The unusual tradition of Matances de Bujots marks the Easter Sunday in Menorca. The event involves hanging of effigies of prominent figures which, for some strange reason, are then targeted by marksmen. The term Bujot means a rag doll, which actually stands for someone without any character or personality.

The event is held in Ciutadella and seen as an occasion to mock or ridicule politicians or any other prominent personality who has done something to deserve the wrath of the people. At times the occasion is also seen as an opportunity to speak against a particular situation in the country or the world.

The origins of this peculiar tradition is shrouded in mystery, however it is attributed to an ancient custom of dragging a straw doll through the streets of Ciutadella, which was then cremated at the Placa des Born. A photograph hanging in the building of Cercle Artistic, taken sometime in 1883, stands testimony to the tradition, as it clearly displays straw doll being marched through the streets. Apart from the origin of the custom, its significance too is not clearly known. It is said that the occasion marks the end of Lent, which is considered a time of sadness, darkness and depravity in Menorca.

The preparation for the event begins much before Easter Sunday and is done with lot of enthusiasm. The effigies are kept hidden from rivals and closely guarded by their creators. They are taken out only on Easter Sunday, dressed in different costumes depending on the figure they are representing. The effigies are hung in the centre of the street, supported on the sides by two opposite buildings. They are then burnt amidst cheering or maybe even jeering by a large crowd that comes to watch the cremation.

The marksmen use a special cartridge made in a factory at Mao, however they are blanks, filled with a little amount of gunpowder along with a plug. The rounds are fired at the effigies using hunting rifles having a safety mechanism. Each effigy is targeted by four to five marksmen in about 300 shots. The killing begins at 12 pm, when sudden explosions are heard all over the town. The firing continues till the effigy starts burning and falls to the ground and the town is safe and purified.

Well, its quite a curious event to watch, truly unique to Menorca and probably unmatched to any other tradition in the region. Flights to Menorca are easy to get so its really worth checking it out.