In the night from January 16 to 17, demons are unleashed on the island. In many places, bonfires (foguerons) burn, demons roam the streets, and the festivities last until the early hours of the morning. At the center of it all is a long-bearded man who battles evil and temptation with the cross and the flames: Saint Anthony (Sant Antoni).
As a symbol of their victory, effigies of demons (dimoni) are burned and a grand fireworks display is launched. Sa Pobla celebrates this enchanted night (la Revetlla) with particular intensity.
The demon is unleashed on January 16th in Sa Pobla. And it happens in the most literal sense. A horde of demons gathers at 2:30 PM in the church square. From there, the red “Dimoni” invade the town all afternoon.
The exact route of the parade is detailed each year in Sa Pobla’s official program. At 7:30 PM, the parade ends at Plaça Major. There, at 9:15 PM, the traditional “Balls dels dimonis” begins. Starting at 10:15 PM, the plaza fills with the sounds of the Ximbombada. The Ximbombada, also known by its Catalan name Zambomba, is a traditional musical instrument of the Balearic Islands.
Where there are demons, of course, there must also be fire. Bonfires (foguerons) are not only lit in Sa Pobla, the stronghold of Sant Antoni. All over the island, on the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day (Sa Revetla de Sant Antoni), fires are lit, dancing takes place, and grand celebrations occur. The wild spectacle lasts until dawn and always ends with the victory of Saint Anthony over evil. The figures of the demons are burned at the end.
Anyone wishing to experience the Sant Antoni spectacle in Sa Pobla should plan in advance. Generally, the few hotels in the area are booked years ahead, and parking is also scarce. Yet, Mallorcans manage, year after year, to come from all cities and towns across the island to participate in the Sant Antoni festival.
