Many of the local bars and restaurants add to the party atmosphere by putting on their own special events and entertainment as detailed below. Full details are available in the official printed fiesta programme which is available throughout the resort.
Traditionally taking place the 3rd week of September, the main fiesta highlights are as follows, but please note times and days may vary depending on the year:
Day 1:
20.00 hrs: ‘Pregón de Fiestas’ (official opening). The nominated ‘town crier’ opens the fiestas.
Day2:
09.30 hrs: XVI Annual Petanca Competition at the football pitch.
16.00 hrs: Various events in the Plaza Gran in the Plaça Gran.
19.00 hrs: Children’s show, with music and party games.
Day 3: Usually a Friday Night
Ruta de Tapas (Tapas Tour): Participating bars are offering a beer and a tapa for as little as €2 (full details in the printed fiesta programme).
17.30 hrs: Seven-a-side-football competition, Spain v England.
18.00 hrs: Happy Hour until 20.00 hrs (reduced price on drinks) in many local bars.
19.00 hrs: Argentinean Barbecue and live music from a local band.
21.00 hrs: Live music, DJs, events and more at all local establishments.
20.00 – 22.00 hrs: A jury formed by members of the Town Council and the commission of fiestas will tour the urbanisation and award prizes for the best-decorated public establishment.
24.00 hrs: Typically a local band will play in Plaça Gran.
Day 4: Usually a Saturday
11.00 hrs: Sandcastle competition on the beach for children of all ages. Judging at 12.30 hrs with first and second prizes awarded.
13.00 hrs: Children’s festivities on the beach when King Neptune will appear and give the children gifts and sweets.
17.00 hrs: The Alaior Majorettes, Giants and Big Heads parade the streets, accompanied by the Alaior Drum & Trumpet Band.
18.00 hrs: The traditional ‘colcade’ (cavalcade of horse riders) sets off from the Plaça de la Iglesia, proceeding to the Municipal Building. Here the Fiesta Flag is handed over to the ‘Caixer Fadrí’ (flag bearer and unmarried rider), and the procession is joined by the ‘Caixer President’ (President of the riders), after which they tour the streets of the town.
19.30 hrs: Lively ‘Jaleo’ with the fiesta horses in the square by the beach.
21.00 hrs: Live music, DJs, events and more at all local establishments.
21.30 hrs: Live music with the group Jazz Do It at Jazz Bar 007.
21.30 hrs: Live music with ‘Living the Dream’ at Big Al’s Ranch.
22.15 hrs: Live music with Il Divo at Sa Païssa.
24.00 hrs: Live music show with The Supremes at Aloha Bar.
24.00 hrs: Dancing and fun with DJ Chicha until the early hours in Plaça Gran, after which the fiesta continues at the Cova d’en Xoroi bat and nightclub and in bars around the town.
Day 5: Usually a Sunday
09.00 hrs: The Alaior Drum & Trumpet Band tours the streets.
09.30 hrs: Everyone is invited to a typical Menorquin breakfast of hot chocolate and cake ‘Coca amb Xocolati’ at the Municipal Building.
09.50 hrs: The horses and riders parade around the streets.
11.30 hrs: Mass in the Municipal Building for the horse riders.
12.15 hrs: Second ‘Jaleo’ in the Plaça de la Iglesia, next to Bar Pons.
15.00 hrs: Reception for the authorities, residents and visitors held at the Municipal Building. Everyone is invited.
17.00 hrs: Children’s games and foam party at the Sala Polivalente, all children are invited to come along and join in the fun.
18.00 hrs: Happy Hour until 20.00 hrs (reduced price on drinks) at many local bars.
19.00 hrs: Exhibition by the Alaior Majorettes at Plaça Gran.
22.30 hrs: ‘Corre Focs’, firework show and fiesta finale with the group ‘Colla de Diables de Maó starting at Plaça Gran and finishing at Plaça de la Iglesia (church square).