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 in calle Santa Clara, 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 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 Monday 23 and Tuesday 24, can be consulted on
the
web of the
Ciutadella Town Council.