Christmas eve and the chant of the Sibyl
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 Sibilˇla, 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 a young boy or girl with a high voice, dressed in a tunic, a robe of embroidered silk and bearing a large sword.
The "Matines" at the Sanctuary of Lluc, where the Sibilˇla 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.
The chant is also the central part of the "Tradicional Festa de la Sibilˇla" by the Capella Mallorquina that takes place every year on December 26, at 7 p.m., in the Santa Eulālia church in Palma.
MORE INFORMATION
- Video of the "Festa de la Sibilˇla 2008" by BalearWeb, on YouTube
- The Sibilˇla 2007 in the Cathedral broadcasted on IB3, on YouTube
- The Song of the Sibyl on the Wikipedia
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