“There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.” – Bram Stoker
Each year on 11th November, the feast day of Saint Martin, between 8:30 and 9 in the morning, an extraordinary light show can be seen at La Seu Cathedral in Palma. Dubbed the Spectacle of the Eight, spectators are treated to a magical sight where the light of the rising sun passes through the large 11.85 metre “wheel” or “rose” window of Trinity Chapel and is projected onto the opposite wall.
A moment later, just for a few seconds, the light is reflected under the church’s other rose window forming a figure eight-shaped double rosette. This combined with the dazzling sight of the light hitting the more than 1100 individual pieces of stained glass is a spectacle indeed.
The number eight has special significance in Christian lore. Writers in the early centuries after Christ added an eighth day to the seven created by God, creating a time outside of time, or eternity.
The Palma Cathedral boasts having the largest Gothic windows in the world, dating back to the 14th century. There are larger ones, but they are neo-Gothic, and therefore not of the same era.
This twice yearly phenomenon (the other occurs on the 2nd of February, Candlemas) is something every inhabitant of the island should see at least once.
The Challenge #
Affordable Mallorca is challenging you all to make the trek to the cathedral on 11th November and take photos of what you see. The best will be chosen by a panel and the winner will be treated to a delicious night out at Rotana Restaurant in Palma. Good luck and see you there!
Contest Rules #
- Please send your best shots using the contact form below and fill in the questions.
- Horizontal/landscape photos only will be considered.
- Members of the Affordable Mallorca staff are excluded from this contest.
- All photos must be the sole property of the person submitting. By submitting, you agree to allow Affordable Mallorca to post your photos at their discretion.
The Price #
The price for the best photo is a dinner for two at the Lebanese restaurant Rotana in Palma's fashionable Santa Catalina neighbourhood. Value is 32€per person and includes a tasting menu of 3 cold 3 hot starters, 1 main that includes a grill of lamb, chicken and beef (pincho); also included are water, a glass of wine and desert.
Rotana Restaurant, Calle Annibal 21, Santa Catalina, 07013 Palma, +34 971 206078, [email protected], http://restauranterotana.com/
Sources
Mallorca.org
Piafmajorque.es
Livinginruralmallorca.com
#PalmaCathedral #SantMartinCathedral #PalmaCathedralRosette #PalmaCathedralLightshow
Por Stephanie Horsman
13 noviembre, 2019
