Saint Anthony's Day 2025 in Mallorca

Saint Anthony is one of the most important figures in Mallorca's history and traditions. He is commemorated on the 17th of January, but the celebration itself starts the day before.

Celebration Highlights

During the night people light huge bonfires, make delicious barbeque, watch how costumed demons and devils dance through the streets, and participate in a dancing party at the central city squares.

More About Saint Anthony

Sant Antoni, the patron saint of animals, was an Egyptian Christian monk who, according to legend, resisted the Devil's temptation while living in the desert. To distract himself, he walked across burning embers, inspiring the tradition of fire and devils on the eve of the 16th of January.

Today, great bonfires light up the island as crowds gather to dance around them, celebrating an ancient ritual of purification and the triumph of good over evil.

Main Traditions

Demons are a well-known symbol of Mallorca, tracing their origins to the Feast of Sant Antoni, inspired by the saint's legendary temptation by demons in the wilderness. On the night of the 16th of January, many people dress as demons, running through the streets with pitchforks, making noise, and spinning fiery correfocs. Each town has its unique design for demon costumes, adding to the local flavor of the celebrations.

A correfoc is a dazzling display where participants spin sparklers attached to poles, often those dressed as demons, creating a loud and brilliant spectacle.

Espinagades, a traditional pastry filled with pork or eel and vegetables, are a specialty in Sa Pobla during Sant Antoni, made in large batches and sold on the streets.

Giants and caparrots, iconic figures in Mallorcan culture, also take center stage during the festivities. In towns like Sa Pobla, they join parades and events, dancing and delighting crowds as part of the vibrant festival.

Beneïdes Custom

On the 17th, when the actual St. Anthony's Day is celebrated, Beneïdes (blessing of animals) are held all across Mallorca. This tradition is about blessing all animals—horses, cattle, birds, dogs, and so on. One can even observe animal parades in some cities.

Where to Witness

While Palma focuses on its own patron saint, Sant Sebastià, during the same week, Sant Antoni celebrations are more prominent in other towns across Mallorca. Even in places where Sant Antoni isn't the patron saint and the 17th of January isn't a public holiday, locals still honor the night of the 16th with bonfires and demon festivities.

The largest celebrations take place in towns where Sant Antoni is the patron saint, such as Sa Pobla, Manacor, Artà, and Pollença, where the 17th of January is an official holiday. This day is also celebrated in Santanyi, Son Servera, Andratx, Algaida, Muro, and more.