What is the Sant Pere fiesta about?
The Sant Pere (Saint Peter) fiesta in Mallorca is a vibrant and traditional celebration that takes place every June 29th, primarily in the coastal towns like Puerto Pollensa and Puerto Alcudia. This festival, held in honour of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, features a mix of religious and community festivities that celebrate the local culture and maritime heritage.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect during this fiesta:
Religious Ceremonies: The festival includes various religious ceremonies, such as masses and processions. One of the highlights is the procession of the statue of Saint Peter, where the statue is often carried through the streets and sometimes even onto boats, symbolizing the saint’s protection over the sea and fishermen.
Boat Processions: In towns by the sea, the fiesta may feature a flotilla, where boats are decorated and sail together along the coast in a festive parade. This is a particularly picturesque event and underscores the community’s deep connection to the sea.
Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance are central to the festivities. Local bands and folk dancers perform, and there are often live music concerts that go on late into the night. These performances often include traditional Mallorcan music and dances, showcasing the island’s cultural heritage.
Food and Drink: Like any good festival, Sant Pere is an opportunity to enjoy delicious local cuisine. Seafood dishes are prominently featured, along with other local specialties and drinks. It’s a great time to savour fresh fish, paella, and perhaps a glass of local wine or a cool drink.
Community Activities: The festival also includes various activities for families and people of all ages, such as games, competitions, workshops, and exhibitions. These events are designed to bring the community together in celebration.
Fireworks: Often, the fiesta concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.
Sant Pere in Puerto Alcudia
In Puerto Alcudia, the Sant Pere fiesta always includes a comprehensive programme of events and every year it culminates with the procession of San Pere, the patron saint of fishermen. After a service in the church, the traditional procession with the image of San Pere leaves from the local church of Our Lady of Carmen and Sant Pere. It makes its way along the promenade up to the pier where San Pere, accompanied by fishermen and the Band of Alcudia, are taken by boat along the Bay of Alcudia until they make it back to the Old Dock. Usually met by beautiful weather, this spectacle is a great event for locals and holiday makers alike. The evening generally continues with music performances and a huge fireworks display at midnight.
Sant Pere in Puerto Pollença
In Puerto Pollença, once the town’s fishermen established themselves in their seaside home (around the 1930s), Sant Pere became the unofficial patron saint of the coastal town. Since the parish church was built, the Mare De Deu del Carme, however, the focus for the patron fiesta shifted to the Virgen del Carmen festivities in July. Sant Pere is still a thing though. Traditional dancing, a fishermen’s supper as well as singing of the habaneras make this a great little fiesta in the port town – almost a warm up to the big one in a couple of weeks time.
For dates and times check our events pages for the latest details and information.