, religious reverence, and community spirit to honour Santa Àgueda (Saint Agatha), the patron saint of the town. Taking place from February 1 to February 5, the festival offers a rich program of cultural, culinary, and religious activities that highlight the heritage of Sencelles and its devotion to this saint.

Festival Highlights


The Santa Àgueda Festival in Sencelles is a multi-day celebration that caters to all age groups with its diverse lineup of events:

  • Cultural Activities:
    The festival opens with literary presentations, workshops, and storytelling sessions, offering insights into local folklore and culture. This year, highlights include the presentation of “The Book of Snow” and a storytelling workshop on the “Legend of Santa Àgueda.”


  • Family-Friendly Fun:
    Cooking workshops, parades with traditional giants (Tamborino and Na Mustaca), and children’s entertainment ensure that families can participate in the celebrations.


  • Religious Observances:
    A solemn mass on February 5 at the Parish Church of Sant Pere is the spiritual centerpiece of the festival. The mass includes performances by the Coral Sor Francinaina and the Es Jonc group, as well as tributes to the oldest and youngest women in Sencelles, emphasising the saint’s association with women.


  • Traditional Parades and Dance:
    The festival features processions led by the xeremiers (traditional Mallorcan bagpipers) and performances by local folk groups. The colorful parade of floats and comparsas on February 5 is a crowd favorite, showcasing creativity and community pride.


  • Gastronomy and Bonfire Celebrations:
    Food plays a central role in the festivities, with tastings of Santa Àgueda’s tummy (a local specialty) and sweet wine. The lighting of a traditional bonfire on the evening of February 4 is a symbolic act of unity, accompanied by music, dance, and a glosada (Mallorcan improvised singing).

Significance and Spirit of the Festival


The Santa Àgueda Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a reflection of the deep-rooted faith and cultural identity of Sencelles. It fosters a sense of community, bringing together residents and visitors to honour their patron saint through shared traditions and joyous festivities.


Whether participating in the solemn church service, enjoying the lively parades, or savouring the local cuisine, the Santa Àgueda Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and authenticity of Sencelles and its people.

Significance and Spirit of the Festival


The Santa Àgueda Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a reflection of the deep-rooted faith and cultural identity of Sencelles. It fosters a sense of community, bringing together residents and visitors to honour their patron saint through shared traditions and joyous festivities.


Whether participating in the solemn church service, enjoying the lively parades, or savouring the local cuisine, the Santa Àgueda Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and authenticity of Sencelles and its people.

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