ROQUETA ISSUE 375 SEPT FINAL

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

EDITORIAL ROQUETA MAGAZINE 375 - SEPTEMBER 2025 September has arrived – take a breath and let out a sigh of relief. After the unexpected quiet of July, August swept in at full speed, bringing life back to the island. Restaurants rejoiced as enthusiastic visitors, willing to spend, filled dining rooms and queued along the port. Shops buzzed, terraces were full, and the season was in full swing.

Of course, there has been the inevitable rise in prices. After last month’s Eating Out Guide, one of our readers wrote in from the UK, shocked at the cost of meals. This issue, we bring you more reviews from the top-end of the dining scene, but next month we promise to seek out some real value-for-money options. Traditional menu del día lunches are now harder to find for under 30 euros, but there are still gems—especially in the family resorts, where two courses with drinks can still be enjoyed for under 25 euros. Resorts also remain the best place for a hearty full English breakfast, while in Mahón, Jo takes us on a tour of the city’s cafés in search of the smell of fresh baking and the best coffee and pastry combinations. If you are throwing a party for friends and family, then Lucy shares her experience in making canapés while Jess has healthy and fun options for the children.

No matter how long you’ve lived here, Menorca never stops surprising. This month Graham told us about the hidden Robadones quarry, tucked away just yards from the “rusty” roundabout. Inside, over 90 traditional Menorcan boats are stored and lovingly restored— one of the most complete collections in the Mediterranean belonging to the Amics de la Mar - Port Maó. Meanwhile, as I write, yachts are arriving for the annual Copa del Rey which welcomes 48 of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular classic yachts. From 26–30 August the harbour comes alive with crews busily preparing sails, scrubbing (no hoses allowed) and polishing decks, before setting off to race in these graceful vessels. Beverley turns to naval history, uncovering more facts about Admiral Collingwood and his fascinating connection to the island.

We also bring you stories from the land. Rachael visits a saffron farm, offering a glimpse into this delicate and labour-intensive crop, while Menorca Preservation present their pilot farm project. With the water shortage reaching a crisis point at the end of August, we also went to visit an example of a passive house being built to be self-sufficient in both energy and water.

We revisit the long-discussed plans for S’Enclusa, Menorca’s second-highest mountain. For over 15 years, proposals to transform the old American listening base into a museum, café, and interpretation centre have been on and off the table. New promises have been made, but whether they become reality remains to be seen. Still, it’s entertaining to imagine cycling up on an e-bike, enjoying coffee in an American-style café, and taking in sweeping views before discovering more about the Biosphere Reserve.

Liz & John

IN THIS ISSUE 04 09 10 14 16 18 20 23 26 27 31 40 44 46 50 54 58 65 66

ISLAND NEWS MEET THE GUIDE HORSES AND JALEO ALEXIA RIDES AT ES CASTELL BUILDING A PASSIVE HOUSE ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD BREAKFAST IN MAHÓN SAFFRON FARMING GRAPEVINE HAPPY TRAILZ S’ENCLUSA HISTORY & FUTURE RESTAURANTS, WINES, AND RECIPES ART IN MENORCA MENORCA HOCKEY CLUB SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS NUTRITION AND FITNESS WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2025 ISLAND INFORMATION AMICS DE LA MAR

As the fiesta season draws to a close, Vanessa reports on the Mahón and Cala’n Porter celebrations, and the official close to the fiestas at the top of Monte Toro, while Alison shares her neighbour Alexia’s unique perspective as a jaleo rider.

Cover Photo: Alexia rides at her brother’s wedding Credit: Esther Recuerda @estherrecuerda

September is a gift—warm days without the intensity of high summer, quieter beaches, and time to explore Menorca at a gentler pace. Whether you’re discovering hidden corners of the island or simply relaxing by the pool or in the shade with a drink and the latest issue of Roqueta, we hope you enjoy every moment.

Printer: LV Grupo Grafico y de Communication, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat

Publisher: John Davies Editor: Liz Parr

Dep Legal ME: 187/1973 No. Registro: 1037/3.992

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

ISLAND NEWS

BY CHRISTINE BROOKER

RAFAL RUBÍ AND THE FLYOVER We have reported endlessly about the unfinished flyover on the main road between Mahón and Alaior, near the Rafal Rubí navetas (Bronze Age funeral chambers) which are part of Menorca Talayotica World Heritage Site. The flyover was originally planned in 2014 when the PP (Conservative) party was in power on the Island Council (Consell). The building was stopped when PSOE and local groups took over the Consell. A dual carriageway had been debated but advised against as the island is 35 miles long and there are many turnings to farms and villages along the way. When the island was approved as a World Heritage Site, UNESCO suggested that vegetation be planted so that the flyover was not too visible from the site. Now a political battle has broken out, summed up well in the Diari by the editor Josep Bagur. First the Director of the Menorcan Talayotica Agency Antoni Ferrer resigned, followed by the consultant Cipriano Martí who was responsible for the presentation to UNESCO. Ferrer signed a report in July 2024 that approved the measures designed to screen the site, but he emphasised he was not approving plans for road improvements; he is an archaeologist, not an expert on traffic.

MADE IN MENORCA OR CHINA?

Martí is a renowned expert in sustainability and heritage. He has resigned from the scientific part of the Consell, where 15 consultants voted in favour of the flyover and he was the only one against. He would have preferred other alternatives. On the technical side there are different points of view as all reports say the flyover is the best and safest solution, and no alternative has been found. Could we lose the WHS status? Bagur doubts it, as UNESCO has never asked for the bridge to be demolished. Everything was stirred up by the central government’s involvement, when Ernest Urtasan, the Minister of Culture, sent a letter to the President of the Balearic Government, Marga Prohens, and Adolfo Vilafranca, President of the Consell. It said we must wait for a resolution from UNESCO and that we could lose our world heritage status.

His intervention is surprising as, despite his interest in the archaeological heritage, he had not asked the Consell for a report, and he published the letter in the media before sending it to the people concerned. He is the spokesman for SUMAR, the left-wing group that forms the government with PSOE in Madrid. The Consell intends to continue with the plan despite protests. Ironically, the next in line to succeed Ferrer is Simón Gornès, also an archaeologist, at present the councillor for the environment on the Consell; he has declined and will finish his term. He and Ferrer, who was also a councillor in a previous administration, belong to different political parties. There will be more on this never-ending story…

The Consell has organised one of its campaigns to promote local products, giving away some quite stylish sun hats with the legend “Made in Menorca” on the black ribbon. The only problem is they were made in China (PRC). This was noticed by an opposition councillor (PSOE – Socialist Party) who gleefully reported the fact on social media. The Consell (PP – Conservative) replied that in its defence, they did order the 2000 hats from a local company “Uniformes Menorca”, and that when PSOE were in power they had a similar campaign, with aprons ordered from the same company and these were made in India! The Diari contacted a local company, Can Magi in Ciutadella, who commented that it wouldn’t be possible for them to make such a large quantity of hats, as theirs are made in the traditional way, often using straw from esparto grass; the free ones are made from paper although they look and feel like a traditional hat. As the paper points out, it is a frequent solution used to promote local products – and - with all the energy costs involved in transporting products thousands of miles it is rather incoherent to say the least. Maybe the next promotion will be genuinely locally made.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 WATER PROBLEMS AND SWIMMING POOLS

THE ISLAND CAN´T BE A FLOATING AIR BNB

Menorca has achieved the doubtful distinction of being the region in Spain with the largest number of swimming pools per head. There are 10.506 and they are increasing at a rate of nearly one per day. This is happening with a population of 100.000 and a coast line of 200 kilometres, which can be reached in a reasonably short time from the interior of the island. The up-to-date census has revealed that Sant Lluis is the leader in pools with one for every three residents. There are many areas with second homes, or properties that are rented out. Mahón, with few pools, is at the other end of the scale with one for every 20.4 inhabitants.

The Balearics, with an average of 15.5 inhabitants for each pool, have the highest ranking in Spain, and Menorca leads the pack with 9.6 people per pool. Ibiza has 60.000 more inhabitants than Menorca and double the amount of visitors but their average is 14.2. In Mallorca it is 16.3 and Formentera 21.5. OBSAM, the socioenvironmental observatory, comment that in urban areas the consumption of water per person per day is between 100 and 150 litres. In the urbanisations it can be 600 or 700 litres or even 900. David Carreras, the director, says that measures should be taken, he is not against swimming pools but suggests they should be covered to prevent evaporation and to minimise the need to refill them. Also, the use of water cisterns should be encouraged and limits should be set on the abusive use of water. Aquifers in Menorca were at 42% in June, the lowest for a decade.

The central government in Madrid continues to meddle in Balearic matters.

Under a new law, private boat owners can apply for authorisation to rent their boats out for three months a year. The boats must be properly insured against accidents and the renting managed by professionals in nautical rentals and these companies must apply for the temporary change of use. A professional skipper must take the boat out, not the owner. The Association for Menorcan Nautical Businesses (ASMEN) is worried about the decision (by the Ministry of Transport) and have complained to the local department in charge, stating that despite the safeguards the measure is liberalising the charter industry. The senator Cristóbal Marqués, in opposition in Madrid, accused the government of not taking into consideration the particular circumstances in the Balearics. The Govern in Palma has been quick to react, if boat owners wish to legalise a “nautical air bnb” they will not be allowed to moor on the islands. They go further; the official charter companies must have a local mooring before they can rent on the islands.

There are over 20.000 moorings or buoys on the islands and 7000 on the waiting list. In order to have more control, Yacht Clubs have been asked to submit the exact use of the moorings in their territory. Marqués says it is incomprehensible that at a time when local authorities are trying to limit excessive tourism that the government in Madrid is passing laws without consulting local politicians. On 30th July, the PSIB (Socialist Party in the Balearics) announced that the islands would be exempt from the nautical Airbnb law next year. The law is still being drawn up, but places with a high “saturation” of tourists will be exempt - the PP is still suspicious at what appears to be a last minute decision. They say “we have seen these situations time and time again, if one party is in power in Madrid and another on the islands we always suffer - although they gladly take our taxes!”

RADAR IN ES MIGJORN Now back to a subject we have frequently commented on, but it is worth mentioning because it never fails to surprise and any holiday makers who buy Roqueta need to be aware of the strict speed limits around Es Migjorn. Last year we commented on the huge amount that was being spent on postage to send out the fines and the fact that the Traffic Police were arguing with the Ayuntamiento as they feel the road is under their jurisdiction. Now it has emerged that the Ayuntamiento has paid 32.000 Euros since 2023, in various bills, to Alumbrados Varios SA who organised the Radar system. This year alone there have already been 6000 fines, and the Ayuntamiento pays 59% to the company, amounting to nearly 700.000 Euros.

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GOLD MEDALS FOR MENORCA IN ORKNEY Bià Pons Triay triumphed in athletics with the first gold medal for Menorca in the Orkney Island Games; another gold went to Jaume Bosch Picò, in the triple jump, and a third to Aaron Genestar Sánchez in cycling. The Ayuntamiento in Alaior, congratulated David Sintes Pons on his silver in cycling, but possibly used AI as they confused Orkney with a brand of reading glasses called Oakley, and Scotland (Escocia in Spanish) with Iceland (Islandia), later this was corrected.

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 SA PERDIU TO REOPEN Bucking the trend to close local businesses are three young men from Ferreries, all born in 2000, who are to reopen the emblematic Sa Perdiu bar in Ferreries.

David Febrer, Jordi Moll and Mauricio Miranda the “ferreriencs” have been friends since childhood and were working against the clock to reopen the bar in time for the local fiestas on 24th August. The Meliá hotel chain originally had planned to buy the building for their hotel staff from Cala Galdana and Santo Tomás, but changed their minds. The bar is being remodelled but will still be a bar, emphasise the boys. Over time, they intend to recoup the dance hall at the back and the rooms in the hostel in the two floors above. The idea was to raise money to buy the building and the three have the backing of Menorca Maravilla in Ferreries, a rental company, and American Investors. They have all worked in hotels, but have never run a business. Other emblematic businesses for sale are La Palmera and el Bar Peri in Es Migjorn, both family businesses where the next generation will not take over.

TRADITIONAL BUSINESSES DISAPPEARING Many historic shops and businesses are disappearing in Menorca in these days of franchises and online sales. Antoni Riera from Ibiza has written a book about historic businesses in the Balearic Islands. He has described 21 in his book on Menorca and considers “historic” shops or businesses rooted in traditional products with 75 years behind them and that are still in business.

He says generally on the islands these are bakeries and confectioners, followed by leather goods, hardware shops, handmade goods, drinks, food, jewellery and others. One important factor for family-run businesses is that they don´t have to pay the huge rents that newer businesses do, often owning the premises or having a low rent. Riera says they are disappearing rapidly all over Spain and he believes that a Gastronomic Heritage should be introduced, with real help for artisan products; often the market is saturated with cheaper products. He says they should be protected like the archaeological sites.

Restaurants are suffering too. The traditional “Menu del Día” so popular with residents and visitors is no longer so economical. Staff costs have risen, it is also difficult to find staff, they in turn find it difficult to find accommodation.

General running costs and food prices have also risen.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 HOTEL AT LLUCALARÍ WITH ILLEGAL WELL And still on the subject of the lack of water in Menorca, the Guardía Civil have denounced the Hotel Cap Menorca, part of the French group Mare e Terra, for using an illegal well and extracting 40.000 litres of water on a daily basis.

The intervention by police was part of “Operation Zahuri” which checks the uncontrolled use of water in the countryside and has yet again focused on the tourist sector. The Rural Hotel is situated in the old military buildings at Llucalarí and opened its doors after a decade of paperwork and substantial changes to the original plans. The Hotel has 16 swimming pools, a very large one, and 15 individual ones for the suites. The revision of the Island Territorial Plan (PTI) in 2023, limited rural hotels to one per farm with a maximum dimension of 35 sq. mts. and a capacity of 60 cubic mts. In this case, planning permission was granted specifically for swimming pools. There have been some other cases, also in the municipality of Alaior. Torre Vella managed to legalise seven ”swimming pools” where planning permission was granted for “aljibes” or water cisterns. This saved the owners a 1.5 million Euro fine. Menorca Experimental, an agricultural tourism hotel on the Sant Llorenç farm, installed nine pools when they only had permission for one. The well at the centre of the controversy is an old one and the hotel had not asked for permission to use it. They are also using the one that is legal for human consumption to fill the pools, according to the Guardía Civil. The company say that they use the older well for watering plants and gardens; it has a depth of 82 metres and was built for the military installations between 1929 and 1930 and was used until 2007 for drinking water for 300 army personnel stationed there. Things could change again as plans for the new PTI intend to “soften” the policy regarding pools on rustic land.

UNEXPECTED FLIGHT TO MILAN A 15-year-old British boy with autism managed to board a flight to Milan on 4th August. The Easyjet flight left promptly at 9.29 a.m. while the family were waiting for their TUI flight to Stansted. The parents raised the alarm when they realised their son was missing and the National Police checked security cameras and realised what had happened. Easyjet were obliged to return the boy to Menorca or to England; he was met by security officers and airline staff at Milan. Now Easyjet and the Airport in Menorca are investigating how the incident could have occurred. It was only during the flight that they realised they had the minor on board.

TAXI DRIVERS FINED Two taxi drivers who work temporarily during the summer season in Mahón have been fined for not having a driving licence. The first had lost his licence after a sanction, which had finished, but he had not undertaken the obligatory course before he could apply for a new one. The other one´s licence had expired, and he had not renewed it. They were stopped from working and have also been fined. Another local police inspection sanctioned 20 drivers out of 26. Six were fined for lack of cleanliness, both on the part of the driver and in the taxi. Five had publicity on parts of the vehicle that were not permitted, and one had the spare wheel in the boot, which is not allowed. Fines range between 100 and 1.500 Euros and serious infractions could mean the loss of the taxi licence or the municipal driving licence.

13 OWLS FLY TO FREEDOM In August, the Wild Animal Recovery Centre of Ciutadella released 13 owls from the top of Monte Toro. Every year fledgling birds fall from their nests and are rescued by GOB, the ecological society. They are taken to their animal sanctuary where workers and volunteers look after the baby owls (mussols – Scops owl in English) until they are released. At the event, the Centre publicly expressed their gratitude to the citizen collaboration and to all the volunteers who have dedicated their time to feeding these animals, as well as to the technical staff of the Consortium for the Protection of the Fauna of the Balearic Islands (COFIB).

The bird species most needing help are: the common sparrow, the jays and the owls, without forgetting the greenfinch, the goldfinch, the black thrush, and the shrike. This year, 25 owl chicks were taken to the centre and 13 of these were released together at El Toro.

BALADA INHERITANCE The Infanta Sofía turned 18 on 29th April. She is the youngest granddaughter of the emeritus King Juan Carlos. Juan Balada, a business man from Menorca, left his inheritance to the grandchildren of Juan Carlos Ist and now they are all adults it can be sorted out. This affects a grand town house in Ciutadella, that is deteriorating, and the ayuntamiento would like to take over ownership. It is expected that the royal grand children will reject the inheritance, King Felipe’s girls certainly will. However, he can´t control his nephews and nieces. He has said the relevant advisors are trying to solve the problem rapidly.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

CONSELL RECEIVES 65.000 EUROS FOR TOURIST LICENCES Still on tourism, the Consell has “resold” the tourist places that they had recouped from properties that had never been rented or had not been rented out for the last three years. The licences went on the market on 31st July, and out of the 32 available, 26 have been sold. Not all the applications were granted as some didn´t comply with the conditions required, although they can appeal. Now there is a moratorium on new tourist places until 2026 when the island councils will approve their actual capacity as part of the new Island Territorial Plan (PTI). These temporary licences are a way of keeping up the number of places and banking money which by law should be spent on improvements in the tourist sector. The Consell in Menorca asked the Govern if the money can be used for housing problems, which was agreed.

In this way, tourism can help residents who have problems in getting on the housing ladder.

CONTROVERSIAL EXAM FOR LOCAL POLICE Changes to the pyschotechnical test that candidates for the local police have to answer has led to protests as many of them have failed, often having achieved excellent results in other exams. A total of 90 students from the islands have united to make a formal complaint. The questions were prepared by an external company and cost 60.000 Euros, a considerable rise from the 3.719 Euros that they cost last year. The questions were very ambiguous and could only be answered with true or false; one question that many failed was “I would contradict my superior when I was sure that I was in the right”. The answer required would be not to contradict; many students thought that maybe the senior officer was incapacitated or didn´t have up-to-date information. There are 17 vacancies in the local police, 12 in Mahón and 5 in Ciutadella and there were 18 applicants; 8 failed the test. Most of the students had studied at the Reisan Academy which specialises in preparing for the exam in the Balearics.

There are similar protests from firemen taking the physiological test organised by the Generalitat, the government in Barcelona. 45% of them have been eliminated with true or false questions such as “I have never tried alcohol” or “I have an inappropriate laugh”.

We need police officers and firemen, obviously they must have stable characters, but how do you assess people psychologically? Questions referring to dangerous situations requiring written answers would seem sensible, but maybe more difficult to mark.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

MEET THE GUIDE VANESSA OF TRAILS OF MENORCA One of her favourite routes she calls the Turtle Trail. It winds through the hills to “Sa Bassa Verda,” a hidden oasis in the midde of a forest, before descending toward the pristine Algaiarens Bay. There, behind the dunes, hikers might spot European terrapins and Greek land tortoises.

The Nature Park Trail starts at s’Albufera lake and has fantastic views along the rugged coastline. You will discover the ‘Torre de Rambla, walk through pine forests, the Bassa de Morella ecosystem and protected dunes. The beautiful Cala Tortuga will invite you for a swim. The trail ends at the lighthouse Favàritx.

In the warmer months, her sunrise and sunset hikes are especially popular — offering cool air, magical light, and serene moments far from the midday heat. “We start before dawn with torches,” Vanessa shares. “Then hike along the Serra Rossa, with the sea on one side and glowing cliffs on the other. At the summit, we sip tea or coffee as the sun rises over the horizon.”

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BOOTS At 53, Vanessa exudes youthful energy, bolstered by her active lifestyle and regular gym workouts in San Lluis. But she also believes in balance — when we meet at Es Llonguet café, she happily tucks into a slice of carrot cake with her coffee. “Perks of burning calories for a living,” she laughs.

Two years ago, Vanessa set foot on Menorca for the first time — just a brief stopover on a cruise. But for her, it was love at first sight. So much so that she and her partner returned not long after in search of a new home. When they discovered a perfect house in Binisafua, they made a bold decision: to leave Germany behind and start afresh.

“Hiking,” Vanessa says, “is walking in nature with varying levels of physical challenge — but it always nurtures the mind and body.” And on this quiet Balearic island, she’s found her own trail to happiness — and is inviting others to follow. Despite the heat she has been very busy all summer!

Vanessa’s husband, who works in insurance, transitioned seamlessly to remote work. Vanessa, however, faced a crossroads. After seven years at Boston Consulting, the company wouldn’t allow her to work from Menorca.

So, she chose freedom over familiarity and began looking for a new adventure. Her passion for hiking — nurtured in the Bavarian countryside and honed on the alpine trails of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — would soon lead her to it.

www.trailsofmenorca.com Tel +34 691 14 64 53

Enter Trails of Menorca. The island’s guided hiking company offered everything Vanessa dreamed of: nature, purpose, and community. She connected with its founder, Milan Grijmans, and when Milan had to return to the Netherlands for family reasons, Vanessa stepped in to carry the torch.

A certified hiking and nature guide through the Natursport Akademie (NAka), and trained in first aid, Vanessa is turning her passion into her life’s work.

And she’s thriving. Fluent in English and a natural communicator — thanks in part to her years working in hotels across the UK, Switzerland, and France — she brings warmth, professionalism, and international flair to her tours.

“I kept the spirit of the company,” she says, “but added a few modern touches — like building up our presence on social media.” One fan favourite? A friendly Border Collie (belonging to a friend) who often tags along on hikes, delighting guests and helping dog-wary walkers find calm.

Vanessa’s connection to animals runs deep. She spent two decades riding horses and has continued Trails of Menorca’s collaboration with the Trebaluger Equine Rescue Centre — a cause close to her heart.

EXPLORE MENORCA ON FOOT Trails of Menorca offers 12 unforgettable routes — from gentle walks to more ambitious treks — each tailored to different fitness levels. Private tours are available, and Vanessa frequently welcomes cruise ship guests eager to experience the island’s beauty on foot.

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Photos: Illesbaleares.travel

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

HORSES & JALEO SEPTEMBER’S TRADITIONAL FIESTA FINALE SCHEDULE

The final article in our 2025 series on the local fiestas ends with this month’s calendar of events in September. The largest event this month belongs to the capital, Mahón, whose patronal festival, Festes de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia, delights with colour, ceremony, and community spirit as well as concerts and fireworks.

Photo: Diari Menorca

Each weekend throughout the month, towns and villages at the eastern end of the island host their own finales, giving visitors one last chance to experience Menorca’s most authentic traditions before autumn arrives. It’s an exciting time for locals who have waited all summer for their turn to gather together and celebrate with family, friends and their own town traditions.

SEPTEMBER MENORCAN FIESTA HIGHLIGHTS 2025 Please note that all timings are approximate as often the event times and duration vary and are subject to changes. This is the nature of these traditional events. Use this guide as an orientation, and check each town’s council website for final programmes and updates. As a general rule, most activity avoids the hottest part of the day after lunch and starts up again in the late afternoon/evening.

FESTES DE LA MARE DE DÉU DE GRÀCIA – MAÓ (7–9 SEPTEMBER) The capital’s fiesta is the season’s crown jewel. The town transforms with giants, bands, horses, parades, and prayer, filling every street with life. The programme runs from 7–9 September, with some preliminary acts in the days before.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS: September 6th to 9th September 6 – Proclamation Day (Proclamation and Opening Night) Official opening speech (pregó) Evening celebration with music and dancing (verbena) 10

BY VANESSA JENY, MENORCA BLUE

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

September 7 – First Day of the Festes (Dissabte de Gràcia)

SANT LLUISET

16:00 – Church bells announce the start of the festival

A mini fiesta designed for the younger and older population od Sant Lluis

16:15 – Parade with the “Gigantes” (giant figures) and the flag ceremony (Sa Bandera and Es Replec)

6 September Late afternoon: Colcada (horse parade) and a popular chocolate treat for the younger ones. Followed by Jaleo de Sant Lluïset in front of the Parish church of Sant Lluís followed by Convidada (reception) for riders and musicians.

Traditional horse parade (Qualcada) begins, collecting the caixers (riders) Around 19:00 – Religious ceremony (Solemn Vespers) in honor of the Virgin

Evening: Live music and popular open-air dance (verbena) at Pla de Sa Creu.

20:30 – First “Jaleo” in Plaça Constitució (horse display with public interaction)

Sunday September 7th — Diumenge de Sant Lluïset

Night continues with parties and live music

Mid-morning: Qualcada amb ases (donkey parade) starting from Molí de Dalt.

September 8 – Main Festival Day

Noon: Jaleo amb ases (donkey jaleo) by the church of Sant Lluís.

Early morning – Replec resumes (riders and horses tour the town)

After lunch: Paella cooking contest involving the town’s residents.

7:30–9:00 – Diana Alegre (marching band waking up the city), continuation of the Qualcada

FESTES DE SANT NICOLAU EL TORO – ES MERCADAL (13–14 SEPTEMBER)

10:30 – Religious procession with the statue of the Virgin Solemn Mass and traditional distribution of “aigua-ros” (rose water)

The Festes de Sant Nicolau mark the official close of Menorca’s summer fiestas.

Riders from across the island gather in Es Mercadal before ascending Monte Toro, Menorca’s highest peak. Please check for the most up to date details with the local council or your local tourist office.

12:00 – Second Jaleo in Plaça Constitució Official lunch for the caixers and authorities (Sa Beguda de Caixers) 18:30 – Horse races (Corregudes) and final tour (Darrer Caragol)

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS:

Around midnight – Final ride of the horses and closing note played by the fabiol (flute)

13 September – Vigília de Sant Nicolau • 17.00 – Ringing of the Bells (Repic de Campanes), Església Sant Martí.

September 9 – Closing Day

• Giants of Es Mercadal parade through the streets.

Mahon – “Estiu al Port” 2025 Location: Port of Mahon

• 18.00 – First Flute & Drum (Primer Toc des Fabiol) and gathering of the horses (Replec).

The Mahón City Council programme for “Estiu al Port 2025,” will end on September 9 with the Gigantes parade, music, and a market along the port starting 7.30pm. Ending with a Firework display at 11.30pm

• 19.00 – Jaleo in Plaça Constitució, followed by mass.

More info: festesdegracia.es/ a website dedicated to the Fiestas of Maó.

• 22.30 – Street celebrations into the night.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 11:30 – Solemn Mass (Missa Solemne de Caixers) in the municipal building, with riders and local authorities in attendance

14 September – Dia de Sant Nicolau • 9.00 – First Flute & Drum & Gathering of the Horses.

12:15 – Second “Jaleo” in the Plaza de la Iglesia, with the same energetic horse display

• 10.00 – Cavalcade begins the climb of Monte Toro (Pujada al Toro).

• 11.00 – Mass (Missa de Caixers), Santuari Mare de Déu del Toro.

• 12.00 – Final official Jaleo of the season, Monte Toro.

15:00 – Reception hosted by the town council for riders, authorities, residents, and guests

• Afternoon – Riders descend from Monte Toro; evening music and celebrations continue in Es Mercadal.

Afternoon continues with music, family activities, and performances in the Plaça Gran and other venues

FIESTA DE CALA EN PORTER – ALAIOR (20–21 SEPTEMBER)

18:30 – Foam party (“fiesta de la espuma”) led by Ritmo Menorca in the Plaça Gran

Since 1974, Cala en Porter has hosted its own seaside fiesta, one of only two coastal celebrations on the island. Unique to Menorca, the Jaleo here traditionally takes place right on the beach, although last year´s storm stopped this from happening.

20:00 – Live concert by La Dolce Swing Band in Plaça Gran 22:30 – Fireworks display and final street concert in Plaza de la Iglesia, closing the festivities with a festive finale

Saturday – 20 September 17:00 – Parade of Giants and Big headed figures through the town (Gigantes and capgrossos) with a live band

FESTA DE CAIXERS – ALAIOR (27–28 SEPTEMBER) The final Jaleo of the year belongs to Alaior. Unlike its August patronal feast of Saint Lawrence, this late-September gathering was created for locals who couldn’t celebrate during the busy summer. Cooler nights, quieter streets, and a more intimate atmosphere make this fiesta a fitting farewell to the season. The programme is not yet available as we go to press but last year there were 30 Caixers. On Saturday there were family games and a Gigantes parade followed at 6:00 pm. by the qualcada travelling through the streets of the town to finish at 7:30 p.m. in Sa Plaça, with the traditional jaleo enlivened by the Banda de Música d’Alaior.

18:00 – Sa Qualcada & Sa Bandera: horses begin the cavalcade from the church square. The flag is handed over to the caixer fadrí (single rider), followed by the rest of the riders and horseback parade around town and down to the beach 19:00 – “Jaleo” on the plaza by the beach, where riders display their horses and interact with the crowd, accompanied by music Evening music performances and open-air entertainment across the urbanisation (town area) Sunday – 21 September

On Sunday, to end the party, at 9 a.m. there was a departure from the City Hall, of the parade and at 9:30 a.m. return of the qualcada. At 11 a.m, a mass in the church of Santa Eulàlia and later at 12 p.m. the jaleo began with the corresponding delivery of green canes and spoons, all enlivened by the Banda de Música d’Alaior. To close the party, at 8 p.m. there was a musical performance. The 2025 programme will be available on the Ajuntamiento website nearer the time.

09:00 – Diana Alegre: the marching band wakes up the town for festive activities 09:30 – Traditional Menorcan breakfast (“bereneta”) served with hot chocolate and local sweet pastries in the municipal building 09:50 – Replec de Sa Qualcada: horses gather and complete a lap of the town before proceeding to the next events

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

Photo: Sue Sawyer

LOCAL FIESTA TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS 1. Transport: Expect parking to be difficult, bus services and peripheral drop-offs recommended.

2. Attire: Practical footwear: Bring sunscreen and light clothing.

Dresses, sandals or flipflops, and prams are not appropriate for the town fiestas.

3. Stay Safe: During the jaleo always stay at a distance, and never distract the horses.

4. Cultural Courtesy: Respect private homes and local participants; join the street party instead.

5. Drink With Care: Pomada is still the go-to fiesta drink; pace yourself with your gin & lemon.

Despite the increasing popularity every year of the island’s local summer fiestas with their majestic purebred horses and their skilled riders as the stars of the show, each fiesta remains a very much cherished local event for the townspeople, celebrating each town’s patron saint and passing on the traditions through each generation. It remains a privilege to be a small part of any of them.

I always like to give a shout out to the website, FiestasMenorca.es, a site curated by local volunteers since 2008, it remains the most detailed resource I can find to get up to date information on each of the events around the island.

Enjoy the September shenanigans….and remember, as the locals say at the end of each fiesta and the end of every year….

“Fins l’any que ve si Déu vol” — Until next year, if it’s God will.

(They also sing ‘Volem gin o volem vi… en beurem, en beurem, en beurem’, which means ‘We want gin or we want wine and we will drink’…so there remains a bit of everything to keep it balanced!)

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ALEXIA RIDES AT ES CASTELL FIESTA

BY ALISON GURNEY

“When I first saw the riders in the Jaleo, I knew it was my dream to do it too.”

The Es Castell fiestas of 2025 proved to be even more of an organisational challenge than usual – especially for Alexia (Lexy) Cerquiera Pijuan. At 15 years old, this was her first Jaleo and, along with the other riders, she was not expecting heavy rain and lightning!

We were surprised to learn that our neighbour, Lexy, the granddaughter of Linda Clayton and John – was going to take part in the local fiestas.

It always looks such a health and safety nightmare, but that might be the legacy of my 30 plus years of risk assessments for school trips! She had no such reservations. She was really excited to be taking part. It seemed her only concern was that, once she was in amongst the crowd, her horse might not follow her guidance to rise up onto his hind legs to ‘dance’.

Lexy has been riding since she was ten years old and, along with a group of friends, she had been training in classic dressage at the Equimar Equestrian Centre near Trepuco since October. They taught her to confidently guide her horse onto his hind legs for the ‘horse dancing’ required of the Jaleo.

The centre also provides shows for private events and so Lexy had gained her first experience of ‘horse dancing’ with an audience at her brother’s wedding. At last, it was time for the real thing!

A glance at the fiesta programme (Es Castell, helpfully, always has an English translation) shows that events begin for the riders at 8am, with breakfast at the Town Hall, even though the Jaleo is not until 8pm. Lexy pointed out that she would be up and dressing her horse, Xabuc, with his favours from about 7:15am. This year, his distinctive pink and black favours, decorating his mane, tail and reins, were loaned from friends.

Lexy was going to be one of 70 riders on the Thursday, and 80 were expected for the Friday. There are set protocols – quite a lot of them in fact – that determine progress through the events of the fiesta programme.

These range from the dress code for the riders and horses to the order of the processions; the presentation of silver spoons and green reeds; the receipt of rose water and the attendance at Mass on both days.

So, Lexy, dressed in her, mostly-borrowed, formal black tailcoat, white trousers, white shirt, black bow tie, leather half chaps with black shoes, and her own new hat, set off for her first engagement with the rest of the riders.

As the third youngest rider, Lexy was positioned third in the procession, following the named riders of the Caixer - the ‘board’. I was intrigued to learn that these officials include the Mayor (or his representative); a representative of the Church; a married and an unmarried rider (who

Photo: @estherrecuerda

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 can only hold this position for one year) plus a farmer (or rider involved with the land). There are also two ‘vocals’ who are involved in organisation and communication and this year, with all the rearrangements due to the weather, they certainly had their work cut out. Finally, there is the Fabioler who plays the traditional flute to start and end the fiestas.

better, looked at the end, like they had been jumping up and down in thick, muddy puddles like toddlers! And this best describes the conditions in front of the band of musicians where the riders entered with all their enthusiasm to enjoy an afternoon of ‘horse dancing’.

Lexy had thoroughly enjoyed herself. But, as I had come to appreciate, the fiesta involved more than just the Jaleo. I was lucky enough to watch Lexy in the final procession from the church. She looked as though she had been taking part for years! She said that she felt really proud to be a rider and it was great to be part of such a special set of traditions belonging to her hometown. The whole experience had clearly made a lasting impression on our 15-year-old.

Lexy had trained with several different horses to develop her skills, but for the three weeks prior to the fiesta, she had been bonding with the same horse – Xabuc. This was going to be 16-year-old Xabuc’s first Jaleo without his owner Borja López. However, as Lexy rode into the crowd for their one-and-a-halfminute slot, Borja, and Lexy’s family and friends, were there to support her.

Perhaps a little apprehensively, Borja had commented that ‘this is the first time my horse has been in the Jaleo without me,’ to which Lexy’s mum, Christina, had replied ‘this is the first time my daughter has done the Jaleo on her own!’

So, the question had to be asked…would she be doing it again next year? It was obvious … of course she would! She has the hat - it would be a shame to waste it!!

The riders enter the Jaleo crowd in pairs and, at last, it was Lexy´s turn. She needn’t have worried, Xabuc clearly sensed her enjoyment and performed splendidly. The look on her face showed exactly how much fun she’d had! She was glowing.

However, as the horses and riders were making their second approach to the Jaleo, lightning began to streak the sky. The inevitable rain followed, and Lexy was half-way through her second appearance amongst the crowd when the band stopped playing! The rain had rendered the event ‘cancelled’. It was by now about 10 pm - horses and riders were assembled to present to Luis Camps, the Mayor, one last time, and the equestrian teams went into action to take the horses to their stables.

Great consternation followed a night of heavy rain; local friends could recall this as only the second time rain had affected the programme in about 35 years. So, it was determined that the early involvement of the horses would be curtailed for the next morning.

Luckily, by the time the noon burst of firecrackers shattered the quiet atmosphere outside the church, the rain had definitely stopped, and the sun was attempting a bit of a comeback! The fiesta programme was back on track and the ‘non-riders’ in the Jaleo were determined to make up for lost time and the disappointment of the previous night. Many, who were old enough to know

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

BUILDING A PASSIVE HOUSE IN MENORCA

We rent a house in Cala Llonga and on our road there are currently 6 houses being built. Some are being constructed using traditional Menorcan methods using a seemingly endless supply of cement lorries and taking years to complete. However, two are being built from prefabricated walls made from wood. Across the valley we have also seen houses being erected much more quickly using this concept. Knowing that Mike Morris was building a wooden, passive house in Punta Prima, we ZHQW DORQJ WR ÀQG RXW PRUH

WHY HAVE YOU TAKEN ON THIS PROJECT? I wanted to build a house which would be future-proofed for my grandchildren who will grow up on the island facing the many challenges of climate change plus pressure on local resources such as shortages of water and high energy costs. This house will be self-sufficient in energy and water and insulated against extreme heat in summer and cold in winter. The heat and water will be recycled and reused. I wanted to build it as an example to show others what can be done differently to the houses currently being built on the island. I also want to start a debate on how we are going to solve the housing crisis on the island. These houses can be completed more quickly and with sustainability in mind.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT A PASSIVE HOUSE IS? For it to be classified as a “Passive” house, all the materials have been sourced within a radius of 600km. We are using a company called Egoin Wood Group from Navarra which has its own forest and 30 years of experience in construction. For every tree used, they plant 10 more and the waste from their sawmill is used to fabricate the walls of the house. We must use sustainable materials in all areas, for example we can only use cement which has been manufactured using the electric arc furnace process, rather than the more energy-consuming cement normally used in large quantities on the island. There is no steel used in the house, only low-carbon aluminium products with a carbon footprint of less than of 4 kilo CO2e per kilo aluminium. Up to 90% of all aluminium used in construction is recycled, using 95% less energy to manufacture. It offers an inherent strength necessary for building projects while being lightweight, durable, and low maintenance, it is immune to UV, has low conductivity, and is fire resistant. Fire risk is a big topic now due to the wildfires on the mainland, but our walls are manufactured to be fully fire resistant. They are then insulated with 29mm of rockwool which is made from natural basalt rock and recycled slag, which has thermal, acoustic and 16

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 fire-resistant properties and saves 100 times more carbon dioxide than is emitted during its production.

The climate inside the house is fully controlled in terms of heat and humidity. A ducted air system recovers, filters and recycles the air which goes through a Zehnder ComfoClime unit which is an air handling unit designed to help reduce the risk of overheating in homes in the summer and temper rooms in the winter. It uses state-of-the-art, air-to-air heat pump inverter technology.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF BUILDING THIS HOUSE? “My objective is to build a house with local products and a low carbon footprint but as it is so different to the traditional method of building on the island it has been a challenge at every step, from getting the approval from the school of architects to the construction of the base and the supply of the windows. It took 18 months just to get the building licence.”

We walked around the building site where the walls had been constructed on top of a concrete base. Mike explained that the architects had insisted on a concrete base which is much thicker than necessary for the weight of this type of house. “As a structural engineer I calculated what was necessary, but we have had to use almost double that amount. Also, the walls of the house arrive prefabricated, and so we knew the exact dimensions of the windows. However, traditionally, window suppliers like to come and take measurements before manufacture. We could have had the windows ready three months ago, but we had to wait.”

Mike explained that water will be collected via channels from the whole plot.

He showed us the rainwater collection system on the roof and terraces which diverts the water into a 35,000-litre cistern under the house. This volume of water will allow the house to be self-sufficient for 3 years during a prolonged drought. 11 solar panels and battery storage will make the house self-sufficient in electricity although it is still necessary to pay a standing charge to the local energy company. The garden of the house will include a huerto (allotment) to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs, and can be watered with the collected rain.

The swimming pool has been built by Piscinas Menorca. Again, Mike could only use the specified type of cement, which is new to the company and harder to mix, and more difficult to apply. The swimming pool will be covered to prevent evaporation and use a saltwater system.

The builders are Hermanos Bermudez SC, Engineering 1982 SL are installing the plumbing system, Juan Cuadros are supplying the windows and Piscinas Menorca are building the pool. Mike has worked with all these companies on past projects which has smoothed the way to introducing new ideas on this build. Like all Grand Design projects, Mike is hoping to be in Christmas, or even better by end-October. We will return when it is finished and report back.

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ISLA DEL REY

ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD

BY BEVERLEY WARD

Collingwood looks across to the Hotel Almirante

When you take the yellow catamaran to enjoy a Mahón harbour trip, one of the most important sights is Collingwood House or now the Hotel Almirante. This property was either bought or leased by the British in 1809, while their Fleet was based in Mahón, for the use of the Admiral, on the odd occasions he was on land. It was very unusual for the British and Spanish to be allied, but the threat of Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars had united these two nations for once in their history. Following his historic success at the Battle of Trafalgar, Lord Collingwood became Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean fleet, after the death of Nelson. He was sent to Port Mahón, a safe harbour, to keep watch over the French fleet in nearby Toulon. Due to this presence, the French were dissuaded from their second campaign in Egypt. Also, there were more than 6000 French prisoners, who had surrendered to the Spanish during the Napoleonic wars, and were abandoned on the island of Cabrera. The French could not rescue them with the British Fleet in and around Menorca.

The British Navy presence here was a protection for the Balearic Islands during a dangerous and uncertain time. However, Collingwood became ill with a stomach cancer. He had been away from his home for 6 years and longed to go back to see his wife and daughters, but repeated requests for leave were turned down by the Admiralty. Finally, he was ordered home on medical advice when the seriousness of his illness became evident. He resigned his position on 22 February 1810. Three days later, on 25th February, he managed with difficulty to walk down to Fonduco from the house, and he was rowed out to his ship, “Ville de Paris”. Sadly, the ship was windbound and could not set sail for England until 6 March; too late for our hero who died onboard the following day.

Collingwood Royal Museum Greenwich

Yet his legend lives on as a leader admired by his officers and crew for his humanity, sense of justice and for his skill at managing both men and ships. He had no sensational wounds, no great victories where he had the sole leadership, no martyrdom in battle, but his bravery distinguished him in three great sea battles. At the Battle of Cape Saint Vincent, against the Spanish, he sailed into the chaos of a furious mêlée to rescue Nelson. At the Battle of Trafalgar, he was Second in Command to Nelson, when 1,700 officers and crew were killed or wounded (Collingwood himself took a splinter in the leg, but he didn’t allow his name on the wounded list).

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 His early career took him to Boston, North America during the American Revolution, then Antigua - where both he and Nelson seem to have fallen in love with Mary Moutray, the wife of the Royal Commissioner. Later he served in Corsica, Sicily, and of course, Menorca. He rose to be a master of gunnery, a battle commander equal to Nelson, an accomplished writer, a diplomat and strategist - and an inveterate gossip! Surprisingly, he faced a court martial for disobeying an order, but was acquitted and appointed Captain in 1775, taking command of HMS Hinchinbrook, when Nelson became ill.

Sculpture by Helen Ridehalgh

He was 10 years older than Nelson, but they maintained a strong bond of friendship. They were opposites in character, but the friendship lasted 32 years until Nelson’s death. Collingwood was to report to the Admiralty: “the fall of the Commander in Chief, the loss of a hero, whose name will be immortal, and his memory ever dear to his country; but my heart is rent with the most poignant grief for the death of a friend, to whom, by many years intimacy, and a perfect knowledge of the virtues of his mind, which inspired ideas superior to the common race of men, I was bound by the strongest ties of affection; a grief to which even the glorious occasion in which he fell, does not bring the consolation which perhaps it ought.”

Collingwood recumbant on a funeral barge. Credit: St Paul´s Cathedral

When stationed in the waters of Menorca, with an 80-strong fleet, Collingwood was effectively the Viceroy of the Mediterranean, dealing with Kings and Queens and Beys. His beloved dog Bounce accompanied him on his ships for nearly 20 years. He had a reputation for carrying acorns in his pockets when he was ashore to plant oak trees for the ships of the future. Menorca owes him a particular debt for the safe transport of the huge organ with 3000 pipes in the Santa Maria church in Mahón. He sent a frigate to collect it, having to run the gauntlet of the French fleet in Toulon.

Of the 15 ships that sailed into the battle only six remained in a condition fit to fight and only three officers were left on Collingwood’s quarterdeck. However, the losses were far worse on the other side, with 7000 dead or injured. During the storm that followed, he sent out boats to rescue hundreds of drowning French and Spanish from their stricken or sinking ships. They were then sent to Cadiz and left in the care of the Governor of Andalucia.

In 1791, Collingwood married Sarah Beckett, the grandniece of Admiral Robert Roddam, and the couple had 2 daughters, thus his title became extinct when he died. He stood 5 foot 10 inches tall, slim, slightly bent and rheumatic in his later years. Despite his position and pay, he remained relatively poor for much of his life, largely due to his wife’s excesses, only able to put aside some funds during his time in the Mediterranean.

Cuthbert Collingwood was born in 1748, the eldest son of a merchant in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (after 7 daughters!) and later moved to Morpeth. He was intelligent, cultivated and articulate, keeping a diary, letters and a logbook throughout his 50 years at sea, having volunteered for the Navy in 1761.

The Admiralty could only spare him for brief periods ashore with family, but he has been recognised for the hero that he was by being buried beside his dear friend and colleague, Horatio Nelson, in St. Paul’s Cathedral.

On the Isla del Rey, we are proud to have a bust of him which was made in 2010 by a sculptor in England, Helen Ridehalgh, and commissioned by Menorca Britannica. In the Old British Naval Hospital, the Church Hall also displays his portrait. Just one more example of all the important people who have links with us and who are remembered on the island.

Come and visit the old British Naval Hospital, the first one to be purpose built in 1711, and now being totally restored by many international volunteers. Come on a Sunday at 09.00 to see everyone at work or on Tuesday (until mid-September) or on Thursdays on the catamaran at 11.00 (until mid-October).

For more information and bookings: https://www.islahospitalmenorca.org/en/home https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/home https://www.yellowcatamarans.com/en/home

Ville de Paris Thomas Buttersworth (1768-1842)-The Ship ’Ville de Paris’ under Full Sail-BHC2271-Royal_Museums_Greenwich

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

BREAKFAST IN MAHÓN

BY JO EAMES

The smell of fresh baking in the morning air is one of the gentle joys of Mahón.

The tradition of the early-rising baker tending the ovens remains strong in the town - and there is a wide span of styles within a few streets.

Llonguet, on the corner of Carrer de l’Esglesia (near Santa Maria) is open all day six days a week and is rarely less than heaving. Tourists do happen upon the place, but the weight of trade is local people of all ages and, from the volume and density of conversation, I’m convinced a significant proportion of Mahón’s family business, gossip and commerce is transacted at its pretty painted tables. The ensaimadas are light and fluffy, the chocolate cake satisfyingly dense and the pork and sobrasada “formatjades” a challenge to Melton Mowbray.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 The bread’s sound too, from the crusty rolls that lend Llonguet their name, to the country loaves. My most frequent purchases, though, are the little packets of sesame-studded breadsticks (palitos) that go so well with a drink in the golden hour. Llonguet’s menu and ingredients are staunchly 0km Menorquin - but everyone is made welcome.

Just across the street is Panaderia La Ceres, which dates from 1898 and is distinctly more traditional. It attracts an almost exclusively Mahónese clientele wedded to a solid style of dense round loaf. It reminds me of Italian bread from the 1970s, but clearly those who love it love it.

Uphill, on Plaça Bastió is the newcomer, Pigalle, specialising in sourdough (plain, olive or apricot and hazelnut) and pastries made with imported French flour.

This summer they have also opened a café on Carrer Bastió, near the theatre, serving all their pastries as well as fuller breakfasts including yoghurt with their delicious home-made granola, fruit and honey and lunches.

There are other independent bakeries and pastelerias dotted around the streets of the town. Horno Santo Cristo on S’Arravaleta, with its Venetian glass chandeliers and bentwood chairs, is a handy stop mid-shop and attracts a healthy queue on Sunday mornings when it is one of the few bakeries not enjoying a day of rest.

Sucreria Valles on Hannover has been making cakes, desserts and confectionery since 1935. You see them being carried carefully through the town under their domed paper packaging, to parties and family celebrations. Pasteleria Sandra on Carrer de Sant Jordi (a street increasingly filled with galleries and artists’ studios) also specialises in fancy cakes. On the corner of Carrer del Sol, another 90 year three generation neighbourhood bakery, Ca’n Senyalet, specialises in “Pa d’aqui, forn i traditio” and makes a particularly good apple tart.

Whatever its style, each bakery gives off that delicious morning aroma that was part of life in all towns before the advent of supermarkets and industrial bread processes. As the great grand-daughter of a master baker (my great-aunty Millie talked of going out as a small girl with a basket of hot cross buns to sell door-to-door) I am happy to be in a place where baking remains at the heart of daily life.

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BY RACHAEL ADAMS

MENORCAN SAFFRON FARMING A few years ago, Omar Zola came over from Sardinia and set up Isafrà in Es Migjorn, a small saffron farm that also sells yellow-stained cheese, home-made honey, candles and saffron gin. I go and see what it’s all about.

THE FARM IN WINTER Just down from Mercadal, the tiny, 2-hectare farm, on the Santa Margarita estate, is set in red earthen hills covered in green bushes. A white pickup awaits me on a plateau at the brow of the hill. There’s a small building that acts as the shop. Omar meets me and we take a walk.

Being February, there isn’t much to see but there are tidy rows of shoots surrounded by mesh to keep the rabbits out. Saffron comes from Crocus sativus, a sterile strain of bulb related to irises. The red strands we call saffron are the top ends of the female reproductive organs, called stigmas.

The bottom of the stigma is the style which connects to the ovary. Each flower has three stigmas, held aloft to receive pollen grains from the legs of visiting bees, which are attracted to the flower to gather pollen from the surrounding male sex organs, the stamens.

This strain of crocus doesn’t thrive in the wild. It was bred and, as such, is sterile. Therefore, while the flowers do provide pollen for bees, the plant reproduces asexually by making many younger bulbs around the mother bulb, which will die off after a few years.

These crocus bulbs are expensive to buy but once sewn provide stock for continuity. After around three years, Omar´s mother bulbs have reached their peak productivity (3-4 flowers). So, they dig them up, usually in summer, and separate the baby ones out for replanting in a different field.

The old fields are turned to loosen the heavy clay soil and allow the air to get in, but not in winter when machinery would compact it. The fields are rotated to boost the soil in between rotations, and, to feed the bees, they plant clover, sainfoin and mustard, which can act as a fungicide.

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Conventional saffron farms commonly spray synthetic fungicides to prevent bulb (or corm) rot.

Omar stresses that there are no chemicals used on his land. It’s “not our philosophy”.

“Fel i- vinagre” or African wood-sorrel (Oxalis pescaprae) is the invasive yellow flower we see choking farms in January. This shades out the low-lying crocus so they cut it back before it flowers.

HARVEST TIME November is a good time to visit when, for 20 days only, the fields come alive with purple flowers. Now the workers womanfully (see separate box) set set to with their baskets - then complain of bad backs. To add insult to injury, the bees get in the way, so they must be extra careful to pick the flower from below to avoid getting stung. Apparently, today’s 20-yearolds couldn’t handle it.

In the woods nearby, said bees are busy feasting on mallow, heather and yellow fleabane. We drive up to see the hives in the 4x4 and make sure to keep the windows up. Omar tells me that when they finish sorting through the flowers, they leave the insects the pollen, and let them polish off the leftover honey from the centrifuges and decanters.

DRYING AND PROCESSING Isafra produces the highest grade saffron (grade 1), which has the highest safranal (smell) and crocin (colour) on the market. Omar´s saffron has the best shape, length and colour of threads, and an unusually pungent aroma and vibrant golden colour when infused.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

SAFFRON - THE WORLD´S MOST EXPENSIVE SPICE

I’m told that care is critical during the drying process to maintain the vivid colour and elasticity and, most importantly, to retain the medicinal properties that are lost at temperatures above 55 degrees C. For example, some places dry the strands for 15 minutes at 90 degrees. This is a very violent way of doing things that produces saffron that will crumble in your hand.

Instead, Isafra uses “cold drying” where the strands spend 24 hours exposed to 35°C. As a valuable product imported from afar, saffron is open to much adulteration, often being padded out with paprika or turmeric. If you see a terribly dark saffron, of an almost maroon-like colour, it means that it was exposed to air or direct sunlight. Usually, this dark colour means it’s been stored incorrectly or packaged unprofessionally during deliveries. Saffron shouldn’t be stored in sunlight nor plastic or it will rapidly lose its magic powers. Stigmas should be crunchy in your palm or if you try to break them with your nail. If they’re soft, they’ve been exposed to moisture.

“Say you were to work as a saffron picker; the plants are low on the ground, you’re bent over all day and expected to pick a flower every three seconds. Then you have to pull three strands off each flower in 7.2 seconds. How much money would you want?” – I’m testing this out on a friend. “Oooo”, she muses, “that sounds like hard work,…£25 an hr”. I multiply 25 by the 425 hours it’s said to take to process the 3000 flowers that make a kilo of saffron, and come up with £10.625. Just for labour, not including packaging, transport, or marketing.

Throughout its 3000-year-old history, saffron has consistently been the world’s most expensive spice —because it’s hard to harvest. Historically, Spain produced the lion’s share of saffron. Today, rising labour costs have led to 90% of saffron we consume in Europe being imported from Iran, from where it’s also thought to originate. Spanish La Mancha still has a small Protected Designation of Origin saffron industry, but they mostly export their high-quality produce elsewhere.

While some NGO’s got Afghan farmers to grow crocuses instead of poppies, Afghanistan doesn’t have a market yet to export it. So Iran buys that all up too.

Therein lies the prickly matter surrounding labour conditions.

While women have always been the pickers, as we know from Minoan frescos featuring our sistren (bottoms up in ancient Greece), Iran and Afghanistan are plagued by social injustices and gender inequality.

“Women handle 95% of the work involved in saffron production because it demands precision and patience,” said Mohammad Ibrahim Adel, head of the Afghanistan Saffron Union. “The conditions are harsh and merciless… Women are much more resistant than men and genetically more fit to work in such conditions”. The truth is that Iranian women get paid 60% less than their male counterparts, if they receive a wage. I can’t imagine the Afghan women fare much better. Cash is king.

END PRODUCTS Saffron is used as for seasoning and as a dye, traditionally giving paellas their yellow coloured-rice. It goes into perfumes and cosmetics and into tea. Omar stresses that it is good as an antioxidant and for glaucoma.

A sage old grandmother on the internet claims: “a small pinch of ground-up stigma in near-boiling water will make you happy”. Beyond that, it is said to help fight cancer, cure depression and bring on abortions. “Intake of 10.5 g of saffron is fatal due to the induction of extreme joy.” Note that this last claim was followed by “this issue has been proved by the literature (3)”.

To finish our visit, Omar shows me the little shop where shiny bottles of spirits and piles of cheese sit in white boxed shelves set in soft yellow lighting. They make gin with saffron, cardamom, ginseng, and aloe vera. His saffron ends up in cocktails, starters and desserts. It’s usually sold by the gram. Swanky small vials with cork stoppers house a few hundred strands which he assures me “last at least a year” (unless I need to kill somebody) and will only set me back around 18 Euros. I buy some cheese, and he gifts me a beautiful wax Buddha figurine – which later melts into the dashboard of my van.

Farm visits can be arranged via the website. Or you can sample a saffron lager and go to see the bees. https://santamargaritamenorca.es Alternatively, Ca na Joana in the Mercat des Claustre in Mahon or Sa Figuera Ecològica shop in Mercadal, or the Mercadal and Fornells farmers markets sell his produce.

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GRAPEVINE HAPPYTRAILZ PET TRANSPORT WITH JULIE While car travel might work for some, not everyone has the luxury of driving – and foot passengers aren’t permitted to take pets on ferries or through the Eurotunnel. Unless you’re chartering a private jet, what’s the alternative? Jocelyn contacted me with a glowing report about Julie who had taken their dog Nutmeg back to the UK by road.

At the same time, I saw that Julie was bringing Steph’s 22-year-old (yes 22) Yorkshire terrier, Tink, to Menorca by plane. Julie is based in Mallorca, but she offers a door-todoor service, picking up your pet from, or delivering it to Menorca. I spoke to Julie to find out more about her business.

Based in Mallorca, Julie offers a door-to-door service that includes Menorca in her route.

Originally from the West Midlands, she grew up in a family where animals were part of everyday life. Her parents and sister were dog groomers, and her brother ran a wellknown pet shop. Today, she shares her home (and the road!) with her two Chihuahuas, Tommy and Polly – aptly named after the Peaky Blinders duo.

Julie launched Happytailz Pet Care Services in 2003 and branched into transport two years ago after experiencing firsthand the complications of getting her own dog from Birmingham to Mallorca — a journey that involved Holyhead, Dublin, Madrid, and a lot of patience.

On average, Julie makes one return trip per month, transporting a maximum of 5 pets at any one time. She always takes along a co-driver who has full visibility and can interact with the pets, warmly reassuring them along the way. They will send you videos and updates on your pets throughout the journey. Julie has designed a bespoke van with privacy glass and window seats. Spacious crates are bolted into the interior and there is an electric fridge for fresh pet food. Cats are transported in a separate area to dogs so that they can relax and enjoy the view.

When travelling from Menorca to the UK, Julie and the pets stay overnight in a French cottage in the countryside, where dogs can stretch their legs and roam safely in the garden. Dogs sleep with Julie in the cottage without kennels or crates, so they’re relaxed and recharged for the next stage of their journey. Cats enjoy their own room-with-abird’s-eye-view, where they can rest and unwind in peace without the anxiety of other pets around them.

Julie also offers an Air/Road courier service for pets under 8Kg. Your pet is picked up from your doorstep in the UK and flown with Julie – in the cabin – to a convenient European airport, such as Paris, Brussels or Frankfurt, and then onward to Menorca.

This is the route that Tink took from the UK to spend her summer in Menorca. She flew with Julie from Birmingham to Frankfurt on Lufthansa and then on to Menorca. Leaving Birmingham at 9.30am she arrived in Menorca safely at 3.30pm, having been pampered all the way by Julie and the airline staff. Julie says she has found the air crew on Swiss Air, Air France and Lufthansa all very helpful and sympathetic with the animals.

A reverse trip by air to the UK from Menorca is more complicated as no pets are allowed to fly into the UK. Instead, Julie flies to Paris where her partner will meet her with the van.

Your pet will be transferred from the carrier to a snug, safe space with refreshment and the chance for a comfort break. Co-driver and ‘courier’ will then transport your beloved animal through the Channel Tunnel and on to the final destination, always ensuring they are secure and happy en route. This can be as quick as 12 hours from start to finish.

Pricing depends on distance and the number of animals travelling — naturally, a trip to Aberdeen will take longer and cost more than one to Kent or Sussex.

Julie is fully insured with a dual licence for both the UK and the EU and she is first aid trained for pets. She will advise on the necessary paperwork and a checking service is included.

“We wholeheartedly recommend Julie, who was nothing short of amazing,” says Jocelyn. “Our 13-year-old Border Terrier, Nutmeg, has a nervous disposition, and we were so anxious about the journey. But Julie’s warmth and affection put us at ease immediately. She sent updates all the way and treated Nutmeg as one of her own. An absolute godsend!” info@happytrailz.eu WhatsApp: (UK) +44 (0) 7526 951 821 (ES) +34 711 044 652 26

S’ENCLUSA: Menorca’s Second Highest Peak with a Cold War Secret Rising 275 metres above sea level, S’Enclusa may only be Menorca’s second-highest mountain, but it is undoubtedly one of the island’s most intriguing.

Located near Ferreries, this peak is steeped in layers of history — from 18th-century watchtowers to Cold War espionage — and today offers some of the island’s most spectacular inland views.

FROM WATCHTOWERS TO WAR Locally known as Dalt sa Torre, S’Enclusa first gained importance in the mid-18th century, when one of Menorca’s last defensive watchtowers was constructed on its summit. Although now in ruins, the tower still stands as a reminder of the island’s turbulent past.

A more recent and surprising chapter in its story began in 1965, when the United States built a military radar base on S’Enclusa as part of the Pact of Madrid, signed with Franco’s government. Its purpose was strategic: to act as a telecommunications bridge during the Cold War, relaying signals between US radar stations in Mallorca and Sardinia. These stations provided information on all air traffic in the Western Mediterranean, linking its own external communications with troops deployed in the East and monitoring possible Russian attacks with atomic weapons from the air.

Equipped with enormous tropospheric parabolic antennas — one 19 metres wide — the base played a small but vital role. At its peak, around 30 Americans were stationed here, supported by local Menorcans who commuted daily to work on maintenance and logistics.

LIFE ON THE MOUNTAIN The base was built to American standards, with dormitories, offices, a gym, a warehouse, workshops, a pumping station and even a water tank. Covering some 2,200 square metres, it formed a self-contained community perched high on the mountain. Locals with contacts went up there to enjoy the American food and beer and to play skittles or enjoy a film night.

But by the early 1990s, satellite communications had made this type of technology obsolete. The radar station closed in 1993, leaving behind abandoned buildings that gradually fell into disrepair. In 2007, ownership of the site passed to the Biodiversity Foundation of Spain’s Ministry of the Environment. They aquired approximately 43,000 square metres of land with almost 2,200 square metres of buildings.

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Discussions began about transforming it into an Interpretation Centre for the Menorca Biosphere Reserve. These continue today!

VIEWS WORTH THE CLIMB While the base itself lies in ruins, the true reward for climbing S’Enclusa is the view. From the summit you can enjoy sweeping panoramas across Es Pla Verd, one of the island’s most important inland valleys. Thanks to its designation as an ANEI (Natural Area of Special Interest), the environment around S’Enclusa remains largely untouched — a wild contrast to its militarised past.

Today, hikers and cyclists make the ascent for the scenery rather than strategy. Every October, the Volta Cicloturista cycling event winds its way up to the peak, keeping S’Enclusa very much alive in Menorca’s cultural calendar.

S’ENCLUSA:

A MOUNTAIN WITH MANY STORIES S’Enclusa may not be Menorca’s highest mountain, but it is certainly one of the most fascinating. Part natural landmark, part Cold War relic, it offers visitors a chance to step into the island’s layered history while taking in some of its finest views. Whether you go for the heritage, the hiking, or the horizonwide panoramas, S’Enclusa is a mountain that tells Menorca’s story from the watchtowers of the 18th century to the radar dishes of the 20th.

A Long-Awaited Renewal For decades, the abandoned US listening base at its summit has been the subject of speculation and plans — a dream of transformation that has never quite materialised. Now, DIWHU \HDUV RI ZDLWLQJ LV WKH YLVLRQ IRU 6·(QFOXVD ÀQDOO\ taking shape?

Note: Tropospheric scatter, or troposcatter, is a method of communicating with microwave radio signals up to 500 kilometres. Radio waves are randomly scattered as they pass through the upper layers of the troposphere. Normally, signals in the microwave frequency range travel in straight lines, and so are limited to line-of-sight applications, in which the receiver can be ‘seen’ by the transmitter. Communication distances are limited by the visual horizon to around 48–64 kilometres. Troposcatter, developed in the 1950s, allows microwave communication beyond the horizon.

On 25 July 2025, the Balearic Government approved an extension of the island’s Sustainable Tourism Plan for another four years, unlocking €2 million from European Next Generation funds for S’Enclusa’s rehabilitation.

The project brings together the State Secretariat for Tourism, the Menorca Council, and the Balearic Tourism Strategy Agency (Aetib).

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Photos: Lenny Miller

The works, which must be completed by December 2029, will restore the decaying facilities and breathe new life into the mountaintop. Plans include solar parks, electric shuttle services, bike paths, and charging points — all designed to make the site sustainable and accessible.

“For 30 years, Menorca has been a Biosphere Reserve,” said Consell president Adolfo Vilafranca, “but there has never been a single place where people can really understand what that means.”

GREEN ACCESS TO THE PEAK

Regional president Margalida Prohens summed up the project’s spirit: “After more than 30 years of neglect, this space will be rehabilitated to serve the citizens. The people of Menorca deserve places like this.”

To preserve the mountain, private cars will be restricted. Instead, visitors will arrive via electric shuttle buses from Ferreries or use an e-bike system linked to the Son Morera parking lot. A dedicated €150,000 budget has been allocated to support these sustainable transport options.

REMEMBERING THE BASE’S PAST One of the most intriguing aspects of the project is the recovery of the base’s historical memory. Testimonies from former workers and residents will be collected, and a new museum will tell the story of S’Enclusa’s role during the Cold War.

FROM GHOST BASE TO PUBLIC TREASURE For years, the derelict American base has attracted curious explorers — even serving as the backdrop to YouTube halloween videos shot in its crumbling corridors. Can the site finally step into a new role: no longer a ghost of the past, but a vibrant space where history, education, and the natural world meet? If the vision is realised, S’Enclusa will become not only a landmark for Menorca but also a symbol of renewal — a place where a relic of the Cold War era is reimagined for the future.

Alongside it, an American-style cafeteria, picnic areas, and a nightsky observation platform will turn the mountain into both a cultural and recreational hub.

A CENTRE FOR LEARNING AND NATURE The eight buildings of the former base, covering more than 2,100 m², will be repurposed. Four will house environmental and educational facilities. The main building alone will accommodate 56 people, making it ideal for summer camps and nature retreats. Other structures will include a conference space, a communal dining hall with a local-products shop, and multipurpose classrooms.

At the heart of the site will be the Biosphere Reserve Interpretation Centre, finally giving Menorca a dedicated space to explain its UNESCO designation and environmental significance.

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RESTAURANTS

If you would like to advertise your restaurant in the Eating Out section of Roqueta please contact John Davies by email: roquetajohn@gmail.com or by Whatsapp 609851186

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

EATING August is always a challenge for restaurants – hot, hectic, and fully booked.

Reservations are essential, and it’s fabulous to see the island buzzing with life. My only criticism is that some tapas bars mark every table as reserved, leaving restaurants empty when walk-ins could easily be accommodated.

It’s a shame, as the British will eat early and then free up tables for later guests. We walked in to Binifadet last Saturday for a quick supper and it was incredible! The fabulous staff were happy to accommodate us.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

BY LUCY GEMMELL, FOUNDER OF RHUBARB AND ROQUETA’S TEAM OF TASTERS

Overall, the island’s food scene has stepped up dramatically. New restaurants and Rural Hotels are raising standards, offering everything from traditional 0km Menorcan cuisine to modern, Asian-influenced menus. Menorca’s culinary history—shaped over the centuries by Romans, French, and English—remains rooted in Mediterranean flavours, but chefs are now more adventurous, with brave cooking! The result is a rich, diverse food culture that reflects the island’s unique position at the crossroads of the Mediterranean.

We chose some other options, and my favourites as always were the starters - they were very generous and good value. The salmorejo was delicious full of flavour - my favourite. The confit artichokes clever and delicious and his signature dish of Octopus meatballs an absolute must.

Emilio creates gastronomic experiences that delight the senses - it is a destination restaurant, and it does not disappoint. However, it is definitely a treat experience. The lobster stews and the theatre of the presentation are something to be embraced for the right occasion.

It’s always a delight to see the culinary offerings of Menorca achieving levels that we can be proud of and this Restaurant is at the top of its game.

CASA EMILIO Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, 47, 07748 Fornells, casaemiliofornells.com 871741087

By Lucy Gemmell Emilio Sambas is originally from Jaen, Spain. However, he built his career in Menorca before training in some of Spain’s top kitchens and working internationally. Emilio is passionate about Menorcan produce and his approach is definitely what I call “very elevated” attracting a passionate food clientele….

We took some very foodie friends from London to this exquisite restaurant in Fornells to experience a chef who is clearly at the heart of all things traditional in Menorca Cuisine. The restaurant itself has beautiful, sympathetic deco – it is properly grown up and, as you walk in, you know you are there for the full culinary experience. The starters were some of the best flavours I have had on the island, and the presentation is exceptional.

This restaurant is all about the Lobster (Langosta) experience and the menu is packed with options, but not for the faint-hearted price wise at 180 Euros per kilo.

Most of the diners there in August were enjoying the full experience.

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Paco is dedicated to serving authentic dishes using high-quality locally sourced ingredients and most importantly, ensuring they are made ‘con cariño’ (with love). His family have been working beside him since the beginning.

Mr Bep’s menu is full of wonderful Menorcan and Spanish dishes. There are of course the classics like Seafood, Mixed and Vegetable Paellas. You can also choose from Grilled Fish & Shellfish, delicious Fideua. succulent grilled T-Bone Steaks, top quality Iberian pork sausages and acorn-fed Ham. There are creative pizzas and burgers and some fresh and healthy salads. Our favourite so far, must be the Tomato and Burrata. The tapas selection is interesting and imaginative, including crispy Confit Artichokes, melt in your mouth Prawn Croquettes and Pork Cheek Gyozas. For the more adventurous, how about trying their breaded Mediterranean Sea Urchins? Mr Bep’s dessert menu showcases sweet pastries and fruit tartlets from nearby bakeries.

Their hospitality is warm, inviting and friendly. Paco is willing to chat and share his expertise and enthusiasm for food and wine with both customers and friends, such as Peter.

Peter Hanley has his fingers in many pies, including teaching languages, but on this Instagram page, The Culinary Academy of the Pyrenees, he is dedicated to promoting the greatest traditional dishes from Spain and France with short videos shot in beautiful locations. Be careful… he does become addictive. We have watched several of his clips and have managed to make some yummy dishes.

We are so grateful for having had Mr Bep’s Restaurant brought to our attention.

Hopefully you will be too. We plan to revisit the restaurant again very soon. There are still several dishes we are keen to try.

MR BEPS Av. Torre de l’Aigua nº1, local 45-46. Ciutadella de Menorca 07769 +34 971 38 85 71 mrbeps.com

As Mr Bep’s is situated off the beaten track, away from the crowds, it’s an ideal spot in which to chill-out, enjoy high-quality cuisine and fine wines at a decent price. They are open just for the tourist season, so don’t wait too long before making a reservation.

A PERFECT PAIRING – PETER & PACO

By Kirstin Francis

The meal with the caldereta was 70€ per person with 2 between 4, 4 starters and lots of LOVELY wine. On our second visit we had 2 starters and 2 mains plus wine for 80€ in total inc.Tip.

Many people use Google Maps to find great local restaurants, but that’s far from how we found this hidden gem.

Petes _ Pans

An old friend, from my time in London during the 80s, unexpectedly sent me a link to Pete’s Pans Instagram page, asking if I had ever visited the restaurant featured.

The link was to Peter Hanley cooking Caldereta de Llagosta, overlooking the towering cliffs of Cala Morell. Very Keith Floyd. It featured Mr Bep’s Restaurant in Cala en Blanes.

“I’ve never heard of it,” I replied, despite having driven blindly past the restaurant’s sign for YEARS. Unbelievable! I decided to check it out.

During a recent visit to Menorca, Peter spent some time with his friend Paco Domínguez, owner of Mr Bep’s Restaurant since 1998. Paco agreed to share his delicious Caldereta de Llagosta recipe with Peter. Revealing where to source the best ingredients and how to cook this famous dish. Of course we had to try it out on our first visit. Wonderfully lavish. Perfect for my birthday treat.

Mr Bep’s Restaurant is in Cala’n Blanes, hidden behind a small complex of apartments and houses, directly opposite the first roundabout at the entrance to the resort.

On arrival, you immediately notice the meticulous attention to detail throughout.

Although the setting is rustic, every aspect—from the background music and table arrangements to the décor and service—has been carefully thought out.

The courtyard terrace is shaded by wooden pergolas, with gentle sunlight filtering through during the day. In the evening, lights are strung from the beams, creating a charming atmosphere.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKhdNkKR-8O/?igsh=MWx0eWgwbWxueTdycw==

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

HOTEL XUROY Calle Llevant 1, Alcaufar Tel: 971151820

By Lorraine Ure Hotel Xuroy was the very first tourist hotel to open in Menorca, way back in the 1940’s, and it is still family run. A few years ago, the current “younger generation” decided it was time for a major change in direction. For many years it had relied almost entirely on offering itself as a “hostal”, mainly all-inclusive, for the British tourist trade. Food and beverage offerings were designed accordingly. Says it all really! Well, it is very different now. We lunched there recently and were virtually the only British. It is hugely popular with large families, mainly Spanish and French, all devouring serious plates of food. So, you must book!!

Many of the old friendly staff remain but were augmented by a large posse of young lads to ensure service ran smoothly, which indeed it did. They serve food through most of the afternoon. A decent A la Carte is on offer plus various Specials, plus fresh fish of the day sold by weight. Plenty of home-made puddings too, plus a wide variety of Menorquina ices (lots of kids around).

CAN OLGA Carrer Pont de Na Macarrana, Es Mercadal. Tel 971 375459

By Lorraine Ure

We went for a Menorcan Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Basil with an excellent dressing, to share. We then had the special shoulder of baby lamb, very sweet and tender, and a portion of local Clams cooked in Oil and garlic. We also enjoyed a Menorca 57 ice cream, which seemed appropriate. Together with water and a decent Nabal Rosado (€29), the bill came to €115 for two. We thoroughly enjoyed it! People are still prepared to pay for good quality in the lovely location.

This has been a great old classic favourite over many years, so it was a joy to revisit recently and to find it is better than ever! Now in the hands of the genial Pablo, chef and owner, but importantly the front-of-house give you a wonderful welcome. We enjoyed fabulous service from Eliz, who hails from France, and offers everything one would expect from the perfect host, and more.

We were with old friends, from Alaior, who hadn’t visited in a long time, and they were also delighted. Situated in the centre of Mercadal, hidden under an archway close to where the little bridge collapsed in the floods, the restaurant is now operating in the summer within a beautiful garden oasis.

Can Olga still offers some old favourites from years ago, such as their “Spinach pastel with mushrooms and port sauce”, and “slow-cooked goat with saffron”.

But there are several brand-new dishes to try, proving their determination to keep innovating. For example, special starters include: “Coulant omelette with Micuit foie and truffles”, fabulous “Vitello Tonnato”, “Ceviche of the day” which was super-fresh, and, unusually, “Sweetbreads”. Main courses include the most delicious “Lamb tomahawks”, a version of their famous rack of lamb, crispy suckling pig, and beef in various formats. We ordered the beef rib with Korean BBQ sauce—outstanding! Also, plenty of fresh fish of the day on offer, by weight and priced accordingly.

Phew…. There was a great selection of homemade desserts too: stunning Crème Brûlée sorbets, including “Goats milk and caramel”, terrific cheesecake, which is apparently the most popular pudding worldwide currently, but how they vary in quality! A bit like pizzas!

Finally, one must mention the fantastic wine cellar! A fabulously curated selection of local and international wines, hand chosen and kept in perfect condition in a special cellar in reception. It is well worth spending time perusing!

Well… here’s the rub… it’s not cheap, but truly value for money for delicious food and top-quality service, location, charm and ambience. We paid €305 for 4 people, including cocktails, two bottles of Muga rosado, and most of the delights mentioned above! Yes, we will repeat! They are doing very well, so important to book in advance.

LA CALITA Passeig Marítim, 23, 07713 Biniancolla tel 689194980 www.lacalitamenorca.com

By Nina Hammond La Calita is a breath of fresh air.

Sitting on the terrace with a glass in hand, looking out on one of the prettiest views in Menorca, the bay of Biniancolla –a small rocky cove overlooked by what once were fishermen’s houses- it is just heavenly.

I’ve been here a few times before and it is always delicious.

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RESTAURANT BINIMEL·LÀ Ub la Binimel, 1, 07748 Es Mercadal, Illes Balears Every summer, our friends from opposite ends of the island meet up at the Restaurant Binimel·là which has its own car park and a lovely view of the countryside. You need to go inside for a great vista of Binimel·là beach, which is especially good from the toilets, apparently. They first discovered it on a walk to Pregonda when they spotted a family member sitting under the tree, eating a huge plate of mussels. On that occasion the restaurant was about to close for winter but they vowed to go back the next summer to try it and have returned every year since. They say that it serves “proper Menorcan food” the staff are outstanding and the portions are delicious and huge. It is a simple restaurant with tables set out under the shade of the tree.

During their last visit the four of them shared some starters including stuffed aubergines and then each chose a main course: monk fish, lamb chops, stuffed calamari with almond sauce, and a “huge” entrecot steak. They shared desserts and drank three bottles of wine and water and it all came to €50 per person.

The restaurant feels relaxed and looks lovely with its blue and white tiles and eyecatching wall stencils. There is a covered terrace too so you can enjoy the view whatever the weather. The staff are friendly, calm and knowledgeable.

The menu is short, printed daily, and this is the type of menu I like most of all.

It immediately gives you an insight into what La Calita is all about. Everything is fresh and seasonal, and you can tell. The choice of dishes are interestingly different, with exciting vegetable dishes like marinated beetroot salad with dukkah. Delicious! All the vegetables locally sourced from Santo Domingo, the organic farm near Punta Prima.

This time, we started with a tomato salad, with smoked yoghurt and anchovies (€16). The tomatoes were a joy, soft, juicy and so flavourful. While sipping a delicious Albariño, we moved on to mouth-watering scallops in herby butter (€16), and a crunchy, delicate fritto misto of calamari and shrimp with a caper mayonnaise. For our main dishes we chose lamb on a chickpea puree, slow cooked, tender, succulent and full of flavour (€26), and the turbot with crispy skin, simply cooked with capers, lemon and parsley, just exceedingly good (€30).

Pudding? A smooth and silky panna cotta and yoghurt with fennel marmalade (€8) finished off this delicious meal that left us smiling rather than stuffed.

Honestly, I’d eat here every day if I could! We spent €134 between two.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday Bar 12:00h to 23:00h Kitchen 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Closed Mondays

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

ROQUETA RECIPES CANAPÉ MASTER CLASS

BY LUCY GEMMELL

Lucy Gemmell set up Rhubarb Food Design in 1996, which fast became the society caterer everyone wanted to use.

Rhubarb had a very creative approach, presenting superb food with the concept of being ‘Deliciously Different’. Lucy’s clients included The Elton John AIDS Foundation, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 50th Birthday, Royal weddings, Buckingham Palace staff parties, Pierce Brosnan’s wedding, all the James Bond premiere parties and Harry Potter after parties. All those celebrations needed canapés, and here she shares with us some of her tried and tested recipes. Lucy once cooked EODFNEHUU\ VRXIÁpV VHUYHG ZLWK DSSOH JHODWR ZKLFK QHHGHG D EDQN RI WXUER RYHQV DQG D ÀHOG RI JHQHUDWRUV WR SURGXFH WKH VRXIÁpV LQ PLQXWHV :H KDYH VHOHFWHG D IHZ VLPSOHU RSWLRQV 1H[W \HDU /XF\ ZLOO EH UXQQLQJ VRPH &DQDSp Master Classes in Menorca for those who want to watch her at work and gain more top tips.

SMOKED SALMON POTATO PANCAKE & HORSERADISH CRÈME FRAÎCHE MAKES ABOUT 10 CANAPÉS INGREDIENTS 250g cooked/baked potatoes 2 whole eggs 2 egg whites beaten till stiff 60ml double cream 60ml milk 1½ tbsp flour ½ tsp salt

PEELED PRAWNS CHILLI, LIME ZEST & JAPANESE MAYONNAISE

METHOD: Mix together sieved potato, eggs, cream, milk, flour & salt for the pancakes until you have a smooth, thick batter - this can be done either by hand or in a food processor. Fold in egg white, Fry. Serve topped with horseradish crème fraîche (use fresh horseradish) and slices of smoked salmon.

METHOD: For the prawns, mix the prawns with the lime zest and chilli and set aside, covered, to marinate in the fridge for at least one hour.

Meanwhile, for the Japanese mayonnaise, mix all the Japanese mayonnaise ingredients together and transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.

Arrange the prawns on a plate and serve with the Japanese mayonnaise, for dipping.

INGREDIENTS 20 large Mediterranean prawns, cooked and peeled 2 limes, zest only 1 red chilli, seeds removed, very finely chopped FOR THE JAPANESE MAYONNAISE 100g/4oz good-quality mayonnaise 2-3 tsp ready-made wasabi paste, or to taste 2 spring onions, finely chopped 1-2 tbsp Japanese rice wine 1 lime, zest only, plus juice from ½ the lime

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

MARINATED FIGS SERRANO HAM, MOZZARELLA & BASIL MAKES ABOUT 16 CANAPÉS INGREDIENTS 2 large or 4 small ripe figs 3 tbsp basil-infused oil 2 tsp red wine vinegar 8 slices Serrano ham, halved lengthways 16 bocconcini (baby mozzarella balls) 16 medium-sized basil leaves 16 short wooden skewers

METHOD: Cut the figs into 16 wedges and sit them in a non-metallic bowl.

Mix together the oil and vinegar, then pour it over the figs.

Season well with salt and pepper, and leave to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

When the figs have marinated, thread each wedge onto a wooden skewer with some Serrano ham, mozzarella and a basil leaf. The order in which you thread them is entirely up to you.

Once you have made all 16, sit them on a plate and drizzle over the remaining marinade.

SIRLOIN OF BEEF WITH FONDANT POTATO & BÉARNAISE SAUCE TO DIP Classic fondant potato recipe, lots of clarified butter with thyme.

The steak is griddled RARE, then cut into squares, and threaded on a skewer with cooked fondant.

The skewers are then cooked so the steak is medium rare at the event, and served hot.

INGREDIENTS BEARNAISE SAUCE 40ml of white wine vinegar 10ml of lemon juice 20g of tarragon, chopped 2 shallots, finely sliced 3 egg yolks 200g of butter, clarified salt pepper

PARMESAN, LEMON & BASIL FRICOS INGREDIENTS 180g shredded Parmesan 2 tbsp shredded basil leaves 1/2 tbsp grated lemon zest

METHOD: Preheat oven to 200°C/Gas 6.

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

Transfer a heaped tablespoon of Parmesan mixture onto a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly pat down (a silicone baking sheet is highly recommended for this recipe).

Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture, spacing the spoonfuls about 1-cm apart.

Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Cool and use a flat spatula to transfer from lined baking sheet.

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METHOD: Make a reduction by boiling the white wine vinegar, lemon juice, half the tarragon and the shallots until reduced by half. Strain and allow to cool Mix together the egg yolks and reduction then whisk in a glass bowl over a bain-marie until the mixture is thick and able to coat the back of a spoon Remove from the heat and slowly start to drizzle in the butter whisking all the time until all the butter is incorporated Add the remaining tarragon and season with salt and pepper.

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 CHICKEN TIKKA INGREDIENTS 4 chicken breasts, bone out and skinned 1 clove of garlic, peeled and crushed A small piece of root ginger, peeled and grated tsp ground turmeric Seeds of 5 cardamom pods tsp ground cumin Half a small to medium chilli, seeded and roughly chopped tsp ground fenugreek

1tbsp vegetable oil 2tbsp thick yoghurt tbsp lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper Mini Popadoms Lettuce and coriander leaves (optional) FOR THE MINTED RAITA 2tbsp thick yoghurt 1tbsp chopped fresh mint Mixed together

METHOD: Gently cook the garlic, ginger & the rest of the spices in the vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes without colouring.

CHICKEN TIKKA MINI POPADOM & MINTED RAITA

Remove from the heat and coarsely blend with the yoghurt and lemon juice.

Coat the chicken with this mixture and leave to marinade in the fridge overnight.

Griddle chicken breasts and cut into small pieces, place on mini popadoms and top with minted raita.

GOATS CHEESE

INGREDIENTS PARMESAN SHORTBREAD 9oz plain flour 7oz cold butter 1 egg yolk 8oz parmesan (grated) 2g salt 3g pepper 3g cayenne

& RED ONION MARMALADE PARMESAN SHORTBREAD

CREAMED GOAT’S CHEESE 100g goat’s cheese 20ml milk Salt and pepper RED ONION MARMALADE 10g butter 2 thinly sliced red onions A sprig of thyme 30ml red wine METHOD: FOR THE PARMESAN SHORTBREAD Sift the flour into a bowl add all the other dry ingredients.

Grate the butter into the dry ingredients and rub together until resembling breadcrumbs.

Add the egg yolk to bind, form into a ball, cover with clingfilm and refrigerate for two hours.

CREAMED GOAT’S CHEESE Place all ingredients in a food processor and blitz into a smooth paste.

TO COOK Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Take the parmesan shortbread out of the fridge and roll out on a floured work surface.

RED ONION MARMALADE Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the red onions, thyme and red wine and cook over a very low heat until the red wine has completely reduced, the onions have caramelised and the marmalade is sticky.

Cut into 10 shortbreads Place the shortbread on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

Let the shortbread cool before spreading or piping a small amount of goat’s cheese cream onto each shortbread.

Top with red onion marmalade and serve immediately.

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BY MICHAEL STEVENSON and Binissalem itself. The vineyard is area is 565 ha and the number of wineries 15. The main grapes grown are native to the DO and are Callet, Gorgollasa, Mantonegre, Prensal Blanca and Moscatel. The main bodegas are Jose Luis Ferrer, Ca’n Verdura, Vins Nadal and Ribas. Bodegas Jose Luis Ferrer wines can be found in Menorca and I have frequently recommended their wines in Roqueta.

Binissalem sits at the foot of the imposing Serra Tramontana, whose silt and red clay soil with its gravelly limestone pebbles are tailored to the cultivation of native grape varieties.

SPAIN’S

HIDDEN SMALLEST WINE REGIONS Spanish wine regions are not just Rioja, Cava, Sherry or Priorat. Spain has over 70 Denominacions de Origens (DOs) and the number is growing every year but some DOs are less than 500 hectares in size and some of them are nothing more than hills or mountains. The joy of Spain’s smallest wine regions is as tangible as the wine itself. The winery tours are often conducted in person by the winemakers, which makes for extraordinary personal stories. The winemakers are usually cultivating local grape varieties not found anywhere else in the peninsular and produce the wines using techniques practised for centuries. Whether 200 ha (hectares) or 20 ha Spain’s smallest regions are bursting ZLWK D ULFKQHVV RI ZLQHPDNLQJ FXOWXUH DQG ÁDYRXUV MXVW waiting to be enjoyed.

The smallest DOs currently are as follows: DO Arabako Txakolina, DO Alella, DO Binissalem, DO El Hierro and DO Granada.

DO ARABAKO TXAKOLINA. This small DO is to the south west of Bilbao. The vineyard area is only 95 hectares. Txakolina is a lightly sparkling dry white wine, traditionally produced in the Basque country. The DO is known for its white wines primarily made from the native Hondarrabi Zuri grape. Red and Rosado are also produced with Hondarrabi Beltza grapes. Whilst most Txakoli is young and fresh there are also late harvest and oak aged wines. Several wineries produce Txakoli in this DO with Bodegas Arabako Txakolina being the most significant producer.

The regions vineyards are characterised by clayey and gravelly soils and an Atlantic climate influenced by the Cantabrian sea.

DO ALELLA. Alella is just north of Barcelona in Catalunya. The DO Alella was one of the first in Spain. It was originally recognised in 1932 and officially registered in 1955 and vines have been cultivated in the region since Roman times. The vineyard area is 223 ha and there are 9 wineries. The principal grape is Pansa Blanca, the regional name for Xarel - lo. Other grapes planted are Garnacha Blanca, Garnacha Tinto, Mataro, and Tempranillo, but the DO crafts everything from Cava to dessert reds. An interesting feature of Alella is the distinctive topsoil which is known as saulo in Catalan. Saulo is a white granite-based sand which is very porous and retains the heat, thus helping the grapes to ripen. One of the leading wineries is Alta Alella owned by the Pujol - Busquet family and well worth a visit.

DO BINISSALEM. This DO is located in our neighbouring island of Mallorca in the north of the island. Few DOs can claim as long a history of winemaking as Binissalem where vineyards were planted as early as 121 BC in the very villages where they exist today: Santa Maria del Cami, Consell , Sencelles, Santa Eugenia 38

DO EL HEIRRO. El Hierro is not just a tiny DO but also a tiny island; the smallest of the original seven Canary Islands. The DO was granted to El Hierro in 1996 and the vineyard area is 207 ha. El Hierro was never affected by phylloxera meaning that ungrafted local grapes still survive. The grape varieties grown here are: Babosa Negro, Bermejuelo, Gual, Listan Blanco, Listan Negro, Negramoll, Verdello, Verijadiego Blanco and Verijadiego Negro. There are 13 wineries, the main ones being Bodegas Uwe Urbach, Bodegas HM Las Vetas and the Co operatives del Campo Frontera. The wines are fascinating and unusual such as Clarete Barranco, a surprising dark pink blend of red and white grapes.

DO GRANADA. Granada is one of the most recent DOs as it was only granted its DO in 2018. It is located north east of Malaga. Granada is still finding its identity as a wine region but not for lack of history. There are records of winemaking that date back to Roman times. Granada is mostly defined by its red wines made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Half the vineyards are located above 1000 metres and average above 1200 metres. The vineyard area is 263 ha.

The leading bodegas are Bodegas Al Zagal and Bodegas Munana.

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 Wines from these DOs can be found in the wine shops and supermarkets in Menorca. You can find DO Binissalem wines easily in Eroski, De Vins, Hiper Centro to mention but a few. Likewise , wines from Alella are easily found. The others may be more difficult to find but do come up from time to time.

Now for this month’s recommendations:

TINTO Montnegre 2022, Sa Padrina DO Binissalem, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mantonegre, Merlot and Syrah, ABV 12.5%, De Vins 12.80€.

Vibrant ruby red, fruit and oak on the nose. Fruity with some vanilla taste with a nice balance and soft tannins and a herbaceous finish. Good with embotits and grilled meat dishes.

Faustino Rioja Crianza 2021, 14% ABV, Eroski 6.85€ and widely available.

Dark red with a purple rim, good dry spicy nose. A big wine with dry, ripe tannic fruit, well-knit with a lovely mouthfeel. Multilayered, classy with a long dry finish, still young. A bargain. Good with grilled or roast meat and cheese.

Azpilicueta Rioja Reserva 2018, 14% ABV, Eroski and widely available 10.36€ Dark garnet with a lovely rim, typical mature Rioja nose with oak and spice. A lovely ripe and spicy Rioja, complex waves of flavour in the mouth and excellent balance with a seductively classy finish.

Very good value. Good with red meat dishes especially steak and roast beef.

ROSADO Rosat Ca Sa Padrina 2023, DO Binissalem, Mantonegre and Merlot, 12,5% ABV, De Vins 11.50€.

Pale onion skin pink with a pleasant fruity nose.

Traditional Rosado, crisp and fruity, good balance and length. Good aperitif and with tapas, fish and light meat dishes.

BLANCO Sammay Blanco 2023, Bodegas Oriol Artigas Natural Wine, Pansa Blanca and others, DO Alella, 12.5% ABV, De Vins 15.25€ Pale orange yellow with an aromatic and distinctive nose. Fresh, dry but fruity and individual flavour and good balance with some complexity and good length.Drink with tapas, fish and chicken dishes.

Viernes Godello 2023, DO Bierzo, 12.5% ABV, Enrique Penalver 8.13€ Mid yellow with an appealing floral nose.

Herbaceous, citrus and honey flavours, smooth but complex lovely Godello, fine balance, classy and well made. Mid bodied with a long finish. Excellent wine. Drink as an aperitif and with fish dishes.

Happy September drinking!

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MEN IN RCA ART

VIII VESPRADES D’ART DES MERCADAL took place over the weekend of 16 and 17th August. This is an event for art lovers and a chance to see inside some beautiful private houses in the town of Es Mercadal when they open their doors to the public. More than 40 houses were displaying the work of over 70 artists. These art trails are one of the highlights of the summer, with music performances in the street.

Vesprades d’Art, held biennially, is jointly organised by the Punt@rt Artists Association and the Es Mercadal Town Council, which is in charge of the musical performances and logistics, with collaboration of the Island Council and different restaurants and bars in the town.

The houses were open from 7pm until midnight, and we chose to go on Sunday evening when the breeze from the north made the summer heat and humidity less intense. Armed with our map and following the arrows marking the pavements we set off to enjoy the evening. In addition to houses and gardens we also discovered art in windmills, workshops and of course in the Centre of Art and Cultura Ca n’Ángel.

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MANEL DOMÍNGUEZ TROSSOS DE MENORCA Manel Domínguez is from Sabadell but he has been living on the island for years. He displayed his sculptures which he says capture the Menorca that he has experienced, that he recognises and that he imagines. In February his work was on display at the Sala Nusos in Barcelona. There he told the art publication L’Independent de Gracia “I am in love with Menorca, its culture, its tradition, and as an anthropologist I am interested in everything that has to do with it.” On Instagram he thanked the kind and generous family that allowed him to exhibit his work in a wonderful courtyard, on Carrer Tramuntana, Es Mercadal. Entering the courtyard through the entrance of a traditional house it was certainly a wonderful surprise. @dominguez _ manel

THE MONOTYPES OF MAX NEUMAN Claudia Amil Martín is an Argentinian philosopher, resident in Hamburg, with a home in Es Mercadal. She was exhibiting a collection of 31 unique works by the German figurative artist, Max Neuman (1949, Saarbrücken, Germany). These monotypes were used to illustrate a book by the Dutch writer Cees Nooteboom, who has lived in Sant Lluís since 1965. In 1992, these monotypes arrived in Menorca when Neuman and Nooteboom collaborated in a publishing project. Nooteboom is a Dutch literature prize winner.

Amongst his many books are “Rode Regen” (Red Rain), a mosaic of stories and recollections, set mainly at the house on Menorca and “533” refers to 533 days he spent writing in Menorca.

Photo: Diari Menorca

WOOD TURNING BY PERE VINENT John has watched many Youtube videos on wood turning and so he was excited to see the exhibit of Pere Vinent who bought a lathe after watching videos and testing different types of wood from Menorca. In 2017 he participated in the Vesprades d’Art des Mercadal where he presented the first 70 pieces, which were all sold out in a flash. In the last two years he has worked with olive wood and holm oak wood in his little garage which he has now turned into an exhibition space. @torneriaartistica

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

FRANCISCO MANUELE On arrival in Es Mercadal the first garden we stepped into was decorated with the lovely metal sculptures of Francisco Manuele. Francisco is from Argentina and he has lived in Menorca for over 20 years. However, it is only in the last few years that he has concentrated on his art, recycling pieces of metal and transforming them into animals and sea creatures from his dreams. @franciscomanuele _ art

HAMILTON COURT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS The Hamilton Court aparthotel turned 50 in August, and to celebate the Painter, Clara Villalonga, painted a mural featuring a funny cow in memory of when the first tourist complexes in Santo Tomas were surrounded by countryside and not by hotels and villas.

Jesús Flórez, the director and chief executive of the MOSSA®, Menorca Owners Services, SL which operates the Hamilton Court, the Vistamar apartments and other tourist businesses in the development, highlighted the jobs and income generated by his establishments which were the second generation of complexes promoted in the mid-1970s, when the urbanisation was just beginning.

The Councilor for Tourism, Antoni Borràs, recently visited the apartments and congratulated the company on their work to maintain tourist activity in Sant Tomàs, always with quality and respect for the surroundings and the environment.

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ATICA GALLERY

In August we enjoyed the exhibition of Biel Llabres who was displaying his beautiful and fun light pictures and sculptures. @biel.llabres From 28 August – 27 September the exhibition is ‘‘Todo es de Color’’ by the artist KENJIRO (Menorca 1998) “Everything is Colour” brings together Kenjiro’s most recent work, a series of paintings that explore visual memory and colour as an emotional language. The forms, with their restrained geometry and essential lines, “do not seek to describe recognisable objects, but rather to suggest presences. Thus, each painting functions as an autonomous memory”.

Kenjiro explains that this project stems from an intimate question: why do some places or situations feel close to us, even if we have never been there? How does the human mind construct incomplete images from fragments of memories, colours, and shapes that inhabit our collective imagination?

He works on raw cotton and linen, materials chosen for their texture and natural hue, allowing the fabric to breathe and become an active part of the composition. The support is neither hidden nor completely covered: it remains visible, lending depth and sincerity to the artist’s visual language.

Atica Gallery, Moll de Ponent 36, Port of Mahón

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

MENORCA HOCKEY CLUB

BY PETER MARTIN Field hockey is a sport played all over the world, expanding from the British Commonwealth countries and arriving in Spain at the beginning of the 20th Century. In 1923, the Royal Spanish Hockey Federation was established. Field hockey, from the beginning, was an inclusive sport with equal participation by men and women. It is said to be growing in popularity at a rate of 16% annually and the Spanish national teams are in the top 10 of world rankings.

All that said, field hockey did not exist at all in the Balearic islands - that is until one day in 2016 ……

The Menorca Hockey Club story began in the summer of 2016 when two friends, Toni Roca and Jason Boas, who had known each other for many years, and whose children played basketball together, met up for a fun family BBQ and a few beers on Es Grau beach. In a moment of playful banter, they jokingly said ‘why don’t we start a sport that we can play with our children?

How about hockey ?’ The plan was set in motion with a casual agreement; You provide the balls, and I will provide the sticks.

In September 2016, a small group of around eight enthusiastic players, including girls, boys and adults, gathered on the 7-a-side football field at the Sant Lluis Sports Centre. As the weeks went by, more and more people joined in and it was then that Toni and Jason decided to formalise their initiative and establish the Menorca Hockey Club.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 sharing the Bintaufa facilities with Sporting de Mahón until a hockey field could be built, however these did not progress. After a peaceful protest at the town hall last summer, the club finally found a place to train in Sant Lluis, after an agreement was reached with Biosport. A field project is currently being prepared with a view to securing an abandoned soccer field in Sant Climent for the use of Menorca Hockey Club.

Jason had a strong sporting background, playing rugby and cricket for Menorca.

Toni had attended St Paul’s, the English School in Barcelona, and was introduced to hockey by his teacher, Mohinder.

Toni went on to play for Barcelona in the Honor Division for six years, never losing touch with Menorca where he spent his summer, Christmas and Easter breaks.

According to Toni, hockey values are what make it special, particularly the emphasis of training and education, teaching children to respect their opponents and referees. Toni also appreciates the sport’s parity in Spain, with almost 50% male and 50% female participation.

The original work carried out by the board led the way for other clubs to evolve in the Balearic Islands — there are now 8 clubs registered, but only 4 others are active with adults, boys, and girls. They are Mallorca, Valdemosa, Sant Antoni de Portmany and Ibiza, the latter having an adult team. Santa Eularia, Cas Concos and Formentera are registered but not yet active.

The Menorca Hockey Club was officially established with Toni Roca as President and the following board members: Flor Arrighi as Vice President, Jason Boas as Treasurer, Valentina Concorda as Secretary, and Anna Tourino, Jake Boas and Vicente Roca as members. To formalise the Club’s existence, the board undertook several key tasks including reserving the Club’s name, managing registration, obtaining a Tax ID Number (CIF) and registering with the Balearic Government’s register of sporting entities. This process enabled the club to open a bank account and set a strong foundation for its operations. This board’s work served as a benchmark for other emerging clubs in the Balearic Islands.

Even without their own field on the island to play their home games, the Menorcan team is competing in the Valencian League, travelling to the Peninsula frequently and playing all their matches as visitors.

2025 has been a busy year. In February, the Cadet team participated in a Valencian League competition for the first time in a charity event for Cancer. In May, the Cadet team made a double trip to Alicante and Santomera (Murcia), and Menorca HC earned a hard won victory. It was on Saturday against Universitat d’Alacant (4-3), a match that the Menorca players turned around with goals from Kernall, Giomi, and a brace from Camón after trailing 0-2 and 1-3. In May also, the girls Cadet team travelled to Valdemossa to compete in a Balearic League match.

A key part of the club’s identity is its Mission Statement ‘The Menorca Hockey Club was born with the idea of being a reference point for boys and girls on our island. A reference point for sharing quality time, creating healthy lifestyle habits and providing values which shape people who are committed to and supportive of their environment and peers. Our mission is to be a community which provides routines allowing children to grow in a healthy and enriching society’

In April, the younger Alevi team travelled to Mallorca to play its match in the Balearic League. The competitive match ended with a 0-1 victory for Menorca HC. This Alevi team has won all their matches in this league. Also in April, the Benjamin team, the youngest group of players, travelled to Valdemossa to compete in a hockey day with Valldemossa HC and Mallorca HC. In June, the club held an open day for children with an impressive turnout and lots of fun.

In the early days, regular practice sessions were held on Thursdays at 19.00.

The group grew to about fifteen people and they decided to move training to the synthetic grass 7-a-side football pitch in Mahón. However, after a year, the municipality’s decision to expand the swimming pool forced the club to move to the Malbuger Sports Centre facility. Despite this setback, the club continued to grow and thrive. The number of players increased steadily over the years from fifteen in 2019/20 to 34 players in 2020/21 and doubling that number in 2022.

The current members are, for the most part, from the Mahón area and the goal is to create another club in the west, so that the two can play competitive matches on the island. The Menorca Hockey Club’s story is one of perseverance, teamwork and a shared passion for hockey. With all these young players, it’s exciting to think about what’s next for this vibrant and dynamic hockey community.

When Malbuger decided to set up a gym on the field, the club had to move its training facility again. Talks began with the Mahón City Council with a view to

Contact: menorcahockeyclub@gmail.com +34 659 56 11 44

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

A VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN MENORCA

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

When you think of Menorca, what comes to mind? The turquoise calas, the warm Mediterranean sun, the gentle sound of the breeze through ullastre trees?

Beyond these postcard-perfect images, this island carries a rich, living heritage shaped over centuries by its farmers and their deep connection to the land.

Yet, in recent years, Menorca’s agricultural sector has faced many challenges, which have had an impact not just on their livelihoods, but also on the island’s biodiversity, its landscape, and its water resources.

At Menorca Preservation (MeP), we believe that protecting Menorca’s future starts with protecting its soil, its farmers, and its food systems. Under our ‘Land’ pillar, our flagship platform, MENORCA PRESERVADA, is dedicated to revitalising local agriculture and encouraging the consumption of locally produced food. Through this, we aim to make the island’s primary sector more resilient, both environmentally and economically — ensuring future generations can access healthy and sustainable local produce from Menorca.

THE CHALLENGES FACING MENORCA’S LAND According to the Indicator System of the Island Territorial Plan (PTI) developed by OBSAM-IME, Menorca has seen a slight decline in cultivated land over the past three years, falling to just over 45,600 hectares—a 1.8% drop compared to 2020.

Even more concerning is the lack of crop diversity: in 2023, only 0.9% of declared crops were fruit, vegetables, olives, vines or nuts, while 85% of farmland was dedicated to pasture and a further 12% to forage crops, almost exclusively for livestock feed–mostly to produce milk.

This means Menorca is heavily dependent on imported produce. Without action, the island risks losing its food sovereignty and its landscape richness, while also becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

A PILOT FARM LEADING THE WAY

PHOTOS: SEOLIVES

Faced with this challenge, Menorca Preservation launched our Pilot Farm Project in Sustainable Agriculture in 2023, supporting Finca S’Ullestrar, a small traditional Menorcan farm, in Ciutadella, as it transitions from conventional dairy farming to a regenerative, organic model. The project, set over three years with a total investment of €68,605.80, is delivered with technical expertise from The Regen Academy.

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The aim is not only to ensure the farm’s long-term environmental and economic sustainability, but also to create a living example of what the future of Menorcan agriculture could look like—one that other farmers can visit, learn from, and feel inspired to replicate.

garden with a drip irrigation system and introducing organic feed for livestock, while also monitoring the improvements to the soils health. Meanwhile, we aim to keep supporting other farms and exploring new ways to strengthen the island’s primary sector.

FIRST YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS

This is not just about agriculture; it’s about preserving Menorca’s soul— its landscapes, its wildlife, its rural traditions, and its capacity to produce healthy, local food.

In just its first year, Finca S’Ullestrar has already made tangible progress: • Boosting biodiversity: nesting boxes for birds and bats, an insect hotel, and vegetable strips have been installed to encourage natural pollinators and pest controllers.

HOW YOU CAN HELP None of this would be possible without the generosity of private donors and partners, but to truly secure a sustainable future for Menorca’s land, we need the support of everyone who loves this island.

• Healthier pastures: permanent forage crops were sown and a new managed grazing system was introduced, reducing the number of cows while improving their diet stability.

Whether you’re a long-term resident, a new arrival, or simply someone who cherishes Menorca’s unique charm, you can play a part by joining our community of donors, helping us expand projects like the Pilot Farm and inspire a new generation of farmers. Together, we can ensure that Menorca’s countryside remains alive, productive, and bursting with life—not just for us, but for all the generations to come.

• Promising productivity: early results show higher milk production with fewer cows, highlighting that farming more sustainably can actually mean farming more efficiently.

While we are only in the early stages and long-term data will continue to be collected, these initial outcomes offer real hope that regenerative agriculture can deliver both environmental and economic benefits for Menorcan farms.

Menorca Preservation was created and established in the island in late 2017. To date, we have awarded over 1,4 MILLION € to over 95 local environmental projects on the island.

We exist thanks to strongly committed businesses, fabulous collaborators, and wonderful local entities and individuals, like yourself, with a deep connection to Menorca and who wish to preserve its precious environment. If you feel you can support our work in whichever way, please do reach out to us!

SHARING KNOWLEDGE, SPREADING CHANGE Beyond the Pilot Farm, MENORCA PRESERVADA continues to provide hands-on support to other farms eager to transition towards more sustainable models. In 2024, we helped Finca Sant Tomás to design a grazing plan, and Finca S’Alblegall to develop an action plan and operational diagnosis, with The Regen Academy’s technical support. This tailored guidance builds on the lessons learnt during our 2022–2023 Sustainable Agriculture Training Programme, ensuring that knowledge does not just remain theory, but is put into practice across the island.

NEXT STEPS The work has only just begun. In 2025, Finca S’Ullestrar is taking the next big steps towards full organic certification: creating a raised bed vegetable

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

SPIRITUAL WELLBEING IMPERFECT SEPTEMBER

BY REV PAUL STRUDWICK The Bible, for example, is full of examples of God using flawed and imperfect individuals and situations to accomplish divine purposes. Despite our limitations and brokenness, embracing our imperfections can lead to spiritual growth and closer connection with God. Going back to Leonard Cohen: ‘It’s going to be September now for many years to come, many hearts adjusting to that strict September drum.

I see the ghost of culture with numbers on his wrist salute some new conclusion that all of us have missed.

So let’s drink to when it’s over, and let’s drink to when we meet.

I’ll be waiting on this corner where there used to be a street.’

Those are the concluding lines of Leonard Cohen’s poem, A Street. He started writing it shortly after the attacks of 11 September 2001 and it was published first as a poem in 2009 (for someone who embraced imperfection and cracks that let the light in, he could be relentless in his pursuit of perfecting his words and songs!). The lyrics of the song, released in 2014, are slightly different from the poem, but it conjures up the fallout from a divided world. He told The Daily Telegraph, ‘When I say “the party’s over but I’ve landed on my feet. I’m standing on this corner where there used to be a street,” I think that’s probably the theme of the whole album. Yeah, the scene is blown up, but you just can’t keep lamenting the fact. There is another position. You have to stand in that place where there used to be a street and conduct yourself as if there still is a street.’

My wife, Kate, observed recently that she will be glad when September comes to Menorca, because the temperature will moderate, as will the humidity, and the crowds and the traffic will disperse. And then, after a pause, ‘But I’ll be sad because people will have left!’ Well, some people will have left; it’s not until late October or November that visitors/tourists really become thin on the ground. But she has a point: wishing for one thing might invoke less desirable consequences.

And that’s a part of the human condition: we often fail to appreciate fully the repercussions of our actions, decisions, or even wishes, because none of us has a full understanding of the universal context in which we live. How could we? That means that we have to live our lives with recognition of the imperfection imbedded in most of what we think, say, or do. It ought to instill a certain amount of humility in us, but I am not sure that this is always the case. Human beings have an innate capability to live in denial about things that make us uncomfortable!

We certainly live in a divided world that seems even more polarised than when Leonard Cohen wrote A Street. His prediction that the attacks of September 2001 and their repercussions would cast a long shadow over years to come has been validated, because a sort of Pandora’s Box was opened, in which fear and mistrust, alienation and anxiety, prejudice and bigotry, to name but a few, were lurking. In the 24 years since, there has been plenty of exploitation of all of those, creating an environment in which it has been all too easy to amplify suspicions and divisions. Sadly, it looks as though there may be more dark days ahead as events in the world unfold with dire consequences.

A few years after the death of Leonard Cohen, the Canadian who was a writer, poet, and musician, his son, Adam was interviewed, having edited and published a collection of his father’s final writings. Adam said of his father that he was preoccupied with the brokenness of things, the asymmetry of things. He pointed out that in Leonard Cohen’s now most famous song, Hallelujah, ‘It doesn’t matter what you heard, the holy or the broken hallelujah.’ So, Leonard was always preoccupied with the idea of the imperfection of things - for example, from another song, Anthem: ‘Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.’

Yet, like the original Pandora’s Box, the contents include hope. That September (2001) produced many examples of kindness and generosity, of perseverance and resilience. Challenging times offer us opportunities for us to lift ourselves to a higher plane. The humility to be evoked by acknowledging our fallibility can lead us to be open to change and new ways of seeing things. The imperfections of our lives might be cracks that enable many different forms of light to get in, whether it be divine light, or the light of shared human compassion and love. The Septembers of our lives may present us with loss, but they may also lead us into milder times and climes.

The beguiling draw of perfection is in many ways both distracting and destructive.

One obvious manifestation of this is the debate about physical appearance, and the way in which beauty is portrayed in advertising and entertainment, to the extent of causing psychological damage to (mostly, but not exclusively) young girls. Another example is the way in which we place political and social leaders on a sort of pedestal and then delight in joining a marauding mob to tear them down when their flaws are revealed.

Worship in the church of Santa Margarita takes place on Sunday mornings at 9am and 11am, as well as at 11am every Wednesday and Friday. There is a service in the outdoor chapel at Cala’n Bosc at 5pm on the last Sunday of each month (normally). On the last Sunday of September, we will celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving.

Of course, it does not have to be that way. The now-retired Bishop of New Westminster in Canada used to begin his sermons by saying, ‘I speak to you as a sinner before sinners; as one beloved of God before the beloved of God.’ I always thought that was a rather cool way of acknowledging our common fallibility, together with our communal sharing of being made in the image of God.

Santa Margarita continues to offer worship online, to respect the needs of those unable to worship in person at the church. The church web site will continue to be the place to seek up-to-date news and information about online worship. Our web site can be found at https://www.anglicanchurchmenorca.net.

Acknowledging our imperfections can be liberating. Relinquishing any expectation of perfection, allowing that we do not have to be perfect as individuals, reminds us that we depend upon one another - or, turning towards the spiritual side of things, that we depend upon our Creator (who in turn encourages us to recognise our interdependence on one another and the world around us).

The phone number for the chaplain, Paul, is +34 617222382 and his e-mail is chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS SEPTEMBER 2025 The shop is thriving with some truly generous donations. Word is getting out there and so may it continue.

As ever, in these very hot months, a big THANK YOU to our volunteers for their dedication and hard work.

Speaking of which…

NEWS When I decided to return to Menorca, a good friend and co-worker, from those years, told me about a store where I could find many of the things I might need to set up home here again. During my time in England, I was introduced to certain customs, unknown to me until then, and yet very popular in the UK. I started shopping at charity shops whenever I needed something, saving money and helping good causes. My friend told me that there was a store of that kind in Mahón, to which he referred as “de los ingleses”, which is the popular and affectionate way the shop is known by the local population.

In the shop “of the English” you can find everything”, she said, and took me there when I began to organise my new home. One day, when I visited the shop, I observed the notice asking for volunteers and I thought “why not?”.

Thanks Vicente!!

Please, feel free to pop by for a chat and grab a form if you fancy joining our Team!

LUNCHES ARE BACK!!!!

We normally hold two lunches every month, fish and chips at Bar Pons, Cala en Porter on the first Thursday of the month and a menu del dia at Can Avelino 23, Mahon on the third Thursday of the month. Bar Pons Please contact Sandra Berresford on 650 729 430 Can Avelino Please contact Christine Crane on 669 949 370 Everyone is most welcome - visitors, guests, and members of all ages but you need to book.

WHAT DO WE DO? Everything we do is manned by volunteers. Please contact us if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer as mentioned. Translators always needed!

The Age Concern Shop – you name it, we sell it (well, not quite!). Good quality clothes, furniture, household goods, books, toys …. all at very reasonable prices. Open Monday to Friday 9:30- 1: 15, Saturday, 9.45-1.15 Tel: 971 156 110

LET’S HEAR FROM VOLUNTEER “VICENTE” WHO JOINED US EARLIER THIS YEAR….

Lifeline is our confidential service geared towards helping individuals who have various types of problems -help and support is just a phone call or email away. Call 676 904 487

My name is Vicente. I lived in Menorca for about twelve years, back in the 80s. At that time, I had just finished my studies in Bilbao (Basque Country) and came to enjoy a vacation on the island. It ended up becoming my place of residence until, for work reasons, I returned to the Peninsula. Later I lived in the UK, where I worked as a professor of ELE (Spanish as a foreign language) at the Cervantes Institute in Manchester. I looked back on my time in Menorca as the happiest of my life and, although when you are young, everything seems to be the happiest and the best, the idea of living here again stayed with me.

Our medical equipment short-term loan service is available to residents or visitors of any age who need to borrow mobility or hygiene equipment. Again, help is available at your fingertips. Call 629 016 307 Our social activities are open to anyone but provide an opportunity for people to socialise in a friendly and inclusive environment…. and with the chance to win a raffle prize! menorca@ageconcern.org.es Sandy: 650 729 430 and Chris: 669 949 370 Our Es Castell ‘Drop in’ is in the Jubilado Centre on the Esplanade every Monday morning between about 11.00 and 12.00. Our Cala en Porter ‘Drop in’ is at Bar Pons, currently on every Friday morning between about 10.30 and 12.00. Feel free to just ‘drop in’, chat and make new friends!

MEMBERSHIP You can become a Member of Age Concern by paying 12€ to our Membership Secretary, Shelley, either at a lunch or in the shop or by bank transfer if you wish.

You can also donate through the DONATE page on our website. Membership subs for 2025 are now due. Apart from the importance of offering your support to our organisation you also get a discount on the lunches you attend!

Contact us: menorca@ageconcern.org.es For the latest information and current offers follow us on Facebook: Age Concern Menorca 2015 or visit our website www.ageconcernmenorca.com

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB The Ladies Luncheon Club was somewhat depleted in August, many escaping the heat or entertaining friends and family. The Agamenón is air conditioned with a beautiful view, but we will not be able to enjoy this for long sadly. Both the Agamenón and the Port Mahón hotels are under new management and are closing for complete renovation. Avril is looking at alternative venues and any suggestions will be gratefully received. Prices are rising and our group often totals over 60 making it difficult to find restaurants. Our annual trip to Ciutadella is on 15th October, and if you wish to join, please pay your 10 Euros deposit at the September lunch so we can confirm numbers to the coach company, guests are welcome.

Now some sad news, Sandra Jefferson, a member of the club since 1987, died in July (15 May 1942 to 4 July 2025). She and her husband first came to the island to stay with friends in Canutells and eventually bought an apartment and then a villa as they loved the island and visited frequently. Her daughter, Sally Ann Peacock, also a member of the club, kindly filled me in with some interesting details. Sandra was born in Palestine as her father was the Chief Inspector of the British Palestine Police. She lived there until she was seven and could speak fluent Hebrew and Arabic, and she went to Buckingham Palace, in 1948, when they disbanded the Palestine Police. She was always proud that she had an English and Palestinian birth certificate. She went to school in Nazareth and played on Haifa Beach. As Sandra had an excellent figure she regularly modelled at our fashion shows and enjoyed many lunches and trips to Ciutadella. Sadly, her health deteriorated in recent years, and she was unable to visit Menorca as much as she would have liked.

BY CHRISTINE BROOKER

Sandra at Scandalls in 2017

LADIES PROBUS

BY DENISE MANNERS

The Probus ladies went to the Thai restaurant La Boyera for lunch on possibly one of the hottest days of the year so far. I was a little concerned as I knew there wouldn’t be any air conditioning but the tables were set on the inside terrace where there was a delightful breeze. 23 ladies attended, numbers depleted due to either being busy with visiting guests or having fled the island due to the August heat. Shelley announced the sad passing of one of our members, Liz Briggs, our thoughts are with her family.

Werner, the proprietor, served us a most delicious meal. A plate of three starters, my favourite being the Moo Mano, pork, which was quite spicy, fresh and zingy. The plentiful main courses included Penang chicken curry, Pad Thai vegetables and Chicken with cashew nuts. Out of the three desserts on offer I chose the Pana Coco which came with juicy mango and a mango sauce.

Above: Shelly with WPC Sarah Jane. Below: Picture from The Guardian of police in Scotland

Our speaker was WPC Sarah Jane who entertained us with an engaging and enthusiastic talk about her job in Scotland. She started as a Response Officer then worked for the Traffic Police, then a Driving Training Instructor.

There was an entertaining story of when she trained motorbike officers in Jamaica and also one about when her bike fell over. Being quite slight in build, she couldn’t pick it up and an elderly lady (looking around at us) came to her aid, laughed, picked it up easily, as if it were a tricycle, saying she had been riding one for years!!

Sarah Jane also works as a VIP Protective Driver, living in Scotland, and she told us about Donald Trump’s recent visit to his golf courses. Even though he bought his own extensive security, there were over 8.000 UK police deployed to protect him. What a waste of the tax payers money!!

Our thought for the month is, Never blame people in your life.

Good people give you happiness.

Bad people give you experience.

Worse people give you a lesson and the best people give you memories.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

TREBALUGER EQUINE RESCUE CENTRE

BY SAM LAKE

Life at the Rescue Centre: A Call for Helping Hands Running an animal rescue centre is always a challenge, but the summer months bring a unique set of struggles. While the animals are clever enough to find a shady corner to escape the blazing sun, I’m usually left working in the heat, cleaning, tidying, feeding, and making sure every animal is safe and comfortable. By the end of the day, I’m exhausted, but the animals still need me!

This month, I have taken one donkey in that was going to be slaughtered because he was a nuisance with the farm cows. He was bored, lonely and needed friendships and is now learning and enjoying life with ours until he moves to his new adopted home with other equines and another donkey we have also helped. There are more donkeys and horses too. I can’t take them at the centre but will do everything I can to help find them loving new homes.

This summer we have been fortunate to meet some truly wonderful people. Visitors have brought us much needed supplies like first aid kits, creams, and lotions, which are invaluable in caring for the animals. We also received an incredible donation of €2,000 from the Enfusion Choir, raised through their concerts, an amount that helps us enormously and keeps the rescue running. We are so grateful for this kindness and support.

That said, we still need more volunteers! Two hours a week could make the world of difference, not just for me, but for the animals who rely on us. Volunteering isn’t just about hard work; it’s about connection. Spending time with rescued animals can be incredibly rewarding. Their gratitude shows in many ways and for anyone who loves animals, those little gestures make every bit of effort worthwhile.

So here’s my heartfelt plea to the community: if you can spare even a small amount of your time, please consider joining us. Together, we can make sure every animal not only survives the summer heat but thrives in the loving care they deserve.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact me on 689802108. Even the smallest help can make the biggest difference.

Thank you for your support. http://www.trebalugerequinerescue.com/ Camí de Ses Cometes (Camí de Trebalúger), 07720 Es Castell, @trebalugerequinerescuecenter fb/trebalugerequinerescue Whatsapp: 689802108

CATS IN NEED

BY JANICE BOCKLING

People keep telling me that I need to do less, should slow down. I think the expression is “fat chance” We are busier than ever. Literally not a day goes by without one of our team having to catch a Cat in Need. Dodger is one of the Golden Oldies from our colony in Binibeca and he had to have some teeth removed. He has some daily medication, and he is becoming much more trusting.. and his fur is growing back, albeit a bit unevenly. I am trying to feed him up with very expensive AD food at the moment €2.70 per tin. Dodger has a habit of hiding in some of the grass that we keep long for shade and for the tortoises.

Wendy had to rescue him from it last week as the grass sticks to him. She commented that “he’s like Velcro - everything sticks to him”.

We have a new pen especially for a cat rescued from Ciutadella. She is being taken to the UK in the autumn but, as she is a bit shy, she has her own space within the big pen.

Little Pedro has discovered that if he turns his head sideways he can get in there. This morning I saw him scoffing a whole tin of Gourmet. He was like a little barrel. More mesh of a smaller gauge will have to be added! Little Pedro and his friend Honey are thriving!

We would love you to come and meet the cats in Es Castell. We open on Fridays and Sundays from 11 to 13.00. Our address is Sinia d’en Riera 16. Es Castell No need to book, no time restrictions, and everyone is welcome, including children of all ages. They love it here. Many come more than once during their holidays.

We have a gift shop, with small cat, dog and horse related gifts at reasonable prices and easy to carry, and lovely greetings cards. All profits are used to pay vet and food bills.

We have 2 Facebook pages Cats in Need Menorca and Janice Bockling Tel 0034 610 012 628 WhatsApp on same number.

Email janicebockling@gmail.com Registered Charity 1161878. Website catsinneedmenorca.org 52

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

EnFUSION CHOIR

BY ELAINE MARTIN EnFusion performed its highly anticipated ‘One Night Only’ concert on August 30th, with all proceeds going to the Carlos Mir Day Centre. A report and photos from the event will feature in the October magazine. Earlier, on the 19th July, Sam, from the Trebaluger Equine Centre visited the choir during a practice to accept a generous donation of €2000 raised from the choir’s Christmas and Summer concert raffle takings.

This month, we take the opportunity to profile one of the choir’s founder members, Shirley Smith, who celebrated her 90th birthday in July. Here is an abridged version of her story.

Shirley says her fascination with Spain began at just 9 years old, sparked by a geographical magazine featuring flamboyant Spanish ladies and gentlemen in traditional flamenco attire.

This early interest led her to take her first Spanish holiday in Calella in the early 1960’s where she befriended a fellow traveller at a fabulous hotel and had a wonderful introduction to Spanish culture, all for the grand total of £50, including flights ! Shirley’s love for Spain continued to grow, as she later visited Torremolinos with work friends, two of whom still visit her in Menorca each year. After several more holidays on the mainland, Shirley and her husband, Ray, saw a magazine article featuring Menorca, booked a holiday here and fell in love with the island, likening it to ‘Devon in the Med’. They bought an apartment in Son Parc as a holiday home, followed by a villa in Trebaluger which they owned for 10 years. In 1995 their dream of retiring to Menorca became a reality.

Shirley quickly became an integral part of the island’s community, joining the Menorca Ladies’ Luncheon Club, where she served as a committee member for 12 years. She was also a Member of the Ladies Probus and the Menorca Charity Players, taking leading roles in many productions. After selling their villa in Trebaluger they owned a rental villa in Binibequer and a vast half-built villa in Trepuco which, when complete, became home for the next few years. Sadly, Shirley was left alone in 2005 when Ray passed away, but she found comfort in her large circle of friends.

Fast-forward a few years and Shirley was invited to audition for a new choir being formed.

Although she missed the inaugural meeting on February 3rd 2012 at a villa in Binibequer, due to a snowstorm, she attended a subsequent audition and was told she was a soprano.

Practices begin on the upstairs landing of Shirley’s villa and the rest, as they say, is history.

10 years ago, at her 80th birthday party, EnFusion presented Shirley with a parchment plaque making her an honorary member, which she still proudly displays. A couple of years ago, Shirley stepped down from regular appearances with EnFusion, preferring instead, to guest appear at any encore the choir performs at its concerts. She has lived happily for the past nine years in an apartment in Santa Ana and remains the choir’s most loyal fan attending practices each Friday to offer her critique “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” and staying for coffee with friends afterwards.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish dear Shirley a very happy 90th birthday, with parties and celebrations having been ongoing for weeks, culminating in a lunch for 30 close family and friends.

Sam receiving her cheque

September Lecture: “Picasso and Matisse: Friendly Rivals” by Ray Warburton Welcome to our last two lectures of the 2025 season. Both evenings compare-and-contrast two artists that might surprise you. First, we have “Picasso and Matisse: Friendly Rivals” followed by “Katsushika Hokusai and JW Turner” in October.

Intriguing don’t you think?

On Thursday 18th September our speaker, Ray Warburton, will be exploring one of the most interesting artistic friendships and rivals of the 20th century, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. The two met in 1906 and, despite their differences in style and approach, their competitive spirits and ongoing dialogues pushed the boundaries of artistic innovation. Expert Ray Warburton has had a life-long love of art. In his twenties, Ray studied social sciences at the London School of Economics and the School of Oriental and African Studies. These studies led to a career in health and social care, with art being an evening and weekend passion. But all that changed in 2011, when Ray became a guide at Tate Britain and Tate Modern. From 2014 to 2017, he studied art history at the Open University, and then at the University of Buckingham, where he gained an MA in the History of Art. And to cap it all, Ray became an Arts Society lecturer in 2017. Ray is a member of his local Arts Society in Blackheath.

Join us at the Aeroclub San Lluís where Jorge will be serving his famous Empanadas as well as drinks. Ray’s talk begins at 8:00pm but you can arrive at any time after 7:15pm. Guest tickets are available and come with a complimentary beverage voucher (thanks to the Anglican Church in Menorca). Everyone is invited. You can get further information by contacting Malcolm at menorca@theartssociety.org

Shirley and friends from the choir

We on The Committee wish to thank Cathal at Blevins Franks for his ongoing support of Arts Society Menorca. The Blevins Franks website is a great source of the very latest financial articles and updates for expats living in Spain: www.blevinsfranks.com.

Thank you to all Members and visitors for supporting The Arts Society Menorca! See you on the 18th of September!

Your committee: Victoria, Clive, Malcolm and Kate.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

NUTRITION AND FITNESS WITH JESS AND TOM Regulated kids make for a fun time, and I’m all about that, especially when I have 35 kids running around the garden! For this reason the party menu was very intentional!

HOW TO HOST A HEALTHY PLAYDATE OR KIDS PARTY

Olive is fussier with food as a rule whereas Lola is a lot more open-minded, so I understand the challenge of having a child who doesn’t eat everything you’d love them to eat. That being said, you’ve got to keep trying, as with repeated exposure and positive experiences with healthy foods, in time, it pays off.

Before I go into sharing ideas with you, I thought I’d share that a very small part of me is always a little nervous about having a ‘healthy kids party’, in case the kids turn their noses up at it! But I stick to my guns and know that if it’s tasty and fun, and there’s no alternative (that’s the key!!), kids will devour it and the parents will be so grateful that their kids have eaten well and are not full of junk food.

QUICK FUN IDEAS: 1. Hydration - Fill up water jugs or drink dispensers with filtered water and chopped fruit. Orange slices work really well, as do pineapple rings, cucumber ribbons, lemon slices, berries or mint. Not only does it look great, but the fruit subtly flavours the water and you enjoy the (phyto)nutrient boost from the plant properties. It’s very low in sugar and means the kids eat their sugar (via birthday cake) versus drinking it (processed drinks or pure fruit juice which is very sugar-heavy, albeit healthier than fizzy drinks)..

The majority of parties I go to have fruit juice or fizzy drinks (Coke, Fanta etc.) and in my opinion, kids just don’t need it, nor do adults. I’ve done water dispensers with water and freshly cut fruit in for the last 3 years and there’s been nothing but willing drinkers and grateful parents to not have any alternatives for their kids to preferentially choose. One less battle, yes please.

2. Befriend cookie cutters! You can buy cookie cutters in all shapes and sizes these days, from stars and love hearts to all sorts of different animals (horses, bunnies, dogs…you name it). Use cookie cutters to shape fresh fruit, homemade biscuits or sandwiches into fun shapes. It elevates the whole experience and turns something relatively plain, into a joyful bite!

For Easter we always host an Easter egg hunt for Olive’s class. Last year I baked ginger bread biscuits and used a carrot-shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough (pre-baking) into little carrots. They were so fun! If you’re cutting fruit, cut the fruit into slices and then use the cookie cutter to shape into your preferred shape!

Olive turned 5 in August, and this year she decided she wanted a horse-themed birthday party! She has been at a horse riding summer school this summer so she spends her afternoons galloping round the garden, often with Boni in tow, on a lead jumping over the hurdles which Tom made for her party, which has morphed into an agility training circuit for the dog!

As a health conscious mum, I’m always looking at ways to feed our two girls and their friends in a way that’s tasty, yet nutritious and fun. As we know from our personal experiences with food, food can make a powerful difference to how we feel. If a meal or snack has protein in it, good quality fats and fibre then it’ll make us feel balanced, regulated and our energy levels will be sustained.

We’ll feel like our best selves and be able to socialise and have a good time. If it’s full of quick-releasing carbohydrates, simple sugars and artificial flavours and colours then it might lift our energy levels briefly, but it won’t sustain them and we’ll end up feeling irritable and hangry very quickly. Put simply, we are not our best selves when we’re not optimally fuelled.

With kids this latter scenario might be mistaken for a tired or misbehaving child, whereas in actual fact, they’re out of control emotionally because of a nutritional imbalance, which is something that can be controlled and optimised via the food choices they are given. As parents, we are the food gatekeepers and it’s our responsibility to look for inventive ways to fuel our kids so we give them the best health set up as possible. Kids, and most adults aren’t able to identify their mood with their diet so making sure their nutrition is setting them up for happiness and health makes parenting SO much easier!

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 I ordered horse and unicorn stickers, unicorn tattoos, one organic lollipop each (with only natural flavours, no artificial sweeteners, colours or flavours), and I popped a little sequined keychain in each of them for the kids to put on their school bags. I used brown paper bags with no plastic coating on the inside so they could at least be recycled.

I went to a kid’s party earlier this year where they had filled their party bags with homemade popcorn and an organic sweetie and I loved that idea! As it meant the kids left the party happily munching away on popcorn in the car and discovering the other little goodies in the bag as the popcorn went down and down. I decided against popcorn in our bags as I thought the coconut oil from the popcorn would be too greasy for the stickers and tattoos and ruin them, but I loved the idea!

6. Chalks - If you have a terrace, draw out a hopscotch grid or leave the chalks in a basket for the kids to get creative on the floor. It can all be washed off afterwards but it’s a great way to turn the floor into an art canvas.

7. Protein! Saving the best until last. For the main meal, I made a giant bowl of pasta, a second bowl of pasta pesto, and I made a big pulled chicken to go alongside it. The dads always end up having 2-3 portions of it, but the kids love it too. It’s easy to eat and I have it out when everyone arrives so the mums can make sure their kids have enjoyed some savoury food before I bring out the sweeter foods (watermelon lollies and fruit skewers), followed by the birthday cake. I had cucumber sticks in pots on the table so they could easily grab a few and chomp away on them.

I’ll share my pulled chicken recipe below, it’s a goodie. I tripled the recipe as I had 35 kids and their parents but if you have any leftovers then you can bag it up into 1-2 portion amounts and you have a future meal for yourself.

3. Skewers. I did fruit skewers for Olive’s birthday and it got all the kids eating fresh fruit before I brought out the cake! I paired cubes of watermelon, pineapple and a little strawberry with a marshmallow in the middle so they had to eat the neighbouring fruit cubes before the marshmallow! Intentional marshmallow placement! It worked great.

SPICED SLOW COOKED PULLED CHICKEN Serves 8

4. Homemade lollies! I’ve mentioned homemade lollies in previous Roqueta articles but they are so incredibly simple, and inexpensive, that I wanted to re-share the idea. Buy yourself some lolly moulds, I have two with 10 lolly moulds each and a plastic lid which I then stick a wooden lolly stick into. I made watermelon lollies this time and blended up watermelon and poured it into the moulds. Once frozen, I removed the lollies from the moulds and put them into a plastic tupperware box in the freezer and repeated the process until I had enough lollies for all. It then meant that I could pop the lollies directly from the tupperware onto a platter and they were all ready to enjoy.

If you want to make the job even easier, use 100% fruit juice instead of blending fruit, and it works just as well. Pineapple, orange or apple, or any juice is great, but I had half a watermelon to use up, so I chose watermelon on this occasion.

• 4 tbsp taco seasoning. If you don’t have taco seasoning then you can make it up as follows: • 2 tbsp chilli powder / pimentón picante, or to taste (I didn’t include this for Olive’s party in case any kids didn’t enjoy spice) • 2 tbsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp sweet paprika • 1 tbsp dried oregano • 1 tbsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp black pepper • 1 tsp salt • 6-7 chicken breast fillets, boneless and skin removed • 2 tbsp olive oil • 500ml/9fl oz passata / chopped tomatoes • 500ml/9fl oz chicken stock • 4 bay leaves • 2 tbsp cider vinegar • salt and freshly ground black pepper

5. Party bags. I have a love/hate relationship with party bags, mostly hate because they’re always filled with plastic and chock-full of sweets and environmentally and nutritionally neither of those align with my values. In previous years we have channelled the ‘party bag’ fund into proper Italian ice cream from the gelateria which worked so so well, or we bought free range chicken to make a pulled chicken, and spent the money that way, but this year, the 5-year-old birthday girl Olive was adamant she wanted party bags!

So, if I was going to do party bags, it was going to be different.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 1. For the shredded chicken, rub the seasoning all over the chicken.

2. Heat the oil in a large, lidded saucepan or casserole and fry the chicken for 5 minutes, or until golden-brown. Pour over the passata and stock and tuck in the bay leaves. Add the cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat, cover and leave to simmer gently for 2 hours.

OZEMPIC: SHORTCUT OR STEPPING STONE?

3. When the chicken is very tender, carefully remove from the sauce and transfer to a plate. Shred with a couple of forks.

Continue to simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, or until very thick. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce.

I hope the above has armed you with ideas of how you could make your future parties more wholesome and nourishing or it’s given you permission to shape your parties or playdates in a way that aligns with your values. You do what feels best for you.

For me, a treat doesn’t have to be pure sugar. It can be a really fun party, where the kids have a brilliant time, that is a treat and the gift I love to give people, whether I’m feeding my friends or little ones.

I’d love to go to more parties where I arrive and see the girls have lots of healthy options to choose from. I think the more we share ideas, the more likely this can happen.

See you next month for more helpful nutrition tips.

Jess

Nutritional Therapist - Personal Trainer Yoga Teacher - Cooking Workshops www.TheOnlineNutritionClinic.com

If you’ve read the news or scrolled social media lately, chances are you’ve come across the name Ozempic.

Once a medication known mostly to people managing type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is now making headlines for a different reason - its rapid rise as a weight-loss aid. But is it the magic solution some claim it to be? And what are the trade-offs?

Let’s break it down.

WHAT IS OZEMPIC? Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication originally developed to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which helps the pancreas release insulin, slows stomach emptying, and reduces appetite.

In simple terms: it helps people feel full sooner, eat less, and it stabilises blood sugar levels.

SO WHY IS IT BEING USED FOR WEIGHT LOSS? Quite simply - because it works. In clinical trials, people using semaglutide lost significant amounts of weight, especially when paired with improved diet and activity. For some, this is life-changing.

The promise of quick results without a punishing exercise regime or a strict diet is understandably attractive. In today’s fast-paced world, when life feels busy and motivation wavers, a weekly injection that reduces hunger is an appealing concept.

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 THE PROS: A USEFUL TOOL (FOR SOME) I’ve worked in health and wellness for over 30 years. I understand why people look for shortcuts - especially if they’ve struggled with weight for a long time.

For the right person, Ozempic can: • Help break cycles of overeating • Reduce emotional attachment to food • Support the start of new, healthier habits (BIG ONE) • Improve blood markers like cholesterol and blood sugar • Create a sense of momentum, which can boost motivation Some people just need a leg-up to get going again. And if used mindfully, Ozempic can offer that.

But Here’s the Catch The medication doesn’t teach you how to eat well, move your body, or build lasting habits - it just makes you feel full.

When people stop taking it, many regain the weight unless they’ve made lifestyle changes along the way. There’s also growing concern over muscle loss - because if you’re losing weight without enough resistance training or protein, you’re likely losing muscle along with fat. And muscle is vital for health, strength, and a healthy metabolism. If you lose muscle, you’ll be less strong and less mobile, you’ll increase your risk of falls and fractures, you’ll take longer to bounce back from illnesses as your immune system will be weaker, and your metabolism will be slower, making it an upward battle to keep your weight in check.

Possible side effects of Ozempic include nausea, constipation, fatigue, and (rarely) more serious gastrointestinal issues. It’s also relatively expensive - and not always available on prescription for weight loss alone.

MY TAKE: IF YOU TAKE THE SHORTCUT, MAKE IT A HEALTHY ONE If someone decides to try Ozempic I encourage them to consider the following: • Prioritise protein at every meal to help preserve muscle mass • Stay active, especially with strength or resistance-based movement • Learn about food, appetite, and nourishment - so when the medication ends, you are well informed on how to eat to maintain and continue your health journey • Work with a trusted practitioner who supports the whole picture - not just the number on the scale IN CLOSING There’s no single answer when it comes to health. Ozempic might be a shortcut - but shortcuts still need direction. Used wisely, it can be a stepping stone, not just a temporary fix.

And in the end, it’s not just about losing weight - it’s about gaining energy, confidence, and the strength to live life fully. That’s where the real reward lies.

Setting new healthy habits while taking it is vital, so an end goal of eventually weaning yourself off it can be made.

I am pleased to say this has been the case with some of those I have worked with who have taken it. They have maintained their new lower weight since ending their Ozempic journey as they now know what their body needs to maintain that healthy weight.

If you want some direction with Ozempic, or whatever your health journey then please contact me. I’ll be happy to help you move towards your goals.

Tom - tom@jessntom.com

PS My website has had an upgrade from Jess :-) Go and take a look... WWW.QIGONGWITHTOM.COM I collated lots of the comments from my members so you can read the benefits they are enjoying from the weekly online Qi Gong sessions I run. “Qi Gong Made Simple for Real People” is my updated strapline as that sums up exactly what I offer. Please let me know what you think.

Personal Trainer - Qi Gong Teacher - Health Coach WWW.QIGONGWITHTOM.COM to become consistent with your health 57

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Ozempic should only be taken on the advice of a registered healthcare professional. Like all medicines, it can have side effects, and some may not yet be fully understood.

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

WHAT’S

Every month we try to list events that we know are happening to help you plan ahead. Of course if you hear of anything else yourself that is of interest to the readers, then please let us know - roquetajohn@gmail.com

ON

FIESTA PROGRAMMES PATRONAL FIESTAS SEPTEMBER 6TH — SANT LLUÏSET

3 SEPTEMBER • Young Talents Lyric Gala • Es Castell Music under the Moonlight 4 SEPTEMBER Frances Bartlett - Lithica 6 SEPTEMBER Mambow Party – Jazzbah 6/7 SEPTEMBER Sant Lluiset Patronal Festivals 6/9 SEPTEMBER Mahón Fiesta 7 SEPTEMBER Chamber Orchestra Concert – Haydn Trilogy “Noon” 11 SEPTEMBER Anton Serra and Maria Gibert - Lithica 12 SEPTEMBER Johnson Woo - Jazzbah 13 SEPTEMBER Bah! Closing Event 14 SEPTEMBER • Orange Open Golf Son Parc • Hauser & Wirth Concert – Yaima Orozco a Trio 18 SEPTEMBER Music Night in Cala en Blanes 20 SEPTEMBER 5/10 Millas City of Mao – Race from La Mola 20/21 SEPTEMBER • Cala en Porter Fiesta • Arrels Food Fair Recinte Firal des Mercadal 25/26/27 SEPTEMBER Es Cranc Festival 26/28 SEPTEMBER A Night of Cinema – Orfeo Mahones 27 SEPTEMBER • Music Night Castell de San Nicolau, Ciutadella • House 152, Equinox closing summer party 28 SEPTEMBER • Chamber Orchestra Concert – Haydn Trilogy “Morning” • Hauser & Wirth Concert – Aura Biel • Car Boot Sale, Bar Pons, Calan Porter

Late afternoon: Colcada (horse parade) and a popular chocolate treat for the younger ones. Followed by Jaleo de Sant Lluïset in front of the Parish church of Sant Lluís followed by Convidada (reception) for riders and musicians.

Evening: Live music and popular open-air dance (verbena) at Pla de Sa Creu.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH — DIUMENGE DE SANT LLUÏSET Mid-morning: Qualcada amb ases (donkey parade) starting from Molí de Dalt.

Noon: Jaleo amb ases (donkey jaleo) by the church of Sant Lluís.

After lunch: Paella cooking contest involving the town’s residents.

SEPTEMBER 6TH TO 9TH - MAHON SEPTEMBER 6 – PROCLAMATION DAY (PROCLAMATION AND OPENING NIGHT) Official opening speech (pregó) Evening celebration with music and dancing (verbena) SEPTEMBER 7 – FIRST DAY OF THE FESTES (DISSABTE DE GRÀCIA) 16:00 – Church bells announce the start of the festival 16:15 – Parade with the “Gigantes” (giant figures) and the flag ceremony (Sa Bandera and Es Replec) Traditional horse parade (Qualcada) begins, collecting the caixers (riders) Around 19:00 – Religious ceremony (Solemn Vespers) in honor of the Virgin 20:30 – First “Jaleo” in Plaça Constitució (horse display with public interaction) Night continues with parties and live music SEPTEMBER 8 – MAIN FESTIVAL DAY Early morning – Replec resumes (riders and horses tour the town) 7:30–9:00 – Diana Alegre (marching band waking up the city), continuation of the Qualcada 10:30 – Religious procession with the statue of the Virgin Solemn Mass and traditional distribution of “aigua-ros” (rose water) 12:00 – Second Jaleo in Plaça Constitució Official lunch for the caixers and authorities (Sa Beguda de Caixers) 18:30 – Horse races (Corregudes) and final tour (Darrer Caragol) Around midnight – Final ride of the horses and closing note played by the fabiol (flute) SEPTEMBER 9 – CLOSING DAY Mahon – “Estiu al Port” 2025 Location: Port of Mahon The Mahón City Council programme for “Estiu al Port 2025,” will end on September 9 with the Gigantes parade, music, and a market along the port starting 7.30pm. Ending with a Firework display at 11.30pm SEPTEMBER 20TH AND 21ST - FIESTA CALA EN PORTER SAT 20 SEPTEMBER 17:00 – Parade of Giants and Big headed figures through the town (Gigantes and capgrossos) with a live band 18:00 – Sa Qualcada & Sa Bandera: horses begin the cavalcade from the church square. The flag is handed over to the caixer fadrí (single rider), followed by the rest of the riders and horseback parade around town and down to the beach 58

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025 19:00 – “Jaleo” on the plaza by the beach, where riders display their horses and interact with the crowd, accompanied by music Evening music performances and open-air entertainment across the urbanisation (town area) SUNDAY – 21 SEPTEMBER 09:00 – Diana Alegre: the marching band wakes up the town for festive activities 09:30 – Traditional Menorcan breakfast (“bereneta”) served with hot chocolate and local sweet pastries in the municipal building 09:50 – Replec de Sa Qualcada: horses gather and complete a lap of the town before proceeding to the next events 11:30 – Solemn Mass (Missa Solemne de Caixers) in the municipal building, with riders and local authorities in attendance 12:15 – Second “Jaleo” in the Plaza de la Iglesia, with the same energetic horse display 15:00 – Reception hosted by the town council for riders, authorities, residents, and guests Afternoon continues with music, family activities, and performances in the Plaça Gran and other venues 18:30 – Foam party (“fiesta de la espuma”) led by Ritmo Menorca in the Plaça Gran 20:00 – Live concert by La Dolce Swing Band in Plaça Gran 22:30 – Fireworks display and final street concert in Plaza de la Iglesia, closing the festivities with a festive finale

ES CLAUSTRE The courtyard, of the Cloister of Carmen, framed by beautiful sandstone vaults, is the venue for open-air cultural and recreational activities in Mahon.

Jazz, pop, folk, classical, theatre, dance, art concert.

2ND SEPTEMBER JÚLIA BEATLOOP is a solo and self-taught artist who presents her musical compositions with a fusion of styles and touches of rap, reggae, electronic music, and poetry, in an original and energetic format.

GRAHAM PEARCE’S BREWERY SENSORY VISIT SUNDAY 14TH, 21ST, 28TH SEPTEMBER Grahame Pearce enchants from the very first sip with its special magic.

A small brewery offering an incredible selection of beers based on original recipes adapted to the island: authentic Pilsner, Lager, Brown Ale, and the irresistible Stout.

A whole world of flavours and sensations waiting to be discovered on site.

Adults: €18.00 Dates: Saturdays Time: 11:00 AM Visit duration: 1–2 hours https://sacooperativadelcamp.com/es/visitas-guiadas/660045cervezas-artesanas-de-autor.html

3RD SEPTEMBER ALOSA, was formed in 2022 within the classrooms of the Taller de Músics School of Higher Musical Studies (ESEM). Giulietta Vidal (vocals) and Irene Romo (cello) began their collaboration as a friendship that evolved into an innovative artistic project.

5TH SEPTEMBER ISEO & DODOSOUND: the first time we heard their unique sound was with their debut album Cat Platoon. They then continued breaking boundaries with Roots In The Air, with tracks like Freedom or Frozen Desert, which reaffirm their desire to break free from prescribed codes.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

13TH SEPTEMBER YAIMA OROZCO: with her tremendously captivating songs, draws from the entire troubadour tradition that precedes her, with a particular emphasis on the more popular side of the genre. Her compositions span genres such as Cuban son, guajira, bolero, and habanera; as well as tango, Latin American folklore, bossa nova, rock, and jazz.

JAZZBAH Located in the port of Ciutadella, jazzbah holds live music events.

6TH SEPTEMBER Mambow Natx and Newjoss Duo Returns to the Club with Their Acclaimed Party! A night full of dance, rock, pop, and timeless hits, designed to keep you dancing non-stop from the very first track to the last.

https://www.esclaustre.com/es/agenda/

12TH SEPTEMBER Johnson Woo: made their Jazzbah debut last summer and are back to shake things up with an explosive mix of rock, funk, lounge, country, grunge and dance. They are from here, but now they play in another league. The Woo-nivers experience is back.

13TH SEPTEMBER Bah! Closing: Since 2019, the Bah! by Los Santos sessions that have turned jazzbah into the cathedral of club culture on the island, with top artists such as Andrés Campo, Technasia, Stefano Noferini, Viviana Casanova, Tini Gessler, De La Swing, Coyu, Gary Beck... and the list keeps growing. Get ready, because this summer the most beastly Bah! is back.

27TH SEPTEMBER House 152 presents EQUINOX: This year, the London crew of 152 Records is in charge of the closing party of the summer season at Jazzbah Menorca!

The most awaited Bass House, Tech House and Techno line-up lands on the island on Saturday 27/09/25 MAIN ROOM {A-Z} Alex Von Martin (152 Records | UK) Emeye (152 Records | UK) Nahi Fitzpatrick (Bonker Music | Spain) Tecnik Curr (Breakout Sardinia | Italy) Check online for more information and future concerts https://jazzbah.es/ 59

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

ES MERCADAL’S NIGHT MARKET The ‘Mercat d’Estiu’ (Summer Market) in Es Mercadal, will animate the streets of the town centre with more than 90 stalls dedicated to artisan and agri-food products. The market is held every Thursday evening, from 19:00 to 23:30.

The event will also be accompanied by live musical performances by local artists.

At: Plaça Pare Camps THURS 4th September 19:30 Dues Llunes THURS 11h September 19:30 Tramuntana Folk Group THURS 18th September 19:30 Pep Gener THURS 25th September 19:30 Aura

ALAIOR’S NIGHT MARKET Every Wednesday, Alaior comes alive with its summer market. From 19:00 to 23:00, the streets of the centre host stalls selling local handicrafts, food products, jewellery and 0-km items from Menorca.

The market includes live concerts plus activities for everyone: traditional games, showcooking, zumba, and demonstrations of dance, karate and rhythmic gymnastics.

At: Sa Plaça

MUSIC NIGHT CALA EN BLANES

WED 3rd September 20:30 Biel and David Jazz

THURS 18 SEPT 7pm Musical performances in various tourist areas by various local groups (Swing Shakers Trio, Duo Ikaara, Ara Martí Quartet, Banana Split Trio, Eva Huergo Duo and Plátano Manush Trio), combined with swing dancing with the Lindy Hop and Jazz Obert association

WED 10th September 20:30 Marcos Vinodelfin

FOSQUETS DE LITHICA 2025 – SUMMER FESTIVAL AT LITHICA

MUSIC NIGHT CASTELL DE SAN NICOLAU

UNTL SEPTEMBER 11, 2025, the Pedreres de s’Hostal in Ciutadella, Menorca, will host the fifth edition of the Fosquets de Lithica Festival, a unique cultural event that blends music, theatre, and nature in a stunning open-air setting.

SAT 27 SEPT 7pm Musical performances by various local groups (Swing Shakers Trio, Duo Ikaara, Ara Martí Quartet, Banana Split Trio, Eva Huergo Duo and Plátano Manush Trio), combined with swing dancing with the Lindy Hop and Jazz Obert association

The festival’s name, “Fosquet,” refers to the magical moment at dusk when the sun sets and the evening calm sets in, providing the perfect backdrop for shared experiences with family and friends. The organizers envision the quarries as “great courtyards where life flows and expresses itself, transformed into unique stage spaces.”

FORNELL’S NIGHT MARKET This year, the Monday night market will feature musical performances and many cultural and recreational activities for all audiences, such as traditional wooden games, cheese cooking demonstrations, zumba sessions, and the end-of-year show of the Dansa-LÔ dance school, a karate demonstration, and another of rhythmic gymnastics.

Programme Highlights SEPTEMBER 4th – 20:00 Frances Bartlett La Pedrera dels Tarongers becomes a sound garden where Frances Bartlett, a bardic cellist, weaves together music, poetry, plants, and landscapes.

At: Plaça de l’Eglésia

Dream me Green is a collection of songs — art songs for cello and voice — inspired by Catalan flora. Melodic arches and polyphonic rhythms evoke the character of aromatic plants.

MON 1st September 19:30 Neus Ferri MON 8th September 19:30 Marcos Vinodelfin MON 15th September 19:30 Xalicori

Deep listening awakens the mundus imaginalis, inviting communion with the earth and a return to dreaming new realities. The concert intersperses baroque capriccios by the Italian cellist J. Dall’Abaco (1710–1805) among a landscape of arched melodies and rhythmic patterns from her own compositions.

MON 22nd September 19:30 Joan Marcos MON 29th September 19:30 No Hi Som Tots

Frances co-founded EssènciesCat, an artisanal essential oil distillery, together with Oriol Blanch in 2014. Her musical background allows her to approach plants from a sensory perspective.

ES CASTELL NIGHT MARKET Monday Nights 7.30pm to 1am Miranda des Cales Fonts until 15 September ES CASTELL MUSIC UNDER THE MOONLIGHT Wed 3 September: FEEDBACK at Hamburgueseria Snoopy 8.30pm ICHI FLAMENCO at the Cultural Center 9pm MARITUNE at Ruxandra 9.30pm

The concert will be infused with the aromas of EssènciesCat. SEPTEMBER 11th – 20:00 Anton Serra and Maria Gibert A sonic journey of Fantasies for flute and harp.

The flute and harp carry us, with their empathetic resonance, into playful and evocative worlds. Several composers, fully aware of the genuine symbiosis between their timbres, have delicately crafted pieces conceived expressly for this singular instrumental combination.

1ST ES CASTELL PUZZLE COMPETITION Complete a 500-piece puzzle in less than 2 hours.

Together, they bring to life a repertoire that invites contemplation, fantasy, and sensory experience.

Email puzzleserikacornella@gmail.com 15 Euros to enter 60

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

THEATRE TEATRE DES BORN

Plaça des Born, Ciutadella 2th AUGUST at 21:00 Kairo 3rd September at 20:30 Menorca in a Lyric Key Lyrical gala with young talents A magical night at the heart of our theatre, where young voices from the island of Menorca come together to offer a unique lyrical gala. Local singers, joined by artist friends, will transport us through the most moving and iconic melodies of classical music. A celebration of passion for music, culture, and the magic of friendship – all imbued with the personality and warmth of Menorca.

13th September at 20:00 Carena This performance is free of charge. The donation helps us to continue programming free street performances. In return, the Teatre des Born guarantees you a reserved seat so you can enjoy the show more comfortably.

The performance will take place at Plaça des Born.

Ciutadella’s theatre puts on a full programme of events, listed on the website https://www.teatredesborn.com/ Tickets available online and from the ticket office, which is open Tuesdays 11.30am to 1pm, Thursdays 7 to 8.30pm, also one hour before the start of the performance.

OCIM - “CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF THE ISLAND OF MENORCA.” 27 September Haydn Trilogy – The Hours of the Day: Noon Guided tour of the Sanctuary of El Toro with Carlos de Salort, Friends of the Museum of Menorca. Location: Sanctuary of El Toro – Es Mercadal 27 September Haydn Trilogy – The Hours of the Day: Evening Vespre Guided stargazing session with Javier Ares, Polaris Menorca.

Location: Torre del Ram – Ciutadella 28 September Haydn Trilogy – The Hours of the Day: Morning Tasting of local products and a prior excursion with GOB – Agrarian Custody.

Location: Lloc de Santa Cecília – Ferreries For more information on events in Oct and Dec or Booking: https:// orquestrademenorca.com/concerts-ocim/

UKALARI’S THEATRE https://www.ukalarimenorcaevents.com/

TEATRE PRINCIPAL MAÓ Carrer d’en Deià 40, Mahón This is the oldest opera house in Spain, dating from 1829, with a wide programme of shows and concerts. See website for full programme. Tickets available online or from the box office.

2nd September at 12:00 Theatre’s Guided Tour (in English) The guided tour of the Teatre Principal de Maó will take you through the most emblematic areas of this historic building, such as the lobby, the Main Hall, the so-called Queen’s Room, and the “Galliner” (gallery), while uncovering the anecdotes that span almost 200 years of its history.

As a new feature, the theatre now offers visitors an updated brochure that includes a map of the building and the history of the theatre

HAUSER&WIRTH Sundays Concerts Enjoy Sunday’s concerts this season, featuring live music at Cantina’s terrace, shaded under the olive trees. Free to attend, these concerts are presented in collaboration with local music producer Es Claustre.

September 14th at 12.30 pm Yaima Orozco a Trio September 28th at 12.30 pm Aura Biel October 12th at 12:30 pm Velam Quartet No booking needed.

https://teatremao.com/

SALA ALBERT CAMUS Carrer de Sant Lluis 58, Sant Lluis www.salaalbertcamus.org

ORFEO MAONES 26 and 28 SEPTEMBER “A night of cinema at Orfeó Maonès” Tonight we’ve prepared a recital of unforgettable songs that have filled movie theaters and our hearts.

We’re sure there will be a song that brings back many memories for you.

Which song would you like to hear that reminds you of the movie of your life?

ES CRANC FESTIVAL Thurday September 25th from 18:00 to 01:00 Cabot, Diana Grove, Dxtergeist, Peligro Friday September 26th from 18:00 to 02.00 Alcalá Norte, Black Cats, Duo Killers, Deadletter, Los Vinagres, Fades, Depresión Sonora, Shego Saturday September 27th from 11:30 to 02:00 Àngeles Toledano, Barry B, Jose Domingo, Perrosky, Servidoras DJs, Los Punsetes,Svsto Info/tickets: www.crancfestival.com

https://www.orfeomaones.com/es/2024

POLARIS MENORCA Monday 1st, 8th - Wednesday 3rd September Astronomical Observation with Telescopes Thursday 4th September Family Astronomical Observation Saturday 6th September Night Mini Trekking Polaris Menorca offer a range of activities designed to unveil the fascinating secrets of the night sky. Explore constellations, stars, galaxies, and much more through guided observations and interactive sessions that bring astronomy to life. https://polarismenorca.com/

SEPTEMBER 28th Car Boot Sale is back!!!

A Car Boot Sale with a difference…An Indoor/Outdoor Tabletop Car Boot Sale At Bar Pons, 10:00 to 1.00 pm Plenty of Bargains to be had – Don’t miss it!

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ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

ART GALLERIES CA N’OLIVER C/ ANUNCIVAY, 2 - MAHÓN Art Gallery with many collections including BRITISH MINORCA If there is a historical period that individualizes Menorca and gives it a special personality, it is, without a doubt, the 18th century. More than seventy years of British presence have left their mark on the island and its inhabitants which can be seen in this collection Summer Exhibition until 28 September: Francesc Hernández Mora i el seu temps - the work of Francesc Hernández Mora, the first abstract painter of Menorca Summer Opening May to Oct: Gen Admission 5 Euros Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 13:30 and 18:00 to 20:00 Sunday: 10:00 to 13:30 Free Entry Monday, closed

CINEMA OCIMAX CINEMA MAHÓN:

CA N’ÁNGEL ART AND CULTURE CENTER ES MERCADAL

https://www.aficine.com/cine/ocimaxmahon/ Cineclub films shown in the original language on Thursdays.

1-12 SEPTEMBER: analogue photography, by Pau Jaume, and plastic arts,

by Sonia Orfila.

16-29 SEPTEMBER: textile art painting, by José Cruz Márquez.

OPEN FROM JUNE 16 TO SEPTEMBER 15, from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm; from September 16 to October 11, from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm.

CINEMES MOIX NEGRE CIUTADELLA Cinema a la Fresca (open air cinema) http://www.cinesmoixnegre.org/ Films shown in the original language most Thursdays.

Cineclub films screened every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm.

LÔAC: CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY

MUSEUMS

Contemporary art gallery located at Calle Santiago Pons Quintana 56, Alaior.

Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10.30am to 2pm, and 5.30 to 9pm. Admission 5€.

MUSEU DE MENORCA:

CONVENT DE SAN DIEGO ALAIOR

Pla des Monestir, 9, 07701 Mahón Open Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am to 19 pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10 am to 14 pm History of Menorca Permanent Exhibition Until February 2026 Exhibition This is how Menorca sounds presents a journey that contextualizes music within society, economy, and culture over the last 400 years. Also including paintings, musical instruments, and scores, along with various visual and sound resources. The museum’s cloister, is transformed for the occasion into an Emotions Walk linked to different Menorcan songs. For the first time, Vue de la salle du théâtre de Minorque and Vue de la scène du théâtre de Minorque, two oil paintings from 1760 that depict views inspired by an 18th-century theatre in Maó, will be exhibited.

These works have been brought especially from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris. www.museudemenorca.com

UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER ALJOSC Ukranian artist creating installations and sculptures inspired by biology and future ethics.

FUNDACIÓ NUMA Numa’s gardens, courtyards and exhibition spaces invite contemplation, inner dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

HIROSHI KITAMURA Summer exhibition May to October Explore the connection between art and nature. A journey through sculptures and paintings that reveal the transformation of matter, the memory of materials and the ephemeral beauty of the impermanent.

Plaça Quintana de Mar, 07760 Ciutadella https://www.numamenorca.com/

CAN SAURA Ciutadella Museum contains a comprehensive selection of ethnological objects as well as a significant archaeological collection that includes important finds discovered in the caves Cova des Mussol and Cova des Càrritx.

Ground floor exhibition ‘May the earth not weigh you down. A history of death rituals in Menorca’ including the remains of the old Moorish necropolis discovered beneath the building Tuesday to Saturday: Morning: 10.30am to 1.30pm Afternoon: from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday and Monday C/ Santíssim, 2, Ciutadella Tel 971 38 10 50 General Admission 5€ Over 65 free

HAUSER & WIRTH GALLERY– ISLA DEL REY NOW TO 26 OCTOBER Mika Rottenberg’s first solo exhibition in Spain will feature celebrated video installations -‘Cosmic Generator’ and ‘Spaghetti Blockchain’-alongside her latest ‘Lampshares.’

NOW TO 26 OCTOBER Exhibition Cindy Sherman - The Women For her first solo exhibition in Spain in over two decades, ‘Cindy Sherman. The Women’ will feature a selection of the artist’s most iconic bodies of work, dating from the 1970s to 2010s https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/home

THALASSA MARITIME HERITAGE ATICA’S GALLERY

A display of the different types of traditional Menorcan boats and their uses (fishing, transport, leisure, competition...) Basic knowledge about the art of sailing. Reproduction of a workshop of a master of aixa, the professionals who build wooden boats. It is an interactive space, where you can learn how to tie nautical knots and appreciate the effort required to build a traditional boat. Also, a walk through the photographic memory of the Menorcan ports. Open Mon, Thurs, Fri 10am til 1pm and 6pm til 9pm. Sat and Sunday 10am -2pm and 6pm to 9pm. Closed Tues and Wed

Moll de Ponent, 36 The Menorcan artist Paul Marabán has opened the Atica space in the port of Mahón. Atica is emerging as a signature gallery focused on contemporary and local art with different exhibitions From 28 August – 27 September the exhibition is ‘‘Todo es de Color’’ from the artist KENJIRO Instagram @atica _ art _ gallery 62

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

GUIDED TOURS NAVAL HOSPITAL ISLA DEL REY Visit the 18th-century former British naval hospital and Port Mahon Interpretation Centre and discover the rich history of Isla del Rey and the harbour.

Thursdays - guided tours of the hospital at 11.15am in English Wednesdays – guided tours in French. Spanish tours every day Sundays - visits in Spanish, English or French, leave on the 9am Hauser &Wirth Yellow Catamaran from Mahon harbour with the volunteers. Bookings or enquiries can be made on the website: www.islahospitalmenorca.org or: www.yellowcatamarans.com/en/kings-island

LITHICA PEDRERES DE S´HOSTAL Open May to October 9am to Sunset and Sunday 9am to 2pm Tickets must be purchased in advance for visits to guarantee access 5 Euros for one visit or you can buy an annual pass for 20 Euros https://lithica.es/en/visit/ Guided Tour in English on Mondays at 19:30 12 Euros and on Tuesdays in Spanish/Catalan.

10 & 5 MILES CIUTAT DE MAÓ 20 Sept 10th edition starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Fortress of La Mola (Port de Maó) for the 10 Mile runners and in the Urb. of Cala Llonga, in the Passeig dels Mariners (Park), for 5 Mile runners. The Finish Line will be the same for both distances and will be located in the Port of Maó (Cruise Ship Maritime Station).

FOSQUETS LITHICA This is a large theatre in the quarry which has a summer programme of events 4 September – 20h Frances Bartlett Especial Quietud Musical

The online deadline for registrations will be the September 18, 2025. www. carreramao.com Last-minute registrations, if possible, will be available at the race number collection areaon Friday 19/09/2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The minimum age to take part in the 10 MILES MAÓ CITY race is 18 years old on the day of the race. The minimum age to take part in the 5 MILES MAÓ CITY race is 16 years old, being turned in 2025.

11 September – 20h Anton Serra i Maria Gibert Especial Quietud Musical fosquetsdelithica.com

MENORCA CRICKET CLUB MATCH DATES 12.30PM START

28 Sept Artiem Half Fornells Swimming, Cycling, Running. Races start from 8am Awards ceremony 2.30pm

06/07 Sept LAS BOLAS DORADAS 13/14 Sept GLADE WANDERERS 20/21 Sept TRENGILLY WARTHA 27/28 Sept SURREY CRYPTICS

ENJOY CIUTADELLA

SUMMER RACES FOR EVERYONE

Three guided tours of Ciutadella which can be booked in advance – Craft route, Coastal Heritage Route, Night Route to observe the sky Ajciutadella-org Available in English, Spanish, Catalan and French

The Menorca Delegation of the FAIB (Athletics Federation of the Balearic Islands), together with the Consell Insular de Menorca and all the municipalities of Menorca, organizes the 2025 Summer Races for Everyone, which have a total of 11 events plus the final. Categories for all ages from Under 8s to Over 70s

GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND If you prefer using public transport as an alternative to taking the car, there are three bus companies covering different parts of the island. Up to date bus timetables can be checked online. TORRES www.bus.e-torres.net

2 Sept –Fiestas del la Mare de Deu de Gracia Mahon 7pm 8 Sept - Calan Porter 6.30pm

Torres buses run between Ciutadella and resorts along the west coast, as well as to the unspoiled beaches to the north and to the south of Ciutadella.

Torres also operate the line from Mahón town centre to the airport. TMSA www.tmsa.es

13 Sept –Final Race in the town with the most participants 6pm https://www.menorcacricketclub.com

TMSA buses run across the island connecting all the main towns, as well as routes to the resorts on the southern coast and eastern coast AUTOS FORNELLS https://www.autosfornells.com/ connecting Mahón with the north-eastern coastline up to Fornells, also connections to Alaior and Es Mercadal.

BANK HOLIDAYS 15 August: Assumption Day 12 October: Spain’s National Day 1 November: All Saints’ Day 6 December: Spanish Constitution Day 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception.

25 December: Christmas Day 26 December Sant Esteve 63

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

LOCAL FIESTAS DATES SUMMER 2025: Summer is the season for fiestas in Spain. These fiestas are particularly special in Menorca, being steeped in history and quite unique. The origin of the local fiestas dates back to the 14th century.

Ciutadella: Sant Joan: 23- 25 June Es Mercadal: Sant Martí 19-20 July Fornells: Sant Antoni 26-27 July Es Castell: Sant Jaume 24-26 July Es Migjorn Gran: Sant Cristòfol 2-3 August Llucmaçanes: Sant Gaietà 2-3 August Alaior: Sant Llorenç 9-10 August Sant Climent: Sant Climent 16-17 August Ferreries : Sant Bartomeu 23-24 August Sant Lluis: Sant Lluis 23-24 August Sant Lluïsset: 30 -31 August Mahón: Déu de Gràcia 7-9 September Es Mercadal: Sant Nicolau (El Toro) 13-14 September Cala’n Porter: 20-21 September Festa des Caixers Alaior: 27-28 September Bones Festes!!

ARRELS FOOD FAIR 20/21 September Recinte Firal des Mercadal Discover the authentic taste of Menorca. “Taste, speak, listen and live what we are” https://firaarrels.cime.es/.

FOOD MARKETS Alaior Saturday Plaza Ramal 9.30am to 2pm Ciutadella: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am to 1.30pm in Plaza de la Libertad (by the fish market).

Mahon: Sundays 9am to 2pm, in Carrer de s’Arravaleta and Carrer Nou (by the American bar).

Mahón Tapas by the fish market: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11.30pm.

Ferreries: Artisan Food market Saturdays, 9am to 1pm in Plaça Espana.

STREET MARKETS Mahón: Tuesday and Saturday 9am to 2pm in the Plaça Esplanada.

Mahón: Daily, Pla de Baixamar, 10am to 8pm.

Ciutadella: Monday and Friday 9.30am to 13:30 in the Plaza Borne.

Alaior: Plaza Ramal 9 to 2pm Fornells: Thursday, 9am to 2pm. in Carrer de la Mar. Sant Lluis: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am to 2pm in Pla de sa Creu.

Es Castell: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm in Plaza Esplanada.

Es Mercadal C/ Nou 8.30 to 1pm Es Migjorn Gran Wednesday 8am to 12pm Ferreries Plaza Espanya 9am to 2pm

CRAFT MARKETS From June-July to September, in the evenings in most of Menorca’s towns: Mondays in Ciutadella, Calas Fonts 19:00, and Fornells Tuesdays in Maó and Es Migjorn July and August 19:30 to 23:30 Wednesdays in Alaior and Ciutadella (this last only in July and August); Thursdays in Es Mercadal from 19:00 to 23:00 Fridays in Ciutadella, Ferreries and Sant Lluís.

Saturdays and Sundays Fornells 20:00 Sundays Punta Prima Nightly street market on the Costa Marina in the port of Ciutadella Nightly street market in Cales Fonts in Es Castell from 19:30 pm to 1am until 15 September

ANTIQUES / SECOND HAND MARKET Gangaria Flea Market in Parc des Freginal, Mahon Sundays 8am to 1pm 64

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

ISLAND INFORMATION CONSULATES How do I contact the British Consulate?

You can call or send an email to our contact centre Tel: 933666200 Email: spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk (Make sure you put ‘Menorca’ in the subject line) They will be able to answer most general enquiries and will pass you through to the team in Palma, should you need further assistance. www.gov.uk/government/world/spain.

Germany San Andreu 32, Mahón.

Tel 971 36 90 12 EMERGENCY NUMBERS General Emergencies 112 (equivalent to 999 in UK).

24 hour service in 4 languages.

Domestic Violence 016 Local Police 092 National Police: 091 Police station Mahon: 971 363 712.

Police station Ciutadella: 971 363 066 Fire Service 971 35 10 11 Sea Rescue 900 202 202 Emergency Ambulance 061 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION Tourist Information visit www.menorca.es.

Offices in Mahón and Ciudadela Taxis 971 36 71 11

Chemist shops are closed on Sundays, CIUTADELLA Canal Salat but some are open on Saturdays.

C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, s/n Shop Opening Hours 09.00 – 13.30 07760 Ciutadella and 16.30/17.00 – 20.30 Tel: 971 480 112 Larger supermarkets Monday to PRIVATE CLINICS Saturday 09.00 – 21.00 Sunday CLINICA JUANEDA mornings in summer Banks Monday to Friday 08.15 – 14.00 Avenida Vives Llull, 6 07703 Mahón If hiring a car, you are required to Tel. 971 351 115 keep with you: Hire documents, info.menorca@juaneda.es driving licence and a photocopy of CLINICA JUANEDA your passport. NB: Seat belts are Jose Delfin Serra, 10, 07760 compulsory, and children must be in Ciutadella the back of the vehicle Tel. 971 480 505 For a comprehensive list of all bus info.menorca@juaneda.es times on the Island, please visit POLICLINICA VIRGEN DE www.tmsa.es GRACIA Internal flights in Spain from Av Vives Llull 6, 07003, Mahon Menorca: Iberia – www.vueling.com, Tel: 971351115 www.iberia.com RED CROSS POST OFFICES CREU ROJA MAÓ Carrer de Ciutadella, 76, 07701 Maó C/ Josep Anselm Clavé, 162 ·07703 Plaça des Born, 9, 07760 Ciutadella Tel.: 971 36 11 80 de Menorca Creu Roja Ciutadella Carrer Llevant, 5-7, 07720 Es Castell c/ de la Creu, 2 07760 Carrer Lepanto, 43, 07740 Es Mercadal Tel.: 971 38 19 93 Carrer de sa Lluna, 13 (antes, Carrer CREU ROJA FERRERIES de Sant Esteve, 14), Av. Jaume Mascaró, 66, 07750 07710 Sant Lluís Tel.: 971 37 31 39 HOSPITALS WITH 24 HR Creu Roja Es Mercadal EMERGENCIES C/ Veterinaris Gomila, 12, 07740 Tel.: 971 37 53 00 MAHON Hospital Mateo Orfila CREU ROJA ALAIOR Rda. de Malbúger, 1, 07703 Mahón, C/ Orient, 39 · 07703 Phone: 971 48 70 00 Tel.: 971 37 12 38 65

CREU ROJA SANT LLUÍS C/ Pere Tudurí, s/n · 07710 Tel.: 971 15 10 01 CHEMISTS Chemists or Farmacias are found around the island. For emergencies out of hours, there is a list of duty chemists displayed on the chemist door.

GAS All cooking gas used in Menorca is bought from REPSOL BUTANO. Bottles can be exchanged at petrol stations and at the depots.

Mahon: Avinguda de Fort de l’Eau, 125, BJ, 07701 Mahon: Main Road. Maó-Ciutadella ME-1, Km. 3,5. 07714 Ciutadella: Cala Morell Road, c/ Algaiarens, km. 1,5, 07760 See the website for opening hours https://gasmenorca.es/centros-dedistribucion/ FLIGHTS FROM THE ISLAND For all information and timetables regarding travel by air and sea to and from the Island please refer to the airline websites. To contact the airport, call 971 157 000 SANTA MARGARITA ANGLICAN CHURCH +34 617222382 e-mail chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com

ROQUETA SEPTEMBER 2025

AMICS DE LA MAR PORT-MAÓ All in all, it forms one of the most complete sets of traditional wooden boats in the western Mediterranean.

RESTORATION OF BOATS One of the goals of Amics de la Mar Port-Maó is to restore traditional Menorcan boats so they can sail again. On their website you can see a selection of those that have been restored. If you are interested in restoring a boat you can contact them and they can offer help.

Thalassa is owned by Es Castell Town Hall and management is shared between three organisations: the Es Castell Town Hall, Island Council of Menorca and Friends of the Sea Port-Mahón. It is now also the home of the Es Castell Tourist Information Centre.

THALASSA MUSEUM Es Castell is home to the Thalassa Museum, dedicated to Menorca’s maritime heritage. Located in the old underground quarries of s’Arraval Vella beneath the town’s football field, the museum was created by the association Amics de la Mar Port de Maó with the goal of preserving and sharing the island’s seafaring legacy. Inside, visitors can discover seventeen restored traditional Menorcan boats, showcasing the diversity of local vessels throughout history, from their construction methods to the ways they were used at sea. Alongside the boats, the museum connects the maritime world with Menorca’s natural environment, craftsmanship, cultural traditions, and even its representation in literature, painting, and music. Opened in March 2023 after a €720,000 renovation project funded by the Sustainable Tourism Tax, Thalassa has quickly become a cultural and tourist landmark.

THE ROBADONES QUARRY You may not know that the Amics de la Mar original storage space is in the Robadones underground quarry, on the Camí Verd de Es Castell. There it stores over 90 vessels that form part of Menorca’s maritime heritage. This is open to the public in the mornings from Saturday to Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 am. The front part of the quarry is open-air, but the back part was excavated underground, leaving a covered interior space of about 5000 m2. Due to its environmental characteristics, it has been ideal for the conservation of traditional boats. Many types of boats are preserved there, some of them centuries old, in various states of conservation. There are also work benches covered in tools and model boats.

VISITS Thalassa Visitor opening times: Wed/Thur/Fri from 10:00 to 13:00h and 18:00 a 21:00 Saturdays/Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00 h and 18:00 to 21:00 h The Robadones quarry Saturday to Tuesday 9.30-11am https://www.amicsdelamarportmao.com/ https://www.aj-escastell.org/ 66