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Procession of the Blessed Overview |
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| The Balearic Islands boast an
astonishing array of celebrations that are held to mark a variety
of occasions, generally linked to either an important religious
date, or the local area's patron saint. Mallorca, the largest island
in this gorgeous Mediterranean archipelago, has a particularly
prominent recurring theme during it's abundant year round festivities.
A number of destinations across the island hold significant festivals
to commemorate Mallorca's revered patron saint, Saint Catalina
Tomás including the capital city, Palma and the saint's birthplace,
Valldemossa. However, one of the most distinctive festivals in
Mallorca occurs on the first Sunday of September, in the north
of the island, at the beautiful town of Santa Margalida.
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| Saint Catalina was born on Mallorca
during the 16th Century and was finally canonized in 1930 by Pope
Pius XI. The life and teachings of this devout Spanish nun continue
to influence the contemporary cultural landscape of the island,
particularly in the moral education of children, especially young
girls. The fiestas held in honour of Saint Catalina Tomás were
known until recently as sa beateta, or sor Tomaseta, and are
now referred to in Mallorca as Processio de la Beata, or Procession
of the Blessed. |
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Since 1792 Santa Margalida has regularly hosted
the Beata procession to mark the auspicious occasion upon which
Pope Pious VI beatified Catalina Tomás. In typical Mallorcan style
the entire town is transformed at the beginning of September into
a noisy, colourful mass of people, paying annual homage to their
beloved patron saint. The Beata procession leaves the local parish
church at 9pm following the usual fun activities associated with
fiesta across Spain, mainly revolving around the enjoyment of
good food and fine wine to the accompaniment of traditional music
and dancing.
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The vibrant procession features a number of splendid
floats that are artistically decorated to represent momentous events in the
life of Saint Catalina. Following each float are groups of the people of Santa
Margalida, dressed in traditional folk costumes, as peasants and devils.
Finally, at the back of the procession is the young woman representing
Saint Catalina for the day. The entire parade slowly winds it's way down
to the town square through the narrow streets of Santa Margalida, which
are beautifully adorned and lined with thousands of people, both local and
visitors from far and wide. This extremely important festival to honour the
patron saint of Mallorca benefits from the full and positive participation of
all those present to maximise the effect of the symbolic depictions on display
during the Beata. |
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Procession of the Blessed
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Direct Charter Assurance for
travel to the Procession of the Blessed from www.rentspain.com |
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