What to expect
On the first Sunday in September, Santa Margalida honours the Beata, the blessed Catalina Thomàs, Mallorca's only saint. The evening procession is considered one of the most impressive on the island and draws visitors from across the north. Hundreds of residents in traditional Mallorcan dress move through the streets, accompanied by music bands, decorated floats and scenes from the saint's life. A girl from the town plays the young Catalina, surrounded by farmers in historical costume.
The real spectacle, though, comes from the Dimonis. These figures dressed as devils leap around among the procession participants and smash countless clay jugs on the cobbles. The clatter of the gerres is such a fixture of the festival that it has its own song: the Sor Tomasseta, which the crowd sings while the shards fly. The jugs symbolise the temptations the saint resisted and are produced in large numbers especially for the festival.
Around the procession, Santa Margalida celebrates for several days with concerts, verbenas and sporting events. The procession Sunday is the highlight and a good excuse to get to know this otherwise rather quiet village in the island's north.
Practical tips
- Getting there: By car from Palma it is about 45 minutes on the Ma-13 towards Alcúdia, exit Santa Margalida. Park at the edge of town; the centre is closed off for the procession.
- Crowds: The evening procession is very well attended. To secure a spot along the route, arrive about an hour early.
- Costs: Entry is free; you pay for food and drinks at the stalls yourself.
- Watch out for shards: Clay shards fly around the Dimonis. Wear sturdy shoes and keep a little distance with small children.