Life
Sant Antoni in Sa Pobla -
My experience as a Sant Antoni newbie
BY CLAIRE MILLER
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Northern Mallorca lies the charming town of Sa Pobla, a town which I am lucky enough to now call home. Although I’ve been on the island for a number of years now, my family and I have only moved to Sa Pobla in 2023. Amongst the many local festivities that captivate curiosity in this enchanting isle, is the celebrated Sant Antoni festival. Each year, the Sa Poblan air is filled with excitement and the aroma of bonfires as locals and visitors alike, come together to celebrate the revered festival of Sant Antoni. Steeped in history and cultural traditions, this festival is a vibrant testament to the island's heritage and community spirit. Ahead of Sant Antoni 2025, here's my 'newbie's' guide to the magic and madness of this festival of fire.
A Brief History of Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni (Saint Anthony the Great) was a revered Christian monk who lived during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Renowned for his miraculous ability to cure animals, and also for his steadfast piety, Sant Antoni retreated to the Egyptian desert to lead a life devoted to prayer and contemplation. Legend says that during his time in the wilderness, he faced many temptations from demons but overcame them with his faith and emerged victorious. Sant Antoni is now known as the Patron Saint of Animals and is invoked to safeguard livestock. He is also revered as a symbol of spiritual strength, faith and resilience.
Why is Sant Antoni Celebrated Today?
The celebration of Sant Antoni traces back to middle age agrarian rituals aimed at ensuring a plentiful harvest and protecting livestock. With its long and rich agricultural history, it’s no wonder Sa Pobla has chosen Sant Antoni as its Patron Saint. Although the Sant Antoni festival is celebrated across Mallorca and other parts of Spain, Sa Pobla really goes all out to express the town’s gratitude for agricultural abundance, faith and community.
Main Events in Sa Pobla
In Sa Pobla, the Sant Antoni festival is the highlight of the social calendar. For the Ayuntament and those organising events it is clearly a labour of love. Attracting locals and visitors with its lively atmosphere, array of cultural activities, Demonis (representations of the demons that Sant Antoni overcame) and, of course, lots and lots of fire in the form of bonfires and fireworks. The Sant Antoni 2025 festivities kick off on 7th January and run through to the main events on the 16th and 17th January. Some of the main celebrations during the festival include:
1. Beneïdes de Sant Antoni: The traditional Beneïdes, or blessings of animals, where locals bring their pets and livestock to be blessed by the parish priest. These take place at the Church square on 17th January at 4.30pm.
2. Correfoc: The exhilarating Correfoc is most definitely not for the faint-hearted, and most certainly for adults only. Starting at Midnight on the 11th January in the Plaza Major the Demonis (Devils) take to the main stage to perform and also dance amongst the pulsating crowds in the square to traditional drumming. All whilst wielding fireworks and torches. It really is a sight to behold, and personally like nothing I’d ever seen before. Be prepared however to be rained on from above, and all around by lots of fire and brimstone! The Correfoc Infantil ‘Batieg de Foc’ on the 10th January offers a far more family friendly way to join in on the fun and see the Demonis in all their mischievous glory!
3. Foguerons - Throughout the streets of Sa Pobla, bonfires known as Foguerons are lit, around which locals gather to enjoy grilled meats, traditional sobrassades and drinks. Our neighbourhood enjoyed chatting, singing and dancing late into the night, accompanied by traditional ximbombas (type of drum).
4. The `Espectacle Piromusical’ Fireworks display - The fireworks display on the night of 16th January is absolutely phenomenal and my personal favourite of all the events we were lucky enough to be part of. Taking place at 9.45pm at the Plaza Major - the Piromusical tells the story of Sant Antoni and local tradition, all choreographed beautifully to traditional and classical music. Having seen many fireworks displays over the years (as some may know, we take them pretty seriously in Britain too, particularly on Bonfire Night!) this is one of the best I have ever seen. Buses and trains run special schedules in order to make sure people in surrounding areas can take part in the fun. It is not to be missed. The 2024 show was absolutely brilliant, I’m so excited to see this year's display!
5. The Parade - Taking place from 4.30pm - 5.30pm on the 17th January, the colourful parade featuring floats, Demonis, horses, dancers, Gegants, traditional Caparrots and musicians wind their way through the streets of Sa Pobla, before finishing up in the Plaza Major where we say goodbye to Sant Antoni for another year. This is a truly memorable event and is fully family friendly - pets are not only welcome but a strong part of the tradition!
All in all, as a newcomer to Sa Pobla, my family and I have been heartened by the warm embrace of the local community, who welcome outsiders with open arms into their cherished traditions. Whether it's joining in the Tradicionals Beneïdes, savouring delicacies at the Foguerons, or taking in the spectacular piromusical display, there are endless opportunities for non-locals like myself to immerse in the magic of Sant Antoni.
Please find the full Sant Antoni 2025 program here. Please also check the Ajuntament de Sa Pobla Instagram for updates or changes to the schedule.