The "Dia des Be" initiates the Fiestas de Sant Joan

Everything is ready for the the fiesta of the horses.

This Sunday, June 18, in Ciutadella the "Dia des Be" is held, that starts the Festes de Sant Joan, known also as the fiesta of the horses. Once more, this particular day, the members of the Junta de Caixers gather together at the Palace of the Caixer Senyor in the Plaça de la Catedral (Ca n'Olivar), where the latter hands over the flag to the Caixer Fadrí. At nine a.m., following the usual ritual, the Fabioler will be heard for the first time on the pipe and drum; and throughout the day the Group will go round the historic streets of Ciutadella, visiting the Town Hall, the Palau Episcopal, "Foc i Fum", the municipal hospital, the social entities, the manor houses and cavaliers' inns. The most spectacular person and who can only be seen on this day, accompanying the Junta de Caixers for the traditional collection, is the Homo des Be: a man who represents Sant Joan Baptista, dressed in lambs skins, with crosses painted on his hands and feet, carrying a live lamb on his shoulders.

At the same time, as from 8 p.m., there will be the popular hazelnut party in the Avinguda de la Constitució, with the Banda de la Agrupació Musical that amongst other tunes, will play the well known Jaleo.

When the Junta de Caixers and the Homo des Be have finished all the compulsory visits, the caixers receive refreshment at the home of the Caixer Casat (Carrer de Santa Rosalia, 16). And finally, following the strict protocol, there will be the farewell of the Caixer Capellà (Captius de Constantinoble, 26) and by the Caixer Senyor (Ca n'Olivar).

The fiestas of Sant Joan will reach their zenith on Friday 23 and Saturday 24, with the horses and their riders as the stars.

Picture: poster of the Sant Joan Fiestas 2006 by Coloma Florit Pons

Datum: 13/06/2006

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