The enormous cultural legacy inherited by the island holds a proportionality to the people's passion towards the authenticity and great purity of its popular culture. This particular cultural expression becomes a reality with the Sant Joan festivities, where the autochthonous horse breed becomes the one and only protagonist, as well as the variety of handicraft created by the most skilled hands of the island or the expressiveness of its atavistic folk jigs.
All this admiration from the Minorcan inhabitants towards art is cast in its many museums which give us an approach to the island's cultural reality. By so, we will be able to understand the importance the Minorcan society feel for the natural environment; at the Museu de la Natura or the Ecomuseu at Cap de Cavallería. The Hernández Sanz -Hernández Mora Museum, located within the Carme Cloister in Maó, holds a sample of furniture, pieces and paintings, as well as a library compilating information about Minorca, which allows one to get a clear picture of the important contribution of the island's authors to the universal art and culture. The Minorca Museum, located in an old Franciscan convent, is a true witness of the intense history outlived by the island. Inside, one can admire its enormous cultural heritage left behind by ancient civilizations through out centuries.
In the same way, the Museo Municipal de Ciutadella, in the historical building of El Bastió de sa Font, offers us a journey through the Minorca's ancient history by means of items directly related with the life of the first settlers of the island. This list of museums carries on with the Diocessà Museum in Ciutadella, where we have the opportunity of admiring paintings from the 17th-18th centuries up to contemporary art, archaeological objects together with gold and silver work and liturgical art.
Minorca has always been the birthplace of different artistic personalities. The continuous exposure to such beauty of the island has inspired writers, painters and sculptors, as well as musicians; a unique muse for its best symphonies.
The local festivities are celebrated during the summer through out the different towns. These local events are the best proof of the authentic Minorcan customs. The starting point of these festivities, and considered the most popular, are held in Ciutadella between the 23rd and 24th of June. When the Sant Joan festivities begin, after a one year wait, the entire city bursts with rejoice, united by a strong traditional bond. A real festivity, in its entire meaning; an ancient protocol marks each moment of the festivity and the collective outburst of the people's joy will lead us to experience a contrast of feelings.
The Minorcan horse breed becomes the star of the show. But, not only can we enjoy the splendour and beauty of this noble breed; it is also possible to view breaking-in shows and organized races at the island's hippodrome.
We can continue our search for authenticity of Minorcan folklore; its local tunes and its traditional dances haven't varied its purity with the pass of time. There will be many chances to feel marvelled by its open air shows. A suitable day to do so is The Diada of Sant Ntoni (17th January), celebrated in the Honour of Minorca's Patron Saint. Another way of adoring the protective Virgins of the sea takes place during the nautical processions where the sailors dress up in their bests and sail out one behind another constituting a beautiful mosaic of chromatic variety.
Among the different cultural shows, where one can discover the local's wisdom, we shouldn't miss a session with the glossadors, authentic oral poetry, which will surprise us with the ability of answering each other improvising. This mastery is also found in the Minorcan craftsmanship, who create an authentic and variable form of modelling beauty. Some examples of this diverse craftsmanship are master woodworkers of farming tools, fashion jewellers, pottery, blacksmiths, jewellers, cheese makers or boat makers of llauts (minorcan vessels).
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SALAS DE EXPOSICIONES
Horse Trekking: Scenic Horseback Excursions - Menorca a cavall
