Images of the Drac de na Coca, which left Palma City Hall accompanied by a batucada, which led it to Plaça Major. The city of Palma is celebrating the Revetla de Sant Sebastià, which has officially begun with the departure of the Gegants i Capgrossos de la Sala and the lighting of the Fogueró in Plaça Mayor by the Drac de na Coca. | Youtube: Europa Press
Before the music starts in the squares, Palma Sant Sebastià concerts are traditionally preceded by the appearance of a fire-breathing dragon on the streets.
The Drac de na Coca makes its way from the town hall to Plaça Major, sets the bonfire alight, and then returns.
The dragon is the stuff of legend insofar as there never was a dragon. There was something which, in 1776, the people of Palma thought was a dragon. They'd never seen a crocodile; that was why. The croc had escaped from a ship. It lived in the sewers and the citizens were apparently terrified to go out at night.
The name comes from a Captain Bartomeu Coch (or Coc), or more accurately from his beloved - Na Coca. The captain had ridden from Alcudia to woo her. He encountered a peculiar creature, which he believed was about to attack him.
He took his sword and killed it. The dragon was slain and was presented to his beloved as proof of his love. A dead crocodile; some gift, eh.
Dates and location:
- 19/01/2024 at at Plaça de Cort - Palma Finalizado
Schedule:
7.50pm from Plaça Cort to Plaça Major