Tuesday 9^th September – Mahón, Menorca (Festes de Gracia 2008)

39:53.543N 4:16.329E

Today, in deference to the long day yesterday, the fiesta started in the afternoon so we were all able to have a lie in.  In addition, the venue moved down to the port.

In the afternoon there was a display of the small traditional fishing boats sailing in the harbour and then this was followed by a swimming race across the water from the Navy base. 

Then there was a small parade from the Town Hall down to the port of the large figures that have been paraded around the streets all fiesta.

All evening there was live music and dance shows all along the front.  There was also a rather good trapeze show that we managed to catch the finale of.

Despite it being the 4^th night and fairly humid, cloudy conditions, people of all ages were still out in force – watching the shows, eating in the many restaurants, promenading or just sitting and talking along the harbour front.

The grand finale was an even more elaborate firework display, this time set to music.  We decided to enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of the cockpit on Pyxis, given that we were moored in just the right place.  We went back to Pyxis just before midnight and lowered the cockpit enclosure.

A signal went up to announce the imminent start of the fireworks (a single firework) and we were stunned to see that Mahón town was then plunged into darkness as the authorities switched off all the street lights and flood lights on the major buildings!

A second firework was then launched to announce the start and the music commenced.  I have seen a lot of firework displays but I must say that this was one of the best for artistic interpretation and variety; it was fantastic.  We had an incredible view from the comfort of Pyxis, motoring nearby were a number of other boats, and once again we were pleased that the prevailing easterly was sweeping the ash from the fireworks away from us.

After the fireworks finished, the hardcore of party goers continued celebrating well into the night.