The dance of cossiers. Feast of St. Bartholomew
Date: 23.08.2025 – 24.08.2025
Location: Montuiri. Mallorca
The dance of cossiers in Montuiri is one of Mallorca’s most ancient and vibrant traditions that appeared back in Medieval times. Six dancers take part in this colourful ritual — the cossiers, lady (personification of Good) and demon (personification of Evil). They are accompanied by musicians playing traditional Mallorcan instruments the gaite, flabiole and drum.
During the dance the cossiers surround the lady, protecting her from the demon that is trying to break through and inside the circle. This dance symbolises the eternal fight between good and evil. The script is based on theatrical elements, where the characters interact with the audience, and the demon teases the spectators, especially children, who shout at him: “¡Banya verda!” (green horn), which gives the action a cheerful atmosphere.
Special attention is paid to the costumes: the cossiers wear bright skirts, white trousers, colourful ribbons, hats with mirrors and flowers. The lady is dressed in a long festive gown with bells and the demon in a mask with horns, with a whip or a club.
The dance came to Mallorca from Catalonia with settlers after the conquest of the island by the Crown of Aragon in the 14th century. In Montuiri, the tradition has been maintained since the mid-18th century, and this year marks its 275th anniversary.
The dance is performed only three times a year:
August 15 – on the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the cossiers process through the streets of the city, dancing in front of houses and shops.
August 23 – on the eve of the feast of St. Bartholomew (Sant Bartomeu), they accompany the priest during the evening procession.
August 24 – on the saint’s day itself, when the main celebrations take place.
Исполнение танца происходит всего трижды в год:
In 2018, the dance of cossiers in Montuiri was officially declared a cultural heritage and received a status of “Festival of Cultural Interest” (Fiesta de Interés Cultural), which highlights its special historical significance in Mallorca.
Official website: http://ajmontuiri.net/ca
Address: Plaça Major, 1, 07230 Montuïri, Illes Balears.
Photo: http://ajmontuiri.net/ca
