Sant Antoni 2011.

[Sparky]

Tonight we will have "The Fires", mounds of soil have already been dropped in the roads outside bars and also some apartment blocks. The men will spend much of today building their bonfires on the mounds, copious amounts of alcohol will be needed to keep them going during this important stage of the fiesta .

 

[LK1960]

Have a wonderful time Sparky, and anyone else who is over for the fiesta. Would love to be there. Post some pics if you can.

 

[lollipop]

The atmosphere in the square and around the town was incredible,so many people cooking and eating al fresco and all helping each other. really was anight to enjoy. Hope you had a good time Sparky.

 

[Belladonna]

Quote by lollipopI have never seen the pine tree anchored to anything other than a couple of guys held onto a rope a couple of years back. The tree is usually wedged into the manhole, but we will all see later what happens, and I am sure the local youths will be fighting for the chance to win the prize!!
Unquote

I think you are right lollipop. I looked back at some video I took and it certainly wasn't attaached to any Palm trees a couple of years ago, so I'm sure it wont alter this year.
Seems to be more popular every year - certainly from the excitement on this forum anyway! How are the heads today lollipop and sparky!? Make a note of how long it takes until that plastic bag is popped please - we have a bet going on here! Wish we were there to see it all!

 

[Sparky]

The atmosphere in the square and around the town was incredible,so many people cooking and eating al fresco and all helping each other. really was anight to enjoy. Hope you had a good time Sparky.

It certainly was a great night, the biggest fire i saw was outside "Esperanza", everywhere we went was busy and very smokey of course. It was very strange to not see a fire outside "Neptuno" though.
Have had a breakfast of coffee and paracetamol and will soon be heading out for round two .

 

[Belladonna]

Should that read " A " round "or" two sparky?! You go girl!

What about us all having a little bet on the forum about how long from start to finish of the climbing it takes to pop the bag? Good for a Monday interest!

The tree usually starts getting erected about 1.30ish so we have about 3 hours to play!

 

[Belladonna]

Place your bets!

Right, my bet will be;

1hour 25mins.

 

[Belladonna]

Someone else guess too then - or I'll just win by being the closest whatever the time!

 

[eleanor]

Great idea Bella! It's a little damp in PP today so that may make the climb more of a challenge!

I say 2 hours 35 minutes!

Wish I was there the atmosphere is always great. Must say though the times I have witnessed the climb it has mostly been with one eye open lol
So much courage and determination here.
Hope all enjoy and stay safe!

 

[Abbess]

I have never seen it live but have seen some YouTube postings of it. The weather may make it more difficult so I will go for

2hours 45mins.

 

[Belladonna]

Clever tactical guessing you two! Hope the sun comes out then and dries the pole up!

 

[eleanor]

emm! - well - any news yet?

 

[eleanor]

Where are you all?? Are you all still out and about in the cold and damp of Britain or still recovering from the celebrations of last night in PP?
This was a great idea of Bella's but i'm afraid there is little competition! What a shame this could have been fun! Never mind I think us three are all winners Bella! - Drinks are on you just for the suggestion! lol
Anyone around to tell us the result by the way?

 

[Belladonna]

No problem with that eleanor - thanks for taking part! Surprised that those who logged on didnt want to have a go just for the fun of it, but hey ho, lifes full of surprises as they say! Hopefully lollipop or sparky would have timed it just for interest!

 

[eleanor]

We wait to cheer our winner Bella! Abbess - hope you come back to see us thrash you! lol
Just kidding! Great you took part or it would be just me and Bella and I think she is a bad loser!! lol (takes one to recognise one!!)

 

[Zapper]

San Antoni Pollenca

Here's a link to Pollenca 2010 celebrations

YouTube - El pi de Sant Antoni,2010. Pollença

Cheers!

Zapper

 

[Sparky]

Yesterday morning as is tradition there were several early morning loud explosions before the guys and gals left the port on boats to collect the Pine but the fog was so thick that some of them got a bit lost and found themselves either at the wrong pier in Formentor or just going around in a circle . The tree was eventually picked up but they had to take it very slowly because the visibility was almost non existent, consequently it was about 1pm before it started it's journey through the streets by which time the sun was breaking through so at least it was dry this year, i didn't have my watch on and hubby had gone off with the camera so i'm not sure of the time but i think it was about 3pm when they finally began trying to climb it.
By now i was getting hungry and thinking it would take a while, i went to get a snack (a lovely warm roast pork bap, courtesy of Nostalgia yum!!) suddenly i heard a lot of shouting, ran outside with the camera but i was too late it was over, i couldn't believe it after last years marathon it was done in about an hour .
So that was it Sant Antoni is over for another year, there were much fewer people in the port yesterday but it was great to see a some forum friends, Lollipop, Lorenzo and Whaley Wanderer to name a few, the atmosphere was fantastic and it's still my favourite fiesta.

 

[eleanor]

One hour! Gosh thats good going!
Well Bella you come first followed by me and Abbess you came last!
At least we had a first second and third!

Sounds a great day with lots of fun. Glad sun came out so at least the top of the tree could be seen!

 

[Belladonna]

Certainly was quickie this year! Thanks for timings Sparky, and glad you were not all standing around in the rain. Better pack a packed lunch for next year just incase they have learned some tricks to get up quicker! Or perhaps they forgot to "oil" the pole this year! 1st 2nd and 3rd is all you really need eleanor.
Am now trying to get my sons to agree to having their birthdays out in PP next year so we can be out for all the January fiestas!

 

[Sparky]

I think it was faster this year because the Pine was smaller and the weather was dry which gave them better grip.