The Feast of the Virgins in Mallorca

The Feast of the Virgins in Mallorca, celebrated on October 21st, is a deeply rooted tradition that combines religious, cultural, and romantic elements. This festivity, which honors Saint Ursula and the eleven thousand virgins, has evolved over time into a celebration of young love and music, with unique customs that distinguish it from other festivals in Spain.

The Legend of Saint Ursula

The origin of this celebration dates to the legend of Saint Ursula, a British princess from the 4th century who, according to tradition, was martyred along with eleven thousand virgins in Cologne, Germany, for refusing to renounce her Christian faith. Although the feast has religious roots, in Mallorca it has taken on a more secular and romantic character over the years.

One of the most emblematic traditions of this feast is the exchange of gifts between young people. Traditionally, girls prepare and gift buñuelos to the boys. These sweet treats, typical of Mallorcan cuisine, are small fried dough balls, often ring-shaped, which can be sweet or savory. During the Feast of the Virgins, the buñuelos are usually sweet, sprinkled with sugar or drizzled with honey.

The preparation of the buñuelos is an event. Many Mallorcan families have recipes passed down from generation to generation. Young girls often gather to prepare these treats, turning the kitchen into a space for socializing and learning culinary traditions. The process—mixing the dough, shaping the buñuelos, and frying them—is an important part of the celebration, valued as much as the gift itself.

In return, boys offer carnations to the girls. The carnation, a flower associated with love and admiration, becomes a symbol of affection and recognition. The choice of the carnation is not accidental; its fragrance and beauty make it the perfect gift for the occasion. Additionally, in Mallorcan culture, the act of giving flowers has a special significance, being a subtle yet meaningful way to express feelings.

Night Serenades

However, the most romantic and anticipated part of the celebration takes place at night. This is when young men organize serenades for the girls. Groups of friends gather with guitars, lutes, and other traditional instruments to roam the streets of towns and cities, stopping beneath the balconies of young women to sing love songs.

These serenades, known in Mallorcan as "cantades," are a mix of musical tradition and chivalry. The singers perform both traditional Mallorcan songs and more modern pieces, creating a magical atmosphere during the October nights. The girls, either forewarned or surprised by the music, appear on their balconies to listen to the melodies dedicated to them.

In recent years, the Feast of the Virgins has seen some adaptations to reflect social changes. While traditionally it was the boys who offered serenades to the girls, it is now increasingly common to see mixed groups singing together, or even girls organizing serenades for the boys. This evolution reflects the shifts in gender roles and equality in modern Mallorcan society.

Despite these changes, the essence of the feast remains intact. The Feast of the Virgins continues to be a celebration of young love, music, and local traditions. Buñuelos, carnations, and serenades are still central elements of this feast, which year after year fills the streets of Mallorca with sweetness, flowers, and romantic melodies.

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