The Games of the Plain close the Sant Joan festivities in Ciutadella
More than 25,000 people have filled the old port's amphitheater to follow the equestrian show that puts the final touch to festivities also marked by incidents and security reinforcements
PalmaThe Sant Joan de Ciutadella festivities came to a close this Wednesday evening with the celebration of the traditional Jocs del Pla, the event that marks the end of two intense days of horses, crowds, and excitement. More than 25,000 people filled the stands of the old port to closely follow one of the most emblematic and spectacular moments of Menorca's festive calendar.
With darkness already gaining ground and the echo of the party still alive in the streets, the 123 participating riders have returned to the Pla to perform in traditional games. One of the most celebrated moments has been manages, the test in which knights must hit, with a lance, a ring suspended more than two meters high while galloping at full speed. Some of them have also starred in the classic running of the bulls, one of the most iconic images of the night.
The day has been completed with the game of breaking pumpkins, the oval wooden pieces that each year caricature characters linked to Ciutadella. This year, they have been made by Júlia Saura, sister of the gentleman cashier that presides over the biennium.
The morning had already served as a prelude with the rehearsals of the same Games of the Plain, which left five hits in finds its way and two medical assists for incidents involving horses, one of them for a head wound that required stitches.
Beyond the celebration, however, the festivities have also left episodes that have forced a review of the security arrangements. The Ciutadella Local Police have announced that they will reinforce preventive measures for next year after the incidents recorded during the traditional hazelnut fight in Sa Contramurada, where a group of about 200 young people disrupted the event with throws of glass bottles.
The agents were able to disperse the rioters without having to make any arrests, but the police force has already warned that it wants to take "a further qualitative step" to guarantee security and prevent similar situations from recurring.
During these days, security forces have also drawn up reports on at least four individuals operating as pirate taxis, taking advantage of the massive influx of visitors.
Regarding the health aspect, the two injured with traumatic brain injury during the Snail of the Born by Tuesday have already been discharged from hospital.
With the Jocs del Pla as a closing, Ciutadella concludes its Sant Joan festivities, marked, once again, by the strength of tradition, the intensity of participation, and the need to rethink some limits in the coexistence of the festival.
