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Pollença Moors & Christians Mock Battle

Festival to celebrate Joan Mas, a local 16th century hero

Location
Pollenca
Imprint
Updated

It's Pollença's turn to reenact the battle between the local hero Joan Mas and the pirate invasion of the Moors led by Dragut Rais.

The celebrations start every year with an Alborada (a traditional Pollenca song) and end with fireworks. The morning song is followed by mass, then the dance of Es Cossiers. At 17:30 an image of the Virgin Mary is paraded through the streets, led by folk in 1500s costume. The real fun starts at 19:00 with the reenacted battle – villagers dress up in tatty pyjamas and face paint, armed with cutlasses, swords and sticks.

Expect much jollity, dressing up and firecrackers, and a strong liquor known as 'mesclat' which no doubt gives the soldiers some Dutch courage!

Venue

Pollença centre

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The island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.

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