Throughout the summer, patron saint festivals are held in all the municipalities of Menorca, where horses are the undisputed stars of the show. If you are planning a trip to the island, be sure to include a visit during the patron saint festivities for a unique and unforgettable experience. You won’t regret it!
Introduction to the festivities and their protocols
From June to September, horses and their riders dressed in black and white, and horses adorned with ribbons, embroidery and colourful carnations, revive a medieval ritual that dates back to the 14th century.
The patron saint festivities of Menorca are the ultimate expression of Menorcan culture and form part of the history of the island and its towns. These festivities keep the most traditional folklore alive and have adapted perfectly to the passage of time.
You cannot miss the traditional ‘jaleos’. Feel the excitement as the riders and their horses jump and dance to the rhythm of the band’s music, amid the excitement and revelry of thousands of spectators.
The qualcada (horseback ride)
These horsemen (‘caixers’) and their horses form part of the ‘qualcada’, which plays a leading role in the festivities. It is made up of the social sectors that played a prominent role in traditional society and represent the social and economic classes of that society.
Its most prominent members preside over the ‘junta de caixers’ (board of horsemen), which ensures that the festival runs smoothly and that protocols are followed. Its composition may vary slightly from town to town.
The Fabioler
He leads the procession, announcing his arrival with the traditional beat of the drum and the ‘fabiol’ (a wind instrument from the flute family).
Overhead Caixer “sobreposat” or single caixer “fadrí” (soltero)
He is responsible for carrying the flag of the festival.
Caixer Pages (peasant)
They represent farm workers. They are responsible for ensuring that the other members of the qualcada behave properly. In the citadel, they are responsible for choosing the ‘Be’ (lamb) of Sant Joan.
Caixer Casat (Married )
He represents the town’s artisans and is responsible for carrying the flag when it is not being carried by the caixer fadrí.
Caixer Capella o capellana (Chaplain or chaplain)
He represents the church and presides over the ‘completes’ (mass).
Caixer batle (mayor)
It may be the mayor of the town council himself or someone representing him to whom he delegates power during the festivities, handing over the sceptre.
Caixer Senyor (Sir) (only in ciutadella)
He represents the nobility and is responsible for ensuring that the festival runs smoothly.
In addition to the main protagonists, there are also numerous ‘caixers’ who have been deeply involved in the festival since they were very young and share a common love for the world of horses. They are responsible for ensuring that the festival runs smoothly.
Traditional cuisine
The typical drink at parties is ‘pomada’ or ‘gin amb llimonada’, a mixture of gin (preferably Gin Xoriguer from Menorca) and lemonade.
During the festivities, it is also traditional to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate with coca bamba or ensaimada, typical sweets from the Balearic Islands.
Holiday calendar
📅 Here you can see our calendar of Menorca Festivals 2026
The Sant Joan (St. John) festivities on 23rd and 24th June in Ciudadela mark the start of the summer festivities, followed by those in the rest of the island’s towns.
You can check the dates for each town here: 👉 Calendar of Menorca’s patron saint festivities 2026
Tips and recommendations
There is a special transport service during the festivities: 👉 Jaleo-Bus Information, timetables and stops
Here is a brief guide with: 👉 Safety tips and recommendations during the holidays
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