Canto de la Sibila in Mallorca

There are many things to do during Christmas in Mallorca, and today we would like to recommend you “The Canto de la Sibila”. The Canto de la Sibila is considered important cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2010, and Mallorca is one of the few places in the world where you can still see this old tradition.

In this article, together with our local experts, we have prepared for you the general info, lyrics and a list of places where you can go to enjoy it. If you are also looking for more Christmas traditions on the island, check out our holiday series Christmas in Mallorca.

What is Canto de la Sibila?

La Sibila is a Medieval song and part of a Christmas celebration which has survived only in Mallorca and Alguero (Italy). This Medieval liturgical performance came to the island from the Spanish peninsula, after Mallorca had been conquered by King James I of Aragon and Catalonia.

There are many liturgical celebrations with didactical and moral significance, which are part of Christmas or Easter traditions in Europe since the Middle Ages. Some of them evolved over time and some stayed the same as in the past. The Canto de la Sibila in Mallorca is an example of an original Medieval performance!

It is a song from a poem about the final judgment, based on prophecies of Erythraean Sibyl. The performer sings a long oracle, in which we hear about the coming of Jesus Christ, the final judge of humanity, and a description of  the terrible events during the end of the world.

There are two versions of the Canto de la Sibila; a long one with the procession and a short version, which contains only the song of the Sibyl.  It is performed by the presbyters or by a child singer in churches all over Mallorca on the night of 24th December. The performer goes out to the presbytery or the lectern accompanied by two or more assistants with candles. The person sings the verses without instrumental accompaniment; only music from the church organ is introduced at the start of each poem.

After many centuries, the Canto de la Sibila is the oldest original Christmas tradition in Mallorca. If you are visiting the island during Christmas, we highly recommend to join this celebration.

Lyrics

On the day of judgment, he will be spared who has done service.

Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, man and true eternal God, from Heaven will come to judge and to everyone will give what is fair.

Great fire from the heaven will come down; seas, fountains and rivers, all will burn. Fish will scream loudly and in horror losing their natural delights.

Before the Judgement the Antichrist will come and will give suffering to everyone, and will make himself be served like God, and who does not obey he will make die.

His reign will be very short; in these times under his power will die martyrs, all at once those two saints, Elijah and Enoch.

The sun will lose its light showing itself dark and veiled, the moon will give no light and the whole world will be sorrow.

To the evil ones he will say very sourly: —Go, damned, into the torment! Go into the eternal fire with your prince of Hell!

To the good he will say: —My children, come! Lucky ones, you possess the kingdom I have kept for you ever since the world was created!

Oh humble Virgin! May you who have given birth to Child Jesus on this night, pray to your son so he will want to keep us from Hell!

Source: wikipedia

Where to see it in Mallorca?

The Canto de la Sibila is performed on the night of 24th December in every church in Mallorca. We prepared for you the list of 10 most popular parishes around the island to visit and enjoy this incredible spectacle.

Cathedral of Mallorca

Location: Plaça de la Seu, s/n, 07001 Palma de Mallorca,
Time of performance: 23:00

Sanctuary of Lluc

Location: Plaza Peregrins, 1, 07315 Lluc

Església de Sant Bartomeu

Location: Plaza Constitución, s/n, 07100 Sóller

Monastery of Cura

Location: Puig de Randa, S/N, 07629 Randa

Church Basílica Sant Francesc

Location: Plaça de Sant Francesc, 7, 07001 Palma

Church of St. Jaume in Alcudia

Location: Plaça de Jaume Ques, 07400 Alcúdia
Time of performance: on 24th at 18:00

Parroquia de Santa Cruz

Location: Carrer de Sant Llorenç, 4, 07012 Palma

Parish of Santa Eulàlia

Location: Plaça de Santa Eulàlia, 2, 07001 Palma

Church of Santa Maria

Location: Plaça de l’Església, 22, 07350 Binissalem.

Sanctuary of Sant Salvador

Location: Crta. de Portocolón, s/n, 07200 Felanitx

Do not see your parish on the list? Leave us a comment with the details of Canto de la Sibila in your church, so we can create the further information.