The Beneïdes of Sant Antoni in Muro have been recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Special Interest, in acknowledgement of their historical, cultural, social and identity value, as well as their deep roots within the local community and the cultural heritage of Mallorca.
The Advisory Council for Intangible Cultural Heritage, established in 2024 to safeguard the island’s cultural traditions and expressions, met on Monday at the cloister of Santa Ana in Muro to approve the initiation of this protection process, which must still be formally ratified by the plenary body of the island institution. The council is composed of experts in history, oral literature, musicology and traditional crafts.
This recognition concludes the administrative procedure initiated at the request of the Town Council of Muro, in accordance with Law 18/2019 on the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage of the Balearic Islands, to protect, preserve and ensure the transmission of one of Mallorca’s most emblematic festive traditions.
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The Beneïdes of Sant Antoni in Muro are recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Special Interest
The Beneïdes of Sant Antoni represent the central and most widely attended event of the local festivities and embody the historic link between the community, the agricultural cycle and devotion to Saint Anthony the Abbot, patron saint of animals and agriculture. The celebration brings together religious rituals, symbolic elements, music, dance, gastronomy and strong intergenerational community participation.
Documented origins of the festival date back to the Middle Ages, and despite its evolution over time, it has retained its essential character. Key features include the blessing of animals, decorated carts, the presence of traditional figures such as dimonis, xeremiers, music bands, giants and big-headed figures, along with symbolic elements such as the banner of Sant Antoni, myrtle, holy water and traditional clothing.
According to the president of the island institution, Llorenç Galmés, the Beneïdes of Sant Antoni in Muro are “a living and shared cultural heritage that the community recreates year after year and passes on from generation to generation”, highlighting their strong symbolic meaning and their role in shaping the collective identity of both Muro and Mallorca.
The designation as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Special Interest also entails the implementation of safeguarding measures to ensure the continuity of the celebration, guarantee animal welfare, preserve associated material heritage and promote the transmission of cultural values to future generations.