Menorca’s Virgin of Carmen Festival Gets a Saturday Shift
Why the Change?
The traditional celebration of the Virgin of Carmen, patron saint of fishermen and sailors, used to fall on a Sunday. This year the organizers moved the festivities to Saturday, July 12, to give fishermen a break before they head back out to sea. Xavier Marquès, senior patron of the Ciutadella Fishermen’s Confraternity, explained that the shift helps avoid having crews go fishing just a few hours after the maritime procession.
The Day’s Events
Morning Mass at Sant Miquel
The festivities kicked off at the Esglèsia de Sant Miquel, where Bishop Gerard Villalonga celebrated a mass. Alongside the seafarers, members of the municipal council and various local authorities filled the pews.
The Maritime Procession
Around 7:30 p.m. the procession left the church square. The Ciutadella Music Band, led by director Joan Mesquida, marched ahead playing “Queen of the Sea” and other festival staples such as “Hermanos costaleros,” “Pescador de hombres,” and “Ave María.”
Music and Melody
The band’s lively accompaniment set a festive tone as the crowd followed the statue of the Virgin toward the dock. The familiar melodies reminded everyone of the island’s deep‑rooted maritime heritage.
Floral Offering at Sea
At the harbor, the image of the Virgin was placed aboard the traditional fishing boat Curniola. A flotilla of small vessels and launches escorted her to the bay, where participants tossed flowers into the water—a heartfelt tribute to those who make their living from the sea.
Celebration on the Dock
After the boats returned to the old port, the celebration continued on land. The Feim Poble group provided entertainment, and attendees enjoyed plates of freshly fried fish, tasting the flavors of Menorca’s coastal cuisine.
Strengthening Community Ties
Beyond its religious meaning, the Virgin of Carmen festival serves as a bridge between fishermen and the wider public. The event draws large crowds from Ciutadella and attracts many tourists who come to watch the procession on foot or from aboard boats. It reinforces the sense that the sea is a shared part of island life.
A Look at the Local Fleet
The Ciutadella fishing sector currently comprises 22 professional vessels—19 using small gear and three trawlers. About 45 fishermen work these boats during the summer season, keeping the island’s fishing tradition alive.
Upcoming Celebrations: Fornells and Maó
The festivities continue later in the week. A procession will take place this Thursday in the bay of Fornells, followed by another on Saturday in the port of Maó.
Conclusion
Moving the Virgin of Carmen celebration to Saturday offers a practical solution for fishermen while preserving the cherished customs that honor Menorca’s relationship with the sea. With music, processions, floral tasting, and community gatherings, the festival remains a vibrant expression of island identity, inviting both locals and visitors to share in its spirit.
Images Credit: www.menorca.info