Sant Roc, Alaró

The patronal feasts of Alaró are celebrated throughout the week preceding August 16, the day commemorating the eradication of the plague in the 17th century by the miraculous intervention of San Roque after answering the prayers of the parishioners.

During an intense week, various recreational and cultural activities are carried out, among which the Cossiers’ dances, the Jewel races, the Chariots, the religious procession, departures of the Goat and Bassa Giants, performances by the Demons, exhibitions of art in the street or various concerts and parties.

Cossiers and Carreras de Joies

Festes of Sant Roc in Alaró are celebrated the week preceding on August 16th, day when the plague was eradicated during the 16th century by the miraculous intervention of Sant Roc after answering parishioners prayers.During this intense week of festes, different ludic and cultural activities are organized such as: Cossiers dances, races -traditionally called Carreres de Joies-, floats -called Carrosses-, processions and performances of the giants Cabrit i Bassa -traditional giant cravings of these two characters of Alaró’s history- and the Dimonis, art exhibitions in the street, concerts and open-air celebrations.

Carrosses

Since 1973, the day before San Roc, a traditional parade is celebrated just as if it was a summer carnival. Alaró people dress up and parade in Carrosses -traditional floats- decorated with ludic, vindictive o satiric motifs that make reference to current issues, classics or pure fantasy. After the parade, prizes are awarded to the outstanding participants.

Giants of Alaró and Demons

Since the year 2000 two new characters have been incorporated in the festes and celebrations of town: the giants Cabrit and Bassa.

This two figures are more than four meters high and embody the medieval heroes that bravely defended the fortress of the Castell d’Alaró. Giants perform accompanied by the music of flabiol, tamborí and xeremies. They meet at the Plaça de la Vila with other giants or gegants from different towns, being more than thirty figures for children’s enjoyment.

Patron Saint’s Day ends with a correfoc by the Dimonis d’Alaró at the Plaça de la Vila