Pollensa celebrates the Patrona fiestas

There is a festive air about Pollensa, one of the prettiest towns in Mallorca. Local and foreign residents in the area anxiously await the end of July to celebrate the most traditional of their fiestas, the Patrona.

The fiestas in Mallorca are unique and reflect the singular character of the inhabitants and customs. For this reason it is essential to visit Pollensa during the fiestas in order to get to know the town like the locals do.

Every August 2nd, the citizens of Pollensa live to the full the most important day of the fiestas. Starting with the interpretation at dawn of the “L'Alborada” music, inhabitants start the day with a festive air, ready for the rest of the day.

Apart from traditional events and the procession with the image of the Patrona, the staged battle between the Moors and the Christians takes place in the early evening and is probably the most famous event of the fiesta.

Traditional fiestas underline local identity and preserve the historical and cultural heritage kept alive by the inhabitants of Pollença. The Town Council describes it as “a tribute to the community and the emotions experienced by all its members”. Take a look at properties in Pollensa and get to know the local culture and traditions. 

Pollença traditions

Every year, residents of Pollença elect the principal figures of the festivities. The main ones in the enactment are Joan Mas, who challenged the Moors in 1550 and Dragut, the leader of the pirate invaders. 

During the days prior to the battle, there are other activities such as concerts, the Marcha Fresca white party or performances of local dances. The town council places special emphasis on catering to all age groups when planning events. These are important reasons to buying a property in Pollensa.  

History and origin of La Patrona

Every celebration has an explanation and this one more than any, given that Mare de Déu dels Àngels is the patron saint of the town. To understand the celebration you have to take yourself back to the May of 1550. Joan Mas was the man who ran out onto the main road to alert everyone of danger and to come face to face with the invaders, imploring  the patron saint to help the town. 

On the 2nd of August a simulation takes place to recreate this historical event which was incorporated into the event's programme midway through the 19th century. 

© Micer

Feel the anticipation of this iconic festivity in Pollensa

Usually two Fridays before the day of La Patrona there are some very special elections that take place. They are held to decide who will represent Joan Mas, Dragut and the other characters of the simulation. The main players are Joan Mas and Dragut. Joan Mas is elected on an individual basis and Dragut is elected in a group alongside Lloctinent, who is the one who first meets Joan Mas on the main road and initiates the battle; and Abanderat, who carries the pirate flag. To represent the Christians there is a group called Ajuntament Vella consisting of four men who are elected together. All of these characters meet on the 2nd of August on the main road. On one side you will find all of the Moors armed with wooden swords and on the other the Christians, with long wooden sticks, farm tools and firearms.

The voting is open to all those who are registered citizens of Pollensa and who are over the age of 16.

Joan Mas, Dragut and the battle of the Moors and the Christians

All these iconic figures who have been elected by popular vote can be seen on the Day of La Patrona on the Carrer Major of Pollensa, where at one end you will see all the Moors, armed with wooden swords and at the other end the Christians with sticks, farming implements and weapons. At this precise moment, the festival reaches its climax and the battle simulation begins. In 2019 for the first time in history since 1846 you will be able to see a battle between women take place during the simulation.

Discover the town's true essence from your townhouse in Pollensa

At Pollentia Properties, real estate agency in Pollensa, we strongly recommend attending these celebrations, as they are a unique event in the Mediterranean and the best way to truly understand the essence of this town. Which is why we would like to present our catalogue of townhouses for sale in Pollensa, in which you will be able to find the property which is best suited to your needs, and also to the official programme for the celebrations of La Patrona, so that you can organize your adventure through our streets. We will see you at the battle ground!