The First Dance of the Demons fills the Ramon Llull square in Manacor with people and energy
The first major event of Sant Antoni brings together thousands of people in an intense spectacle of music, smoke and tradition, marked by overcrowding and the transformation of the festival
ManacorThe virtues of a festival are measured by the character it manages to instill in those who experience it, whether from within or as spectators. The Sant Antoni festival in Manacor, which has evolved and become increasingly crowded over the last 20 years, struggles to find a balance that allows it to continue its traditions without losing too much of its essence along the way.
The First Dance, long considered one of the highlights of the week-long celebration dedicated to the hermit protector of animals, was once again a clear example of this paradox. Spectacular for the younger generations, it is gradually excluding those who, due to their age, have witnessed its transformation into a product—undoubtedly a symbol of identity, but increasingly globalized.
In any case, watching the Demons of Manacor dance is always a sensory spectacle; an aesthetic and sonic delight that is long awaited and relatively short-lived. Last night, the group (the Demoni Gros was Toni Lluís Reyes) and the musicians once again delivered for the festival, once again communing with the faithful and igniting with the young people and the grilled meats, which filled the Ramon Llull square 'theater' with aroma and smoke.
After the Christmas festivities, Manacor is already intensely celebrating Sant Antoni, and the Primer Ball was once again a massive event, where energy and passion filled the air when the Demoni Gros' horns appeared emerging from the music conservatory, in a procession that captivated thousands of people.
Following the traditional music and dances, the attendees, dressed in black sweatshirts from the Patronato (a local organization), sang and applauded fervently to every tune. As has been the case in recent years, the festivities unfolded under the watchful eye of the police, who this time set up a barrier system to allow the musicians and their entourage to better immerse themselves in the atmosphere.
The Sant Antoni rituals, a blend of religious devotion and pagan worship, will continue with staggered events throughout the week, but will reach their peak this coming Friday, January 16th, when the entire town (and its thousands of visitors) will follow the Demons' every move and enjoy every moment.
