Event: Spain

Festes de Sant Joan

When:	22 - 23 Jun 2008 (annual)
Where:	Ciutadella
Costs:	Free

In a tradition dating back to the 14th century, the accomplished riders and equestrian masters of the island of Menorca converge on the Plaza del Born in the town of Ciutadella for the Feast of Saint John (Sant Joan/San Juan).

The Sunday before St John's Day is called the Day of the Lamb and marks the beginning of the fiestas. At 9am on the dot the fiesta committee summon the authorities, bishop, noblemen and horsemen, in strict order, to take part in the cavalcade. Riders are impeccably dressed in the polished black uniforms that are a throwback to the aristocratic dress of the Middle Ages.

The celebrations see more than 100 riders re-enacting equestrian traditions, with a packed programme of shield jousting and horse acrobatics. In the spirit of the contest, each skill must be perfectly executed; it is more than just an honour to be a caixer, so amateurism is not accepted.

On the 23 June, known as Midsummer's Day, a colourful ceremony takes place in Plaza del Born and is followed by a visit to the hermitage of the saint for vespers. In the evening there is more revelry in the streets and the day ends with a supper at the house of the Caixer Senyor.

The next morning the herald appears once again for summoning. Following the cavalcade to the Pla de Sant Joan, a Caixer mass takes place at the cathedral, the most important ceremony of the fiestas. In the afternoon the games take place in Es Pla, in which horsemen compete for a number of titles, which in turn carry noble responsibilities. The biggest of these is the upkeep of the rural church of Saint John, and others include the obligation to perform for the nobility on the island. The partying continues after the priest is left at his home.