Thousands turn out for colourful parade

The streets of Palma were crowded for one of the most popular processions in the city, in honour of the island's only saint, Santa Catalina Thomas. Celebrations started in the morning, with Mass at the convent of Santa Magdalena where Catalina Thomas, a nun, died. Pride of place went to Micaela Sales Cirer, the seven-year-old daughter of government representative Catalina Cirer, who was chosen this year to represent the Beateta, the saint as a child. The big parade, which involved more than 1'500 people and 12 bands as well as more than 20 floats and numerous groups of pipers and dancers, started from the Paseo Mallorca shortly after 7pm. The Beateta, surrounded by an entourage of ‘angels' rode in the main carriage, which was specially decorated for the occasion, and threw sweets to the children who lined the streets. The carriage stopped at the authorities' stand by the Teatro Principal, and the Beateta and Council of Majorca president Maria Antonia munar exchanged gifts.