By Yuval Israel, Year 11
The youth dance whilst the Carrosses (floats) carry the enlivened singers which capture the hearts of the population in return for the blessing of the priest.
The youth dance to the music, dressed in traditional attire and the “Divine Faith” is spread by the lit torches clutched in the hands of enthusiastic citizens.
The air is filled with spiritual divinity and the strength of the bright Catholic communities in the Spanish-speaking communities.
Saint Antoni, celebrated primarily in Mallorca, celebrates the agricultural past of the island, and enlightens the Catholic community between the 16th and 17th of January every year.
Born Fernando Martins, in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195, the Saint was deeply impacted by the martyrdom of the Fransiscan Order and became involved in the Mission. He was widely known for his relentless kindness, help with healing and for his devotion to assisting the sick and poor.
His devotion to helping others also spread to animals. He was committed to protecting nature and all creatures. For this, he was named the Patron Saint of Animals, and so on the 17th, Catholics bring their housepets and farm animals to the celebration for them to be blessed by the priest in order to protect them, and in the hope that the New Year will bring an abundant harvest to the farmers.
Even when his fellow friars discouraged and doubted his methods, Martins never lost courage and confidence in his ways.
Following his death in 1231, the Church proclaimed him a Saint so that people would remember his inspirational sermons, which had helped many people who had lost their faith in God return to the Catholic faith.
His courageous travels and faithful preaching serves as a message to Catholics all over the world, which they duly celebrate and pray in thanks for the generosity and kindness of the Saint.
Bonfires, dances, chanting and praying all precede the lively celebration which begins during the night of the 16th of January. A traditional dance is performed in order to keep demons away and for a prosperous future to come, which Saint Antoni represented.
Saint Antoni represents hope and inspires belief, as the story tells of him singing, praying and preaching with fellow friars.
Discouraged by believers and ignored by others, Saint Antoni never gave in to opposition; his work and devotion helped many and still does today.
