Ciutadella celebrated the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen and sailors, on Saturday this year instead of Sunday, a change designed to give the town’s fishing crews a rest before returning to sea.
Why the change
Xavier Marquès, senior patron of Ciutadella’s fishermen’s association, explained that holding the celebration on Saturday avoids crews having to go out fishing just a few hours after the maritime procession.
Mass and procession
The day began with a mass at the church of Sant Miquel, celebrated by the Bishop of Menorca, Gerard Villalonga, and attended by fishermen, members of the town council and other local authorities.
At around 7.30pm, the procession left the church square, led by the Ciutadella municipal band under its director, Joan Mesquida. The band played traditional pieces including “Reina de los mares”, “Hermanos costaleros”, “Pescador de hombres” and “Ave María” as the statue of the Virgin made its way to the port.
Flowers on the water
At the harbour, the image of the Virgin was placed aboard the traditional fishing boat Curniola. Escorted by a flotilla of small boats and launches, it sailed out into the bay, where flowers were thrown into the sea in tribute to those who make their living from it — and in memory of those who lost their lives at sea.
Celebration in the port
When the boats returned to the old port, the celebration continued on land with entertainment from the group Feim Poble and plates of freshly fried fish.
A small but living fleet
Ciutadella’s fishing fleet currently has 22 professional boats: 19 using small-scale, traditional gear and three trawlers. Around 45 fishermen work on them during the summer.
More processions to come
The Carmen celebrations continue around Menorca, with a procession in the bay of Fornells on Thursday and another in the port of Maó on Saturday.
Across the Balearics, the Virgen del Carmen processions on 16 July and the days around it are among the most popular traditions of the summer, drawing residents and visitors to harbours to watch the decorated boats.
