Sant Antoni in Sóller: devils, fire and animal blessings

Sant Antoni Abat (Saint Anthony the Abbot) is the patron saint of animals, and his feast is one of Mallorca's big winter festivals. It is held in many towns on the island around 16 and 17 January, with foguerons (bonfires), dimonis (devil figures in costumes and masks), an eve-of-the-feast night called the revetla, and the traditional beneïda, the blessing of animals.

Each town has its own style. In Sóller, the island press has highlighted the dimonis performing in Plaça de sa Constitució. The Esclatabutzes, a group of Sóller dimonis who also prepare the pyrotechnics for other town festivals (see Sant Bartomeu), help give the night its character. We found no official source on the origin of the festival in Sóller, so we give no date.

1. Revetla (eve): the night of the 16th is the one for bonfires, dimonis and street atmosphere. Rules on bonfires in public streets are set by the town council and can change every year.
2. Dimonis in the square: drums, fire and dance in Plaça de sa Constitució.
3. Mass and evening prayer: in many towns religious acts are held around the saint; the parish publishes the times each year.
4. Beneïdes: the blessing of animals, with xeremiers, usually on the feast day or the nearest weekend. In past editions it was held on Avinguda Jeroni Estades, with the Xeremiers de Sóller and ribbon races afterwards; confirm the place for the current edition.

• Plaça de sa Constitució: the centre of the fire and dimonis night.
• Streets of the centre: where the parades pass and the xeremiers' music can be heard.
• Bars and cafés on the square: a good place to warm up before and after; see the bars and cafés in Sóller.

It is a good excuse to visit Sóller in winter, when the valley is quiet. For the Saturday market, see the Sóller market guide.

• Wrap up: January is cool, especially at night and in the damp valley.
• Clothes you do not mind scorching: there are sparks and smoke; cotton is best, with hair tied back.
• Keep your distance from the dimonis: if you get close to the fire, do so respectfully and follow the organisers' instructions.
• With children: the daytime blessing is calmer than the fire night; keep them far from the fire.
• Animals: if you bring your dog to the blessing, keep it on a lead; drums and firecrackers can frighten them.
• Arrive early: the square fills up; park on the outskirts (see below).

The centre of Sóller is best done on foot and the Port is a few kilometres away, linked by the tram.

• By train and tram: the Sóller train runs from Palma and the tram links the town with the Port. It is the easiest way to get around on festival days.
• By car: park on the outskirts and walk; the guide to parking in Sóller explains the options. On the big days streets in the centre are closed and car parks fill early.
• By taxi or bus: see taxi and transport. If you are coming from elsewhere on the island, check getting to Sóller before you set off.

To sleep near the event, see the best hotels in Sóller. On festival days rooms go early, so book ahead and confirm the conditions on each property's official website.

Exact dates and times change every year and are published by the Ajuntament de Sóller. Before you book travel or a hotel, confirm them on the Ajuntament de Sóller events calendar or its festes section (in Catalan). This guide gives only the stable pattern of each festival, not a specific programme.

Other festivals in the valley: Es Firó, Sant Bartomeu, Holy Week, Havaneres gathering, Classical Music Festival. You will find them all, month by month, in the cultural calendar and festivals of Sóller.