Who Is Ignasi Saura?
Ignasi Saura is the young cashier who oversees the horse‑riding events during the Caragol de Santa Clara in Ciutadella. He gives clear instructions to the riders so the celebration runs smoothly and on schedule.
Guidelines for a Smooth Ride
Saura asks the gentlemen who will join him on horseback to speed up the passage during the parade. His main goal is to avoid long waits that could frustrate both the horses and the spectators.
First and Third Laps Need Extra Agility
He emphasizes that the first half of the route should be quick. When the riders reach Santa Clara, they want the rest of the knights to enter the “snail” (the winding part of the course) without delay.
In the third lap, agility is just as important. If the last horses lag too far behind—say, forty minutes after the lead rider called the Fabioler—the procession can break apart.
Keeping to the Timetable
Saura reminds everyone that “we all have to do our part to meet the schedules.” He notes that riders should not stop at every house along the way, as that would throw off the timing.
What About the Route?
Last year, organizers tried a longer path that went through Maó, Sant Joan Bosco, and Curniola. The idea was to keep the horses moving and avoid crowding in Plaça Nova.
Saura says the decision isn’t final yet: “We’ll see how many horses we have and how the square fills up.” If the change feels like it turns the runs into a slow snail, they may revert to the traditional route from the Cathedral to the old Plaza España.
Jocs des Pla – Riding Together
Another set of instructions concerns the Jocs des Pla. Instead of splitting the twelve races into two groups of six, the riders will now do all twelve races one after another. This change helps keep the event on time, especially because there are more horses participating today than in past decades.
A Helpful Map for Greetings
Saura has digitized a 2012 map of Ciutadella and shared it with the knights. The map highlights where they should lift their hats and say hello—such as in front of stately homes, the Hospital, the Town Hall, Ca’l Bisbe, and the local chapels. Even experienced riders can use the reminder to show proper respect.
Assistants Watching the Scaffolding
To make sure everything stays safe, Saura has appointed assistants who will **monitor the scaffolding** used during the event. Their job is to spot any issues early so the celebration can continue without accidents.
Conclusion
Ignasi Saura’s directions focus on speed, order, and respect. By asking riders to move quickly in the first and third laps, keep the line tight, follow a clear route, ride together in the Jocs des Pla, greet the right places with a tip of the hat, and have helpers watch the scaffolding, he hopes the Caragol de Santa Clara will be enjoyable for both participants and spectators while staying on schedule.
Source
Images Credit: www.menorca.info