When is Sant Antoni celebrated in Mallorca?
Sant Antoni Abat is officially celebrated on 17 January. In many Mallorcan municipalities a main focus begins on the evening of 16 January. Bonfires, dimonis, gloses and shared food shape the revetlla; the following day includes the Beneïdes, or animal blessings. The exact order differs by town.
Sa Pobla, Manacor, Artà and Pollença are well-known centres. Each municipality publishes its own programme. Never transfer a time, route or sequence from one place to another, and do not use last year’s programme as the current schedule.
Which terms belong to Sant Antoni?
| Term |
Meaning |
| Revetlla |
celebration on the eve of the saint’s day |
| Fogueró |
authorised community bonfire |
| Dimoni |
devil figure in dance and festival tradition |
| Glosa |
improvised or inherited sung verse |
| Beneïdes |
animal blessings, often on 17 January |
These elements do not appear identically everywhere. A town may add processions, music, services or children’s activities. Its municipal programme is authoritative.
Where can you experience different traditions?
Sa Pobla is closely linked with bonfires, music, gloses and dimonis. High attendance and closures need an early mobility plan. Only the current programme shows which squares have fires and stages.
Manacor publishes its own sequence of local figures and events. Artà also has a characteristic programme that should not be reduced to one assumed time. Pollença connects Sant Antoni with local traditions and publishes separate information.
Other municipalities can offer equally meaningful celebrations. Choose by confirmed programme, safe arrival and desired intensity rather than fame alone.
How do you find current events?
The Consell de Mallorca’s official page provides cultural context. For dates, starts, routes, bonfire sites and Beneïdes, continue to the municipality. A reliable notice identifies the current year and responsible authority.
Mallorca Map displays matching records. The initial selection is limited and the search link provides further results. Open the original source immediately before travelling.
Old programmes can resemble the present edition and rank prominently in search. Read the year in the document. A social photograph with no municipal link is not a date confirmation.
How should you behave around bonfires?
Only authorised and supervised fires belong to the official festival. Keep barriers, access and safety distances clear. Do not add material or bring private pyrotechnics. Wind, dryness or official measures can change or prohibit a fire.
Wear closed shoes and robust clothing that will not melt easily. Cotton is more suitable near sparks than highly flammable synthetic fabric. Tie back hair and secure loose scarves.
Children remain directly with adults. Cooking over a fire requires permission and control from those responsible. Alert staff or emergency services immediately for burns or uncontrolled sparks.
What do dimonis and gloses mean?
Dimonis are central figures in many Mallorcan winter celebrations. They appear in dances, processions and staged encounters. Masks, noise and quick movement can be intense for children. Explain the role and never force a close encounter.
Gloses are sung verses combining humour, criticism and local subjects. Language and context are part of the tradition. Listen respectfully and do not assume a spontaneous recording is free to publish.
Do not touch costumes or props. Keep performance routes open and follow stewards. Respectful presence matters more than a close photograph.
How do the Beneïdes work?
Beneïdes bless animals within the religious and agricultural context of Saint Anthony. The route, assembly and permitted animals are locally regulated. Animal welfare takes priority over participation or photography.
Bring only an animal able to tolerate people, noise and other animals safely. Use suitable restraint or transport and provide water, distance and an exit. Never leave an animal waiting in a vehicle.
Spectators keep the route clear and ask before close photographs of people and animals. Maintain hygiene and remove waste.
How do you plan travel and return?
Town centres may close, stops can move and parking is limited. Check the municipality, TIB and any special service. A normal timetable does not describe festival operation automatically.
Drivers park outside the signed zone and keep resident and emergency access free. A longer safe walk is better than searching for an illegal central space.
Different parts of the revetlla end at different times. Save the final return, meeting point and accommodation offline. Alcohol and driving do not mix.
What weather can January bring?
January evenings can be cold, windy or wet, particularly during a long stay in a square. Use AEMET for the exact town. Wind can affect fire and smoke and cause programme changes.
Wear layers, weather protection and footwear with grip. Clothes near sparks should fit closely and resist melting. Carry water even in cool conditions.
Do not seek an unsupervised alternative fire after warnings or cancellation. Follow municipal and emergency guidance.
How can families and disabled visitors plan?
Choose one programme element rather than a whole night. Confirm noise, distance from fire, toilets, seating and exit. Hearing protection and a visible meeting place help. Children need direct supervision.
Accessibility includes stop or parking, route, viewing, toilet and return. Historic centres, crowds and temporary fire sites can create obstacles. Ask the municipality for a suitable section.
For smoke, light or noise sensitivity, daytime Beneïdes or a quieter activity may work better than the revetlla.
Sant Antoni checklist
- current programme for the chosen municipality
- 16 and 17 January treated as separate programme days
- authorised bonfire and safety area
- closed shoes and suitable clothing
- Beneïdes route and rules
- animal welfare, water and exit
- closures, temporary stops and final return
- AEMET weather, wind and update channel
- meeting point, hearing protection and accessible route
Sant Antoni in Mallorca is strongest when local differences, fire respect and animal welfare are taken seriously together.
