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Soller's ‘Moros y Cristianos'

featured in Events reviews Author Nicola Henderson, Site Editor Updated

Every year, during the second weekend of May, the inhabitants of Soller prepare their muskets, bring out the black shoe polish, and engage in fearsome battles to commemorate one of the town’s greatest historical triumphs.  In 1561, the town was invaded by pillaging pirates from North Africa who were set on stealing riches and selling the folk of Soller into slavery.  This event is celebrated these days during the annual Soller ‘Fira & Firo’ which honours the victory of the town’s people, (the Christian Sollerics) over the invading Algerian Moors (the Saracens).  

The Moors invaded on May 11, 1561 at the Port of Soller and were battled by the men of Soller in an attempt to defend their town.  But what the men folk didn’t know was that the pirate invaders had split into two groups and half the force was already heading into Soller, intending to raid the town and steal the women and children. Whilst the women put on a valiant fight, (with two sisters Catalina & Francisca managing to defend their home and their honour), they were eventually seized by the pirates.  Once the Sollerics had defeated the Moors in the Port, they headed back into town, only to meet the second group of raiders who were carrying off treasures and the women and children.   After two more battles, the Sollerics finally defeated the aggressors in the Placa de Soller. 

The festival takes place over four days in two distinct parts.  The first part is the ‘Fira’ – a country fair where local arts and crafts are displayed for sale and livestock unique to the Balaerics are on show.  The Firo takes place on the Monday and is a re-enactment of the invasion.  It starts on the beach in the Port of Soller, and the locals dress up as either the Christians in traditional Mallorcan dress (guns, wide brim hats, white shirts and baggy three-quarter length trousers) or the Moors in Arabic dress (blackened faces, swords and turbans).  The battles commence on various boats in the Port with a great deal of gunshots, explosions, submersions and frivolity!  The battle slowly makes its way into the town, with firecrackers and spectator participation, with both sides refreshing themselves with the local mountain herb liquor.  The atmosphere does get a little crazy as the Moors try to smear black boot polish on to their Christian adversaries.  They scale the square's  buildings looking for women and riches.  The final scene in the main square sees the defeat of the Moors with hangings from the plane trees, triumphant fireworks and celebratory music.  Victory is announced by the Sollerics Captain and thanks are given to the Virgin of Victory.  Who knows what’s going on by this stage, but with DJ’s spinning tunes in to the night, the party is certainly in full swing!

Location

Map of the surrounding area