Sant Lluís Revitalizes Carnival with Early Celebration and Expanded Festivities
The town of Sant Lluís in Menorca will launch its 2024 Carnival celebrations on Saturday, February 7th with an expanded program designed to reinvigorate community participation. Organized collaboratively by the Sant Lluís City Council and the Colla de Geganters de Sant Lluís (Sant Lluís Giants Troupe), this five-day festival marks a strategic shift from previous years’ schedules to prevent declining public engagement.
Strategic Shift to Preserve Tradition
Festivities Councilor Patricia Pons confirmed during the January plenary session that moving the main parade from the traditional Last Sunday to the preceding Saturday responds directly to declining street participation in recent editions. “Our priority is preserving Sant Lluís’s Carnival heritage,” Pons stated. “We’ll monitor public response closely and remain flexible to revert to the original date if needed.” This adaptive approach demonstrates the council’s commitment to evidence-based cultural stewardship while maintaining Carnival’s 140+ year history in Menorca.
Saturday’s Festive Lineup
The opening parade begins at 6:30 PM from Molí de Dalt, featuring the iconic Giants Troupe with newly costumed figure na Tecla. They’ll be joined by:
- Carnival giants King Bernat and Queen Pili
- Beloved local figures na Xisca and en Xisquet
- Traditional characters sa Buixa Gorguina and en Xim
- Guest performers from Colla de Gegants de Llucmaçanes
Accompanied by Sa Xaranga de Maó’s upbeat melodies, the procession will wind through Corps Street to Plaça de ses Micoles before culminating at Sala Albert Camus. At 7:30 PM, the Carnival King and Queen will deliver an official proclamation followed by a dance party with DJ Chicha.
Family-Friendly Events Throughout the Week
The Council has curated an inclusive program catering to all ages:
Thursday, February 15:
– 10:00 AM: School parade with CEIP Sa Garriga and Ses Canaletes students
– 5:00-8:00 PM: Youth workshops at Molí de Baix Community Center
Tuesday, February 17:
– 6:30 PM: Instrumental Vocal Group performance (Retired Club)
– Evening: Traditional sardine street feast, dance with Joan Reynés, and the symbolic “Burial of Camestortes” ceremony
Cultural Significance and Local Expertise
Sant Lluís’s Carnival adjustments reflect broader Balearic efforts to sustain cultural traditions amid changing participation trends. The Colla de Geganters, founded in 1998, brings proven expertise in organizing historically rooted celebrations, while the City Council’s transparent evaluation process (tracking attendance before committing to permanent changes) aligns with UNESCO’s recommendations for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Residents and visitors seeking firsthand experience of Menorca’s festive culture can find full details in the official program.
Images Credit: www.menorca.info