Every 2 August, the Mallorcan town of Pollença honours its patroness, the Mare de Déu dels Àngels, with a week‑long festival known as the Festa de la Patrona. The celebration is famous across the island for its dramatic mock battle between Moors and Christians, a reenactment that has taken place since at least 1860 and is the undisputed highlight of the programme.
When and Where the Festival Takes Place
The main festival day is always 2 August, the feast of the Mare de Déu dels Àngels, but activities run for about a week around that date. The town is decked with white bunting, and the main square becomes a stage with concerts, market stalls, and food carts, while children’s entertainment and sporting exhibitions fill the historic streets.
For exact dates and the schedule of events for a given year, check the official programme, which the town usually publishes in the week before the festival. The SeeMallorca page and the Pollença tourist office are good places to look when planning your visit.
A History Carved in Stone and Memory
The festival commemorates a real pirate attack on the night of 30–31 May 1550, when corsairs led by Dragut assaulted Pollença. The locals, commanded by Joan Mas, defeated the raiders, and the victory is reenacted every year in a grand theatrical performance.
Since the 19th century, the story has been told through a choreographed conflict that moves through the town’s streets. The tradition carries deep local pride, recalling how the community united against invaders and defended its home.
Opening Speech, Alborada, and the Cossiers Dance
The festival officially begins with an opening speech read in the Cloister of Sant Domingo, a tradition dating back to 1970. On the morning of the main day, the Alborada — a musical piece composed by Nicolás de Castro and first performed in 1882 — is played through the streets from 5:00 am, waking residents and setting a festive tone.
Another key tradition is the Cossiers dance, revived in 1981 after being forgotten for 71 years. This symbolic dance originally accompanied Saint Peter’s feast, but it now holds a proud place in the Patrona celebrations, representing the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The Mock Battle: Route and Highlights
The action starts in Plaça de l’Almoina, also known as the Font del Gall (peacock fountain), where the two leaders meet: Joan Mas for the Christians, and Dragut with his lieutenant – a renegade native of Pollença – for the Moors. At 7:00 pm, Joan Mas invokes the Virgin, and the first clash erupts between the two groups, a dramatic and visually striking scene.
The corsairs slowly retreat along Carrer Major (the High Street). When they reach Can Nogués, the men of the old council, led by the royal mayor, join the fight, and a second major encounter occurs in front of Sant Jordi’s church, where the Christians bring in cannons to symbolise the liberation of captives held by the pirates.
The final battle takes place at the Can Escarrinxo football field, on the road towards Port de Pollença. After three staged combats, the Christians capture the corsair flag and march to the Parish Church, where they sing a Te Deum composed by Reverend Miquel Tortell and the hymn “Puig Patrona” by the poet Costa i Llobera.
How the Main Characters Are Chosen
One unique aspect is the popular election of the principal roles, a democratic practice in place since 1988. In the early weeks of July, residents vote for who will portray leaders like Joan Mas and Dragut in that year’s battle.
This approach lets the community deeply engage in the festival, ensuring that each year’s reenactment reflects local sentiment and pride. It also gives the performances a fresh and authentic energy, as new faces take on these iconic roles.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Festival
Wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll spend hours standing and following the battle through the streets. Arrive at the Plaça de l’Almoina early to secure a good viewing spot, but be aware that the action moves along Carrer Major, so you might reposition to catch the later encounters.
The festival is noisy, crowded, and lively – expect a mêlée of people, music, and theatrical gunfire. Bring water, sunscreen, and ear protection if you’re sensitive to noise, and keep an eye on the official programme for times and any last‑minute changes.
If you’re planning a trip, note that Pollença is a popular inland town in northern Mallorca, and August is peak season. For those interested in other celebrations in the region, the broader guide to [festivals] covers the island’s varied calendar, and you can also explore other events in Pollença later in the year, such as the [Sant Antoni festival in Pollença] or the [Semana Santa processions Pollença].
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Festa de la Patrona? The festival is held every year on 2 August, with events spanning about a week around that date. What is the history of the Moors and Christians battle? It commemorates the pirate attack of 1550, when Dragut’s corsairs raided Pollença and were repelled by the townspeople; reenactments have taken place since at least 1860. How long does the festival last? The main celebrations last around a week, but the mock battle and most key events concentrated on 2 August. Where does the mock battle take place? It starts in Plaça de l’Almoina, moves along Carrer Major, and concludes at the Can Escarrinxo field. How are the main characters chosen? Since 1988, the roles of Joan Mas, Dragut, and other principal figures are elected by popular vote in early July. What is the Alborada? It is a traditional musical piece played through the streets at 5:00 am on the festival day, first composed in 1882. What is the Cossiers dance? It is a traditional dance revived in 1981, performed during the festival as a symbolic battle between good and evil. Is the festival solely religious? No, it blends civic, cultural, and historical elements, including the mock battle, speeches, concerts, and dances.
Plan Your Visit
The Festa de la Patrona is more than just a festival – it’s a living piece of Pollença’s history, where the community recreates its past with passion and pageantry. Whether you’re drawn to the spectacle of the mock battle, the early‑morning Alborada, or the colourful Cossiers dance, you’ll find a celebration that is both immersive and deeply rooted in local identity.
To get the most from your visit, check the latest programme details close to the date, as events and times may vary each year. Always confirm the schedule with the official Pollença tourism pages, as they publish the most accurate and up‑to‑date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Festa de la Patrona?
The festival is held every year on 2 August, with events spanning about a week around that date.
What is the history of the Moors and Christians battle?
It commemorates the pirate attack of 1550, when Dragut’s corsairs raided Pollença and were repelled by the townspeople; reenactments have taken place since at least 1860.
How long does the festival last?
The main celebrations last around a week, but the mock battle and most key events are concentrated on 2 August.
Where does the mock battle take place?
It starts in Plaça de l’Almoina, moves along Carrer Major, and concludes at the Can Escarrinxo field.
How are the main characters chosen?
Since 1988, the roles of Joan Mas, Dragut, and other principal figures are elected by popular vote in early July.
What is the Alborada?
It is a traditional musical piece played through the streets at 5:00 am on the festival day, first composed in 1882.
What is the Cossiers dance?
It is a traditional dance revived in 1981, performed during the festival as a symbolic battle between good and evil.
Is the festival solely religious?
No, it blends civic, cultural, and historical elements, including the mock battle, speeches, concerts, and dances.
