Sant Antoni and the devils
Sant Antoni of Portol

Sant Antoni, the devils and the animals 16 January

Although there is a bonfire in the village on the evening preceding the saint's day, and you can toast bread and sobrassada over braziers of glowing coals, there is not the frenetic activity and entertainment to be found in other towns and villages such as Palma, Santa Pobla or Artà.

On the Sunday nearest the saint’s day, there is parade of floats depicting scenes from rural life, headed by all the local horses and their riders, horse drawn carts and pony traps.

Naturally Sant Antoni is there too, as are numerous devils of all ages and descriptions.The procession wends its way through the town to the Square in front of the Church where it is joined by all the townspeople, many in traditional dress, with their livestock and their pets.

All the animals, be they goldfish, gerbils or goats, are sprinkled with Holy Water and blessed by the priest to keep them healthy and make them fruitful during the coming year.


Portol and Sant Antoni