Christmas eve and the chant of the "Sibil·la"

On December 24, nearly all the churches on Mallorcan hold the "Matines", the Christmas Eve service to commemorate the birth of Jesus. The chant of the Sibil·la, with ancient origins, is one of the most emotional moments of this celebration. The chant foretells the end of the world and it is a grand ceremony starring, normally, a young boy with a clear voice, dressed in a tunic, a robe of embroidered silk, a hat and bearing a large sword.

The "Matines" at the Santuari de Lluc, where the Sibil·la is sung by a young "Blauet", are one of the most popular on the Island, together with the "Matines" that are celebrated at the Palma Cathedral, where the Sibil·la is always an outstanding soprano.

As for small churches, worth stressing are the "Matines" that are held in Galilea, as well as the ones in Orient. In Orient the Sibil·la will sing accompanied by the Polyphonic Choir of Bunyola and after the religious ceremony there will be hot chocolate in the restaurants of the village, this is such a popular party that the organisers recommend making a reservation in advance (more information: 971620074 / 971613158).

The chant will also be the central part of the "Tradicional Festa de la Sibil·la" that will take place on December 26, at 7 p.m., in the Santa Eulàlia church in Palma.

On the web of the Lluc Sanctuary, a fragment of the "Cant de la Sibil·la" in MP3 format can be found, from the record "Nadal Blau" by Els Blauets. And on the web of the Capella Mallorquina, there is more information on the history of the Sibil·la.

Date of publication: 20/12/2002

Mallorca >> News >> Archive 1999-2003 >> Christmas eve and the chant of the "Sibil·la"