LA PATRONA POLLENÇA, Fiestas of the Patron Saint of Pollença

Moors and Christians Battle

Pollensa has the biggest event of the north west fiesta calendar, which commences on July 26th and culminates a week later on 2nd August with the Fiesta of Mare de Deu dels Angels, and the re-enactment of the battle of the Moors and Christians.

This fiesta commemorates the battle by the local population of Pollenca against 1500 Moors led by a pirate named Dragut that took place on May 30 in 1550. The fiesta can be traced back to the middle of the 19th Century, and almost the whole of the town is involved, the Christians are all dressed in white and the followers of Dragut in various colours.

On the evening of the 1st August a dance is held until the early hours of the morning, and the town then waits in suspense until at 5am the local band plays the "Alborada" (the dawn). After this Mass is said throughout the day along with other various activities until the battle is finally fought at 7pm in the evening.

After the battle the Christians return to the church for prayers, and on leaving the church the band again play the "Alborada". The fiesta then finishes with the singing of the "Visca Pollenca" (Hooray Pollenca) and a grand firework display.