January 17 - National Day in Minorca

Posted on January 17, 2020

Two islands off the coast of Spain have names that hint at their respective sizes: Majorca and Minorca.



Even though Minorca (aka Menorca) belongs to Spain, and therefore is not a separate nation, January 17 is considered to be its national day! 

Minorca celebrates its national day with a parade
and of course with good food!

This holiday goes back to the time just after the Moors' rule over Spain ended. Christian Spaniards fought to reconquer Majorca, and when they won, in 1231, Minorca became an independent Islamic state. But on this date in 1287, Alfonso III reconquered the island.

Minorca is known for its megalithic stone monuments from prehistoric times. (Megalithic means "large prehistoric stones," so I just said "large prehistoric stones stone monuments from prehistoric times." LOL)

Minorca is also known for its beaches, wildflowers, and one of Europe's most important wetland areas, which is a refuge for many migratory birds.














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