The Palau of the Consell de Mallorca once again opened its doors and was beautifully decorated for the Corpus Christi procession, one of the most significant festivities in the liturgical calendar. For the second consecutive year, the island’s institution presented an impressive floral carpet at the entrance, damask fabrics on the balconies, and flew its institutional flags at half-mast as the Custody passed by. In addition, petals were scattered from the balconies while the confraternities passed, led by the Lledània, which was adorned with over 1,200 wax flowers. Notably, the Joch de Ministrils of the Consell de Mallorca returned to perform in the Corpus Christi procession after more than ten years of absence.
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The Consell de Mallorca Reopens Its Doors and Dresses Up for the Corpus Christi Procession
The president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, expressed his deep emotion:
“It is a great joy to once again see the Palau de Consell open and adorned, and to witness the return of the Joch de Ministrils to welcome the Corpus procession. It is one of the most cherished and heartfelt festivities for Mallorcan Catholics.”
The celebration began with the Eucharist held in La Seu (Palma Cathedral), presided over by the Bishop of Mallorca, Sebastià Taltavull, and continued with the traditional procession through the streets of Palma’s city center. The procession featured the tamborers de la Sala, cossiers, cavallets, various Palma confraternities, the Escolania dels Vermells, the Cathedral Chapter’s canons, and the Municipal Bands of Palma and Almudaina.
The Joch de Ministrils Returns After More Than a Decade
The Joch de Ministrils of the Consell de Mallorca, a ceremonial musical ensemble with origins dating back to the 16th century, returned to perform during the Corpus Christi procession after more than ten years. The group was revived last October and made its first appearance during the procession of the Carro Triomfal in honour of Saint Catalina Thomàs. Since then, it has participated in other important events such as the Festa de l’Estendard, Day of the Balearic Islands, and the Holy Thursday procession in Palma.
Following the solemn Corpus celebration, the group’s only remaining event to officially mark its return to Mallorca’s most important ceremonial occasions is participation in the Diada de Mallorca.
The revival of the Joch de Ministrils has been carried out with a group of nine musicians. In parallel, the Consell de Mallorca has committed to restoring the original instruments—gaitas, flabiols, tarotes, bombardes, bajones, trumpets, cornets, tamboril, drums, and tabals—and preserving both the ceremonial uniforms and musical arrangements. The ensemble is currently directed by Francesc Amengual, with Joan Frontera overseeing artistic and technical coordination.