A few hours later, �Correfocs� (a form of street fireworks) took place. It was an event so amazing, so different, and so spectacular, that if we hadn�t been there we would never have believed that anything like this could ever have taken place. It would have been impossible for this event to occur in the United States due to fire regulations and liability. As we close our eyes, we can still hear and see the devils dancing to the beat of drums behind a big dragon, all carrying huge lit sparklers as they traveled slowly down the middle of the narrow waterfront street of Port d�Andratx. We, the spectators, watched the devils and dragon from the sides. Fireworks, unknowing to us in the beginning, had been strung high up along both sides of the street from lamppost to lamppost, crisscrossing back and forth from one side to the other. At intervals these fireworks were set off, and we spectators would scream in delight, scurrying at times when the sparks got too close but then immediately returning. The distance traveled by the devils and dragon were just 3 blocks, but the entire event took 45 minutes. The normal fireworks display over the harbor took place the next evening as the grand finale to the festivities, but nothing compared to the excitement of the night before with the �Correfocs�
On Wednesday, July 20, we departed Port d�Andratx. Just like in Ibiza, we chose the less crowded but more scenic route, which was along the beautifully striking northwest coast. Over this 50 mile coastline it was necessary to be aware of the weather as there was only one good harbor of refuge, Port de Soller, about halfway down the coast. If timed right and in settled weather, it was possible to anchor in spectacular remote calas, often being the only boat overnight. In our first secluded anchorage, Cala Deia, we were surrounded by majestic peaks, and as the full moon rose over the peaks it made for a very memorable setting. Unfortunately, our stay was cut short by a wind change creating an early morning swell, sending us quickly into protected Port de Soller, 4 nautical miles away. |
