Spaniards love horses. They may even be the best riders, which can be proven during one of the Festivals of Horses. On the 28th of August the village of Ses Salines celebrates the Festa de Cavall, organized by the Horse Riding Association. This event is an homage to the Menorcan traditional equestrian parade "Jaleo."
Festival Highlights
Before the festival starts, horse riders visit local civil and religious authorities to ask for permission. Afterward, they head to the Plaza de Sant Bartomeu and begin their show. Jaleo is a technique for making a horse dance to the same repeating music for several hours. Thus professional equestrians saddle horses, and when the orchestra starts playing Aragonese folk, they make horses dance on their hind legs right in front of the spectators. After the exhilarating performance, the atmosphere shifts to a more jubilant tone as the common celebration kicks off. The air is filled with music, the ground with dancing, and the glasses with wine, creating a festive ambiance that is hard to resist.
Festival Significance
The Festa del Cavall, a cherished traditional celebration in Ses Salines, holds a significant place in the locals' hearts and draws many attendees. This year marks the XXV Festa del Cavall, one of the most popular horse festivals in Mallorca. To the rhythm of the flute, the horses, adorned with Menorcan saddles, trot and rear up on their hind legs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Over 3,000 people gather at the Plaza de Sant Bartomeu to witness this event.
