Authentic Mallorcan traditions are best experienced first-hand. Some of the best things about this luxurious island are its history and its roots. Its towns, which offer a cosmopolitan atmosphere and an endless list of possibilities, haven’t forgotten their history and it is recognized when those certain dates arrive. One of the most important dates for the people of Pollensa and those from the north is Sant Antoni, which is celebrated every year on the 17th of January. Buying a property for sale in Pollensa will allow you to immerse yourself in its ancestral customs and traditions which you won’t find anywhere else. But what exactly happens during Sant Antoni in Pollensa? At Heinsbroek Real Estate Boutique, real estate agency in Pollensa, we want to tell you all of the necessary information which will be sure to convince you to buy a property in this paradise.
Every year Sant Antoni is celebrated on the 17th of January and it is an event with a great community spirit, the entire town of Pollensa heads out to the streets to enjoy themselves, eat and warm up by the fires. The most common thing you will see during these days are the flaming embers coming from the forguerons, they are a type of barbecue where local cured meats such as sobrasada and botifarró are cooked, you will also see traditional dances and activities which are very characteristic such as the baile de dimonis (dance of the devils), who dance around a statue of Sant Antoni. He was a historical Christian monk known for being the patron saint of domestic animals in the Balearic Islands and, according to the legend, he survived the temptations and attacks of the devil. This celebration begins with heat and fire and there’s no better way to experience it than by buying one of our properties for sale in Pollensa.
When the people of Mallorca think of Pollensa, it’s likely that they think of their most well-known celebratory acts such as: “U pi”. Every year on the 17th of January, around 3000 Pollensans head to the finca de Ternelles to carry a large and rigid pine tree. When they arrive at their destination, the pine tree has been pruned, de-branched and polished, transforming it in to a giant trunk which usually measures between 20 to 23 metres in height. The crowds collect this tree and take it all the way to the central Plaça Vella, this is where the celebrations start. Once there, the pine tree is coated in pork fat and soap and is erected with ties and pulleys in such a way that it stands completely vertical. It’s the start of the game: those who believe that they are strong and brave enough try to climb to its peak and prove their worth and as a prize win the respect of all of the towns inhabitants. It’s a time filled with tension and nerves, given that the height of the pine tree leaves any spectator stunned.
During the less busy hours of the celebrations, people make the most of this time to barbecue on the bonfires and to sing Gloses, a special type of Mallorcan musical poetry, to the rhythm of the Ximbomba (special drums), an iconic symbol of the island. Also, nearby towns, such as Manacor, Sant Joan, Artà or Sa Pobla are well known for their celebrations during Sant Antoni, each with their own twists. At Heinsbroek Real Estate Boutique Hotel, real estate agency in Pollensa, we recommend spending these important dates in Pollensa, given that there is no other celebration which has “u pi”. A great way to get close to all of the action is by buying a property for sale in Pollensa. You won’t regret it.
Luxury and tradition have come together in a wonderful union. Visit our selection of properties in Pollensa and buy a property in the northern paradise of Mallorca. For whatever query or question that you may have, you can always contact our real estate agents in Mallorca and we will be able to help you.
Visca Sant Antoni! Long live Sant Antoni!