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Attractions

The resort is famous throughout all of Menorca for the Cave and legend of Xoroi. He was a pirate who kidnapped a local girl and held her prisoner in the cave for 10 years. They had several children together before she was finally rescued after his footsteps in the snow gave away their hiding place. During the day the cave serves as a bar, however this then transforms into a disco from 11pm until dawn. Contact details for more information are:
Cova d'en Xoroi
07712
Cala'n Porter
Telephone: +34 971 377 236
Fax: +34 971 352 708
Web site: www.covadenxoroi.com

As we mentioned very briefly on the general introduction page the highest point on Menorca is the 354m peak of Mount Toro, and this is clearly visible from most points on the island, including Cala'n Porter. A trip to the Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Toro is always included in most of the tour operators "see Menorca in a day" type island tours, as it usually offers exceptional views over the island, and in particular the north coast. Mount Toro is recognised as being the spiritual centre of Menorca, and legend has it that in 1288, a few months after Christianity was restored on the island, a group of monks found a statue of the Virgin with a small lit lamp in a cave here. The monks built a small chapel in her honour, which was then rebuilt in the 17th Century as the Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Toro that we see today. The Sanctuary is now the home to a small community of nuns from the Franciscan order, although it is also used by various other spiritual groups from the local community as a meeting place.

Despite what many people may think, fiestas on Menorca are not held purely for the benefit of tourists, and the origins of many can be traced way back to the 14th Century. To the local residents, the word "fiesta" automatically conjures up images of horses and their riders, dressed in mainly black and white and decorated with ribbons, embroidery and multi-coloured carnations, also the consumption of “Pomada”, the local fiesta drink, which is a combination of gin and lemon, and finally “Coca amb Xocolati”, which is a traditionally baked cake with a sweet chocolate drink to accompany it. A typical fiesta begins on the afternoon before the Saint's day with the horses and their riders meeting and parading through the streets before congregating at the church for Mass. In the evening there is often live music and traditional folk dancing, and then a magnificent firework display ends the celebrations at around midnight.

The Fiesta of Sant Llorenç takes place in nearby Alaior over first weekend after the 10th August each year, and usually begins with a procession from the hermitage of Binixems where the statue of Sant Llorenç is carried to Alaior. Along with a traditional mixture of parades through the town, sporting and musical events, that take place on the Sunday, the Monday is usually then given over to horse races through the town. Recognising that any event involving animals will always carry a degree of risk, the local council is keen that visitors to the town obey a few simple rules, which to most people are common sense anyway.
- Do be careful during the equestrian displays as they can be dangerous.
- Please respect horses and horsemen. Do not bother them or hurt them in any way.
- The reins of the horses must not be touched or pulled on.
- The adornments on horses must not be pulled or tampered with.
- Please drink in moderation.
- Do not go into crowded areas with small children.
- Avoid fights! It's a joyous occasion!

The Fiesta of Sant Llorenç is not the only event in the Alaior cultural calendar. Earlier in the year, commencing on the Thursday immediately after Ash Wednesday, through to the following Tuesday, which is also known as Carnival Tuesday, sees the Alaior Carnival. The event centres around a local man called Bernat Figuerola, who according to local legend, was a cobbler who left the town to seek his fortune in America.

If you miss the Fiesta of Sant Llorenç in Alaior, a slightly smaller event also takes place in the village of Sant Climent during the 3rd weekend of August each year. As with all fiestas throughout all of the Balearic Islands there's always a colourful parade through the town, and a host of sporting and musical events that get the whole community involved in.

The economy of Menorca is not purely reliant upon the tourist industry, and the island does still have a significant income from its agriculture heritage. Certainly worth a mention is the Alaior Country Fair which is held during March. This is recognised as being one of Menorcas most important livestock fairs, although over the years it has also developed a more commercial theme. Nevertheless, there's still always exhibitions of livestock, local handicrafts, along with displays of industrial and agricultural machinery.

The Calle Comerç and Avda. Pare Huguet in Alaior, is also the site of a small local market that is held every Thursday morning throughout the year. There's usually a fair selection of colourful stalls selling fresh local fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers and craft goods. Most markets throughout the Balearic Islands are usually held in the morning from around 8:00 to 13:00, before the heat of the day really sets in, so you'll need to get there early to secure the best bargains.

Certainly well worth a mention, is the Menorca a Cavall riding school, which is located at Santa Rita which is between Es Mercadal and Ferreries. Although certainly not being an equestrian expert, the horses all looked to be both well fed and well treated. It's also worth noting that during the summer the attraction is very popular and advanced booking is essential. Contact details are:
Menorca a Cavall Riding School
Santa Rita
Menorca
Telephone: +34 971 374 637
Web site: www.menorcaacavall.com

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