The dance of the Cossiers in Algaida

Next January 16 in Algaida they will celebrate the festivity of Sant Honorat during which the Cossiers perform the winter dance.

In the morning, the dancers dance "les Bombes" while they accompany the Town Council authorities to the church to participate in the solemn mass held in honour of the Saint. During the ceremony the Cossiers dance the "Oferta" and afterwards dance outside the church.

The dance of the Cossiers is a popular dance with very ancient origins that is conserved in Algaida and some other places in Mallorca. The Cossiers, six men and a lady accompanied by a devil, dance to the rhythm of of melodies played by the pipers and bagpipers (fabiolers and xeremiers).

On January 15, the evening before, the 'giants' go out into the street, bonfires are lit, with barbecues, and it is the custom to hold a dance in the town square, that this year will be accompanied by the group Xaloc Música.

More information: Els Cossiers d'Algaida (Ayuntamiento de Algaida).

More information about fiestas on Mallorca: vinedefesta.com

Date of publication: 09/01/2001

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