Dimonis of Mallorca
The dimonis of Mallorca are a great tourist attraction. As they are a cause for celebration and fun, a multitude of ‘collas’ have been formed to represent their activities in almost all the villages of Mallorca. Curiously, they have their origins in the Catholic religious tradition.
Sant Antoni i el dimoni festivities
On 17th January every year the festivity of Sant Antoni (Saint Anthony) is celebrated in Mallorca, a very important day in several villages of our island. Although we have no written references to it until the 17th century, it is possible that events like this already existed in the Middle Ages. They are organised in many towns, but it is in Sa Pobla, Muro, Manacor and Artà where the celebrations are most spectacular. Here we will talk about the festivities of Sant Antoni i el dimoni today.
Sant Antoni, who was he?
Anthony Abad, a Catholic monk, was born in 251 in Egypt, which was then part of the Roman Empire. At the age of 20 he sold all his possessions and dedicated his life to contemplation and living as a hermit in a cave.
Legend has it that while in the desert he was repeatedly tempted by the devil. This is the origin of the present-day scenery of fire and demons that accompanies him.
He is also known to be the patron saint of animals, something that came about because of his close relationship with them. There are several facts that, according to tradition, prove this: After the death of Pablo (another hermit), it was Antonio Abad who buried him with the help of two lions and several other animals. On another occasion he cured the blindness of 2 small wild boars, for which his mother, the javelina, was eternally grateful to him and would never be separated from him…
Truth or simple legend? We will never know, but what is certain is that the celebrations around this saint in Mallorca always involve the blessing of animals and also the presence of the dimonis.
The dimonis of Mallorca, the stars of the festival
In a country with a Catholic tradition like Spain, it is clear that Sant Antoni represents good, and the dimonis represent evil and condemnation to hell. In fact, the demons repeatedly tempted the hermit Antonio Abad in the desert. Nowadays they are still represented as mocking him and tempting him again.
But as time has gone by, and in spite of their animal appearance, with red or black faces, huge horns, extravagant clothes and clubs in their hands, they have become something else. They symbolise fun, vice and mischief, the rascal in all of us who enjoys playing and teasing people.
In almost every village in Mallorca there are collas (groups) of people who will represent the dimonis at the festivities. Each colla with their own style and different costumes, which makes them very diverse and interesting. Here are some of them: ‘Dimonis d’Albopás’ from Sa Pobla, ‘Dimonis de Sa Pedrera’ from Muro, ‘Fills de Lucifer’ from Búger or ‘Kinfumfá’ from Palma.
If you are more interested in this subject, you can see all the groups that are currently active on the website of the ‘Federació de Dimonis, Diables, i Bèsties de foc de les Illes Balears’ (Federation of Devils, and Beasts of fire of the Balearic Islands).
The eve of Sant Antoni’s Day, January 16
For those who like hustle and bustle and noise, the key date is the eve of Saint Antoni’s Day. Fire and pyrotechnics are a must at a festival with dimonis, where the correfocs (fire runs) are a visual spectacle. This is complemented musically with popular songs, tambourines and the traditional Ximbombas and Xeremies.
If you’re well prepared you’ll have a lot of fun, because all in all it’s an impressive atmosphere. We recommend that you check the programme of activities organised by each town hall and sign up for the one that suits you best.
Of course, as this takes place in the middle of January, to get rid of the cold and hunger, go to the bonfires in the streets, and… Don’t forget to take some bread and some good sausages and botifarrons to toast!
Dimonis in Palma, for Sant Sebastià
On the last day of the festivities held in Palma de Mallorca for its patron saint, Sant Sebastià, which are just after the celebration of Sant Antoni, a great dimoniada is organised, with the participation of several local collas. Being another great occasion to enjoy a night of partying and collective madness, with pyrotechnics and demonic dances.
There are many other outstanding festivals in Mallorca that are worth participating in. If you want to know more about the Moors and Christians Festivities, follow the link: Moors and Christians Festivals