When do the festival Pollença: La Patrona take place?
The 2nd of August is the Festival Pollença, La Patrona (patron saint’s day), the town’s main festivity by excellence. This is one of the most famous and popular festivals in Mallorca. Rich in tradition, it is one of the highlights of the year for local residents, as well as an unforgettable event for the many visitors who come to the town on that day to experience the celebration.
La Patrona Pollença, also known as Mare de Déu dels Àngels, has a great historical significance in Pollença. The festival honours Pollença’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary, and commemorates the triumph of the local population against the Moorish pirates during the 16th century. It is a reminder of the strength and solidarity of the town during difficult times. This event is also a symbol of the deep respect and veneration that the people of Pollença feel for their patron saint, strengthening community ties and keeping the history and traditions of the community alive.
The celebration of Pollença’s Patron Saint includes the renowned recreation of the Moors and Christians’ Battle, which is the festival’s main attraction that brings together a large number of participants and spectators.
The real events that took place on May 31st in Pollença
In 1550, Pollença experienced one of the most significant episodes in its history, known as Día de la Desgracia (the day of misfortune).
In the early morning of 31st May 1550, while the people of Pollença were still sleeping, 27 pirate ships arrived in the bay of Pollença with the intention of raiding the town. Taking advantage of the absence of guards, and with the help of some hired mercenaries, they headed inland.
The pirates were led by the feared Dragut, one of the most notorious buccaneers of the time.
The pirates split into three groups of 500 people, each taking a different direction, capturing people and sacking houses. The citizens of Pollença, with the farming tools they had in their homes and still in their pyjamas, set out with the intention of driving the pirates out of the town.
The third group of pirates took advantage of the situation and went deeper and deeper into the town to raid it. However, they were confronted by a group of Pollensines led by Joan Mas, who drove them to the church of Sant Jordi, where the pirates held the loot and the captives.
Joan Mas and Dragut fought until the Christian side won, and expelled the pirates not only from the town, but from the island of Mallorca as well with the help of other villages. The pirates boarded their ships and never set foot on the island again.
Previous celebrations prior to the festival Pollença, La Patrona
The celebration of the festival of La Patrona de Pollença does not only take place on the 2nd of August, although that is the day of the battle’s recreation.
The events begin in June with the presentation of the roles, and in July there is a big ballot to decide who will play each role in the festivity.
Presentation of the roles in June
In mid-June, different young and not so young groups of people offer themselves as volunteers to play one of the star roles in the simulated battle between the Moors and Christians.
The roles are: Joan Mas, as leader of the Christian side, together with the “Ajuntament Vella” (town council), and on the pirates’ side there’s Dragut, leader of the pirates’ side, the “Abanderat” (flag bearer) and the “Lloctinent” (lieutenant).
July Voting
On the third Friday of July, a ballot is held to decide who will be chosen for the great performance. This event takes place in the “jardines de Joan March” in Pollença, next to the “Claustro de Santo Domingo”, where all those born or registered in Pollença can vote for their favourite candidate. There is a “tardeo” with music to liven up the evening during the voting, and at around 23:00h the results come out on a big screen.
Festival Pollença Week
The celebrations for La Patrona de Pollença officially begin on the 26th of July and end on the 2nd of August. However, the days before and after are usually filled with interesting events that allow you to learn more about Pollença’s history and culture.
The programme of the festivities varies from year to year, but it generally includes the following key events:
Canonades
On the 26th of July, a week of festivities in Pollença starts off with a burst of energy and tradition.
The famous “canonades” (cannon shots) mark the start of the celebrations, filling the air with a thunderous explosion that echoes throughout the town. The ringing of the church’s bells adds a festive and solemn touch, announcing that the festivities have begun.
One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the lowering of the Pollensa flag from the top of the town hall, an act that symbolises the beginning of the festivities. At 14:00h, crowds of people gather to witness the vibrant display of culture and tradition that characterises this festival.
Children's parties
Throughout the week, there is a wide range of activities for the little ones, designed to ensure fun and learning. Highlights include live music sessions, children’s theatre entertainment with games and storytelling, and creative workshops such as open-air painting and nature exploration. In addition, if the weather allows, an exciting foam party with water bouncy castles will be organised, where children can enjoy a refreshing and joyful day.
These activities not only entertain the children, but also encourage them to be creative and curious, making this week an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Fiestas de los Jardines
For both young and not so young people, the well-known Fiesta de los Jardines is a very popular attraction. Each year, this exciting event features a different theme. Some years, attendees enjoy a vibrant Flower Power, inspired by the fashion and music of the 60s and 70s, while other years they are asked to bring a specific item that fits into the night’s theme.
The party starts at 23:00h and lasts until the next morning, offering a unique experience with live music, DJs and cocktail bars to ensure an unforgettable night.
Marcha Fresca
Another of the festival’s iconic nights is the Marcha Fresca, where attendees dress in white to pay homage to the famous nightclub with the same name.
The music, carefully selected to evoke the most iconic songs of the Disco Era, creates a nostalgic and electrifying atmosphere. With live DJs, cocktail bars and an exuberant dance floor, the Marcha Fresca is an event not to be missed, transporting participants back to the Golden Age of the Disco Era.
This vibrant celebration, which usually takes place between the 30th and 31st of July, starts at 23:00h and lasts until dawn.
Concerts and Swing Music Night
The whole week is filled with different concerts and swing dancing. There is not a single day during the festival when music is not heard throughout the town.
The events take place in several emblematic venues, including the main square, where you can enjoy a magical and cosy atmosphere. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet local music bands and enjoy a unique, more relaxed experience.
Concerts range from classical music to jazz and swing, offering a great diversity of musical styles that appeal to a wide audience. This musical environment not only provides entertainment, but also enriches Pollença’s cultural life, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
La Tropa del Soldà
You haven’t really experienced La Patrona until you’ve heard the famous drum and bugle band, La Tropa del Soldà. This band goes around the town during the week playing the songs that will be heard on the day of the battle simulation.
This tradition is deeply respected and awaited by all the locals and visitors in Pollença. While the band plays, listeners remain silent, delighting in the sound that fills the streets and creates a unique and solemn atmosphere. In addition to their traditional route, the band often participates in other events and acts during the week of festivities, making their music a constant and emblematic element in the celebration.
If you have the pleasure of seeing them, remember to keep silent while listening to them, as it is a sign of respect and admiration for the history and culture of La Patrona.
August 1st
On the 1st of August, the day before the great annual battle simulation, Pollensines usually follow a very special tradition.
Many choose to have dinner out with their friends, enjoying the rich local gastronomic offer in the various restaurants of the town. Others prefer to organise large dinners at home, where family and friends gather to share delicious homemade dishes and moments together.
After dinner, most of the inhabitants head to the main square, which is full of life and joy. There, they can enjoy a variety of evening concerts featuring different musical genres and artists.
This festive night does not end there, as the Pollensines do not return home, but remain in the square chatting and enjoying the atmosphere until late at night instead.
The waiting fulfils a special purpose: listening to “l’auborada” (the dawn), a moving, traditional melody played by Pollença’s music band at dawn on the 2nd of August, marking the beginning of the battle simulacrum day.
Day of the battle between the Moors and Christians: La Patrona de Pollença
La Patrona de Pollença‘s day begins at 5:00 a.m. with the music band playing l’auborada in the main square, bringing together hundreds of people to enjoy this melody in silence and respect. Afterwards, the band goes through the streets of the town, including Cala Sant Vicenç and Puerto de Pollença.
The tradition of l’auborada is a moving and emotional moment, creating an unforgettable experience for all those present. Don’t miss out on this beautiful tradition and take the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and cultural offerings of Pollença.
At 11:00 a.m. the dance of “els Cossiers”, a traditional dance revived in 1981 after 71 years of disappearance, takes place. The protagonists are “La Dama” and “els Cossiers”, who wear colourful skirts and straw hats, dance with scarves in their hands and circle around La Dama. This event is an essential part of the festivities of Pollença’s Patron Saint.
At around 13:00h, the Town Hall of Pollença offers an aperitif for the whole town in its courtyard, promoting community coexistence and celebration.
The procession of the Mare de Déu dels Àngels takes place in the main square at 17:00h.
La Tropa del Soldà presents the image of the patron saint to the people, while Pollensines wave their T-shirts as a sign of celebration and fun.
It is common to have a ball game among the attendees while waiting for the image to be presented, a spectacle not to be missed. Remember to protect yourself from the sun and to stay hydrated due to the heat and the crowds.
At 19:00h, the battle simulation between the Moors and Christians begins, starting in the main street at Plaza de la Almoïna.
This is where Joan Mas and Dragut meet for the first time, and you can hear Joan Mas’ famous cry of war of the 31st of May before expelling the pirates from Pollença.
This event attracts thousands of participants and is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of La Patrona’s festivities.
Then, both sides head towards Can Escarrintxo, the football pitch outside the town where the final battle will take place. Along the way, further encounters take place in the placeta de Sant Jordi and in carrer de la Mar, where the women’s battalion is presented. During the march, the Ajuntament Vella fires small shots with shotguns to warn of their position. Not to worry, as the bullets are blanks.
Once the Christian side arrives at the football pitch, it awaits the Moorish side for three or more encounters, which are vibrant and emotionally charged. These re-enactments evoke the historical battles between the Moors and Christians, and culminate in the Christian victory when they manage to snatch the pirates’ flag.
The whole spectacle is accompanied by the great bugle and drum band’s music, which adds an epic and solemn touch to the event, making the air vibrate with its resounding notes that mingle with the cheers of the enthusiastic audience.
Once the battle is over, the Christian side goes in a triumphal procession to the church of Mare de Déu dels Àngels to give thanks in the Tedeum.
In this solemn and emotional act, the members of the Town Council proudly wave Pollensa’s flag as a symbol of their victory and unity of the community. It is a moment of meditation and celebration, where the Christians offer their prayers and thank God for helping them, recalling the historical and spiritual importance of this festivity for Pollença.
On the other hand, the pirate side returns to the church of Monti-Sión where Dragut, the leader of the pirate side, thanks his companions and the people of Pollença for their participation in the event, highlighting the camaraderie and festive spirit that characterises these celebrations.
Once the speeches in both sides are over, the day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at 24:00h organised by Pollensa’s Town Hall. This impressive show of flames and colours lights up the night sky, marking the end of the great week of the annual festivities in Pollença.
The fireworks not only celebrate the conclusion of the festivities, but also symbolise the joy and pride the people of Pollença feel while keeping this historical tradition alive. The community gathers to admire the spectacle, sharing a moment of joy and unity before bidding farewell to a week full of cultural activities and historical commemorations.
Activities and plans to be enjoyed in Pollença during Summer 2024
As well as taking part in the exciting Festival of La Patrona, Pollença offers a variety of activities to suit all tastes during the summer. Explore the magnificence of Cala Sant Vicenç, a paradise for swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters. Nature lovers can venture into hiking in the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana, where breathtaking panoramic views can be found. Also, be sure not to miss Pollença’s Sunday market, a vibrant place selling fresh local products and handcrafts. For those seeking maritime adventures, boat trips offer the opportunity to discover hidden coves and the coastal beauty of the region. Cycling enthusiasts can also enjoy spectacular routes offered in Pollença, which are ideal for exploring picturesque landscapes.
Furthermore, Puerto de Pollença is the perfect place to practice water sports such as paddle surfing and kayaking, complementing a holiday full of activities in this charming corner of Mallorca.
Experience the thrill of La Patrona de Pollença! Every 2nd August this annual festival celebrates the historical victory over the pirates with a simulation of the Battle between the Moors and Christians. From l’auborada to the fireworks display, the festival is full of music, dances and parades. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Pollença.
And don’t you worry about accommodation, at Ideal Property Mallorca we have the ideal house for you in the centre of Pollença, where you will be able to fully enjoy the festival from a privileged location. We also offer options of quiet and charming fincas, so what are you waiting for to live this unique experience?
