COSSIERS – CAVALLETS – CAVALLERS – ÀGUILES: GENUINE MAJORCAN FOLKLORE DANCES
El ball dels cossiers’ are the very singular typical dance during celebrations in several villages in Mallorca as Montuïri, Algaida, Manacor, Inca, Pollença (àguiles), Artà , Alaró, Felanitx, Campos, Llucmajor (cavallets), Palma (cavallets de Ciutat) and Calvià (cavallers).
They are part o an ancient tradition which was documented in Mallorca as early as 1554. The dances are interpreted by three pairs of men and one lady, and etymologically the word probably means ‘to run ceremoniously’. Many of the villages of Mallorca maintain this tradition, but Montuïri and Algaida do especially. The flute (majorcan flabiol), a small drum and occasionally ‘xeremies’ (bagpipe) are the main musical instruments. The dancers are dressed in white with touches of yellow, green and red. Their costume includes laces, a variety of relics and bows. They hold silk scarves and bouquets of roses in their hands; the lady hold little bells. A demon with horns and a bell, carrying a long, thick stick in a defiant attitude accompanies them.
In Montuïri they dance three days a year. On August 15th they dance without their classical costume, and collect the gifts which will serve as jewels at the Saint Bartholomew festivities. On the 23rd, in their traditional costume, they dance a t the outdoor celebration.
On Saint Bartholomew, the village’s patron saint, they do the Offertory Dance during mass, but before this they walk around the village and dance at very specific spots. They dance to songs such as ‘Sa Gallineta Rossa’, ‘Mestre Joan’, ‘Es Mocadors’ and ‘Flor de Murta’, the most popular one. After mass they dance on the main square and in front of the Town Hall, where, among others, they dance ‘Es Mercansó’. Their repertoire includes twelve dances and songs. The ‘second festivity’ is held the day after.
Let us guide you into the majorcan Folklore and discover with Mallorcan Private Tour guides one of the oldest majorcan ritual dances, COSSIERS dances.
Let yourself to be involved by the joyful music of the majorcan flute (fabiol), drums and bagpipes(xeremies) and enjoy this colorful dances in the beautiful villages of this amazing island.Folklore is an important part of majorcan culture
Mallorca Private Tour guides wants to invite you to watch our videos recorded in a Mass celebrated in Sint Francis Church in Palma in honor to Blessed Father Junipero Serra, the founder of the California missions, the golden State.
This year will be the 300 anniversary of Father Serra birth, come and join Mallorca Private Tour Guides to discover his history.
The licensed Tour guides of Mallorca Private Tour guides will guide you through Majorcan folklore, beautiful hidden places in our island, small villages, traditions and so much to see…
Come and join Mallorca Private Tour Guides to discover the most beautiful island you can ever imagine, our island, our paradise,Mallorca
Mallorca Private Tour Guides Team
