Menorca celebrates the Festival of Sant Joan
On the island of Menorca, race horses gallop through the streets to honor the town’s patron, Sant Joan. The festival is part of summer solstice celebrations, which are observed throughout Spain.
Horses take center stage
During the island's traditional Sant Joan festival, locally bred race horses rear and prance on their hind legs through the streets of Ciutadella to honor the town's patron saint. The "caixers" on their mounts ride in a parade while spectators attempt to pat the horses' chests for good luck.
Medieval tournament
A "caixer" attempts to spear a suspended ring with his lance in the "Jocs des Pla" medieval-style tournament held at the Menorca festival. The island is one of the Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Its name derives from its size, contrasting its neighbor, the much larger island of Mallorca.
Magnificent steed
A rider rears up on his horse while surrounded by a cheering crowd during the lively fiesta. Celebrated across Spain, the festival is rooted in ancient summer solstice tradition. In other parts of Spain, the celebrations are usually held on the beach with drink, food, and friends. Hundreds of roaring bonfires dot the coastline.
Day of the Lamb
On the first day of the festival in Menorca, a man clad in a sheepskin, the "s' Homo des Be," carries a live ram on his shoulders. He walks barefoot through the ancient city, accompanied by a Sant Joan committee, making frequent stops at many houses.
Horses in houses
A horse and his rider walk right into people's homes during the festival for luck. On the second day, the horse parade and tournaments begin.
Surrounded by a cheering crowd
Day three of the festival sees intense competition between the riders in a harmless form of sparring that involves spearing a suspended ring with a lance at considerable speed. the horses are trained all year long for the fiesta. The festivities end with a grand fireworks display.