If you have always dreamed of a break away in Menorca but you are yet to bite the bullet and book then the Sant Joan festivities might just provide you with that extra incentive required to make the dream a reality.

Many people are unsure of when is the best time to go to Menorca as the climate tends to be temperate all year round and aside from peak summer holiday periods prices are unlikely to fluctuate and there are usually a good range of deals and special offers available from high street travel agents such as Thomas Cook. But if you would like to experience the city during its liveliest, most vibrant period the Sant Joan de Ciutadella celebrations are a must-see.

The fiesta takes place once every year around the end of June (specific dates may vary) and gives visitors a chance to experience a religious festival that acts as a showcase of all things colourful, creative and fun within Menorcan culture. The streets are filled with electric colours as parades of traditional dancers, musicians and the magnificent and iconic Menorcan horses travel on by. The crowds of spectators are frequently drawn into the action, adorning brightly coloured costumes and joining in with various dance acts as they pass.

The Sant Joan festival is also the perfect time to try out Menorca’s most popular alcoholic beverage, a citrus and gin concoction. The Menorcan taste for gin is said to come from the island’s British influences but this drink will show its tourists how they’ve taken the base alcohol and refined it to make it their own.

The late June festivities also provide an excellent opportunity to try an array of Menorcan foods prepared especially for the occasion. With spirits running high, you are sure to receive a warm welcome to be encouraged to sample as many dishes as possible during your stay.

If you are interested in seeing the whole run of ceremonies and celebrations leading up to the day itself, which can last for over a week, you’ll need to find a comprehensive programme of events on the web. The site www.menorca-live.com tends to be a reliable source for up to date information on cultural happenings across the island.