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

This Sunday, 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 (Palau Lluriach in calle Santa Clara), where the latter hands over the flag to the Caixer Fadrí. At nine on the dot, 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 geriatric 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 hazlenut 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. And finally, following the strict protocol, there will be the farewell of the Caixer Capellà in the calle Negrete and by the Caixer Senyor in his Palace.

The complete programme for the fiestas of Sant Joan, that reach their zenith on Sunday 23 and Monday 24, can be consulted on the web of the Ciutadella Town Council. This year the inhabitants of Ciutadella have a new reason to be proud, as their fiestas, admired by everyone who visits or participates in them, have been named to be declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

Amongst the parallel activities that are held for the Fiestas de Sant Joan we stress two exhibitions that were opened last June 7, the light operetta "Foc i Fum" that is taking place at present at the Casino 17 de Gener, and the exhibition "Fotos de Sant Joan" that will be opened on June 21 at the Centro Social de Sa Nostra.

Date of publication: 12/06/2002

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