The fiesta of Sant Gaietà is the town fiesta for Llucmaçanes and is held annually on the first weekend in August and the dates vary. Each year the same series of events and traditions are held across the Saturday evening and Sunday. Some times indicated are approximate.
SATURDAY
17.30h – Ringing of the Bells & Parade of Giants
To advise of the start of the fiesta bells are rung and at the same time the Band of Maó parades through the town with els gegants i capgrossos, the giants and big heads.
19.00h – Primer toc des Fabiol i Tambor
First flute and drum of the fiestas.
The whistle blower known as the Fabioler plays the drum and whistle to start the fiesta, and the flag for the fiesta is collected. The drum and whistle is played for the first time in front of the council and the crowds.
Following tradition, they then lap the town collecting the rest of the horses and riders that make up the cavalcade known as la Qualcada.
19.30h – Celebració de les Solemnes Completes
The riders leave their horses and proceed on foot to the the religious ceremony in honour of Sant Gaietà in the town church.
20.00h – Jaleo en Sa Plaça
The horses and rideres participate in the first Jaleo of the fiestas in Sa Plaça played by the Band of Music of Maó, amongst the crowds.
Then the cavalcade completes laps of the town and then retires for the night.
SUNDAY
9.00h – Diana y Gelgants de Llucmaçanes
The band wakes the town up first thing in the morning to start the day of the fiestas and the giants parade around the town.
10.00h – Es Replec de Sa Qualcada
The Fabioler starts the day again with the same start from the evening before collecting the caixers, caixeres, flag and horseriders round town . The cavalcade then completes a lap of the town heading towards the town hall where they leave their horses.
10.30h – Missa Solemne de Caixers
Next the riders head on foot to the church of Sant Gaietà for mass Missa Solemne, with the caixers and authorities. Rosewater is passed on at this mass and is known as l’aigua-ros.
12.00h – Jaleo a Sa Plaça
Once again the Jaleo is played with the presence of the horses in the main square and the riders are given symbolic green reeds and silver spoons. They complete laps of the Plaça of Sant Gaietà.
Beguda Popular
The band of music acompanies the horse riders and authorities to the reception called Sa Beguda hosted by the town council.
The cavalcade then retires.
19.30 – Salida des Gigantes de Llucmaçanes
Parade of the giants of Llucmaçanes and invited giant guests with the band of music from Mahon.
