Event Previews & Reviews from Santa Ponsa — 7 of Our Favourites

I thought the Olympic opening ceremony was an inspiring tribute to all the things that have united our Kingdom and made Britian Great. But, based on the Correfoc (fire run) in the Mallorca beach resort of Santa Ponsa that I visited on Friday, I do feel that if the Spanish ever win the Games they will put on a show few will ever forget.

The fire run is a traditional Catalan celebration that these day takes place during nearly all festivals in Mallorca, this one was part of the Fiesta Rei en Jaime. There's really very little to connect Mallorca's King who conquered the Moors in 1229 to these firey celebrations but it's easy to see why it's so popular. A group of locals dressed as devils and demons follow Lucifer himself as he makes his way through town. They move in procession to the sound of drums and as they dance they set of fireworks and flares, breath fire and cavort lustily with anyone they can get near.

It's like a mixture of Hallowe'en and Guy Fawkes night but rather than spectators being asked to remain at a safe distance and all fire works being kept in and old biscuit tin people are encouraged to dance through the showering sparks and bangers are thrown at the feet of spectators. Whilst the fires burn the locals dance in the flickering light heads covered with hoodies, faces wrapped in scarves for protection. But this is not a riot in Croydon, it's a family event!

In Santa Ponsa the procession made it's way along the beach front. A tall devil on a leash led the demons followed by a bastardised bike rigged with skulls and flames. The other devils danced behind the Prince of Darkness breathing fire and scaring tourists. When they reached the end of the promenade the drummers lined up and the demons went to work setting of flares and fire works and dancing through the sparks.

The correfoc is an event that almost has to be seen to be believed. Like the running of the bulls in Pampalona and Seville or the Spanish human towers the emphasis in the festivals here in Mallorca is on spectacle and not health and safety. By the end of the night my ears were ringing, my hair and clothes had the industrial wiff of paraffin about them and there were several little marks on my bare arms from the hot sparks. I'd be surprised if you'd even be allowed to have a party like this in the UK, so if you're coming to Mallorca make sure you don't miss the next one just remember to wear long sleeves and a hat. You might not need safety clothing at a Morris dancers meeting but then you won't see a nine foot demon breathing fire either.

Find the next Correfoc and other up-coming events in Mallorca in our What's On Calendar.

So the Germans have brought a piece of their "Gemütlichkeit" to Santa Ponsa, in Calvia, in the form of their typical Christmas market, or Weihnachtsmarkt. Now in its fourth year, the Christmas Market on the fairground by the windmill of Santa Ponsa has all the bells and whistles, if Santa will excuse the pun, to give you the feeling that you are in Mini-Alemania.

The grounds transform into an avenue of wooden huts sporting Lebkuchen, gingerbread usually in the shape of hearts and decorated with icing sugar, cups of mulled wine and real pine trees to take home, decorate and, most importantly, put presents underneath. Grilled chicken and beer and many other delicacies, liquid and solid, can be consumed on the benches in front of the stage, which entertains with magicians, clowns, live musicians, DJs and discos throughout the event. It spans from the end of November right through to January, ending a couple of days after the Spanish all important Three Kings Day on the 6th of January.

An exhibition hall is put up which houses further stalls, inviting visitors to Christmas shop for their loved ones, young and old. Raffles, jewellery, scarves, biscuits, candles, hand crafted items, clothes, traditional Spanish wares and books are just some of the goods on sale. Pine wreaths with four candles can be bought here, following the tradition that on each Sunday prior to Christmas, one more candle is lit.

Kids have plenty to entertain them, including an impressive Lego train set, and can be left playing with the Lego under supervision while mum and dad pop into the Christmas tree shaped bar for a quick one.

And that's just the evenings; during the day, trampolines and bumper cars ensure even more fun for the little ones. On Saturdays before Christmas, a popular kids' flea market ensures that no one has to go home without a novel, albeit second hand, toy or book.

Parking is no problem and entrance to the market is free. Opening times are from 5pm to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays, from 2pm to 10pm on Fridays and on weekends from 10am to 10pm. On the 24th and 25th of December the market is closed as well as on the 1st of January. For more details visit the official website.

After the popularity of this event the previous year, it was no surprise this year’s event was another roaring success. The open air event once again saw people of all levels in yoga come together to take part in a massive master-class. With the beautiful blue skies and not a cloud in sight – you couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting for the evening.

The event was sponsored by Sempre Activa, Font Vella, Danone, Vitacoco, and Yogalan. People started to arrive from 6.30pm to the warm-orange setting at one end of the port and welcomed with the sound of familiar pop tracks played through the sound system and goody bags on arrival.

You could see the look of anticipation and excitement on their faces as they were handed their goody bags and green Vita Coco yoga mats. Quickly peeking inside the goody bags, they pulled out a bottle of Font Vella water, a Port Adriano Sunset Yoga long-sleeved top and a €5 Sempre Activa voucher to spend online.

By 7pm, there was a long queue of people waiting to show their tickets at the entrance. A sea of people who had already found a place to set down their mats in the large roped off area taking up the whole of what would usually be the part of the ports car park next to the playground area. It was indeed a sociable affair, with groups of ladies arriving together and others meeting new people as they found their space in front of the stage.

Just after 7.30pm, the car park was full and Xuan Lan and Gemma Mengual took to the stage and began what must be one of the biggest yoga classes the island has ever seen. They started off the class focussing on breathing and taking the participants minds to the right place, before moving onto some nice easy stretches which was great for building up the confidence of the beginners. Later getting into some more complicated yoga poses like downward dog, warrior and fluid movements to improve balance, core strength as well as other well-known yoga stances.

It was great to see men and women of all ages, with all levels of experience in the art of yoga taking part. Whilst the class was in Spanish, it was easy enough to follow simply by watching the hosts on the large stage at the front. There were many nationalities present; Spanish, English, German, Swedish and French.

The spiritual event was accentuated by the warm glow of the sunset and the peaceful surroundings in the beautiful portside setting. It was amazing to see so many people unite for a class to cultivate their body and mind. I would say this is an event for anyone from absolute beginners to the connoisseurs of yoga, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of the next date from Port Adriano.

Opening Times: Start time for this event was 7.30pm but we would recommend getting there earlier to prepare (so from 7pm in this case).

Entry: Entrance fee without mat: 8€, or Entrance fee with mat: 14€. Tickets had to be purchased in advance from either the Port Adriano office or on the Port Adriano website.

Transport: There is free parking in Port Adriano, alternatively if you are coming from Palma, Portals, Santa Ponsa or the route from Peguera 104 and 105 buses that stop off just outside the port (Entrada el Toro- bus stop). Taxis are available from just outside the port entrance on the round-about.

Throughout the week there had been plenty to keep both locals and visitors entertained. On Tuesday, the beach promenade was full of people waiting in anticipation for the Castellers de Mallorca. These are a group of locals who perform human castles, a tradition that began in the 18th century in Tarragona, Catalonia. At the base of the castle, the castellers push together to support the first people climbing up onto their shoulders. Then the next set climb up, barefoot, onto their shoulders. They performed four different castles, with the youngest in the group scrambling up four tiers of arms and legs to wave from the top. To me, the castellers manifest the wonderful solidarity of the community during these fiestas. The sight of three generations supporting each other can be really moving!

The atmosphere continued to sizzle with expectation because the Correfoc was coming next. This fire-filled show is repeated throughout the island at different fiestas. The beat of the drums marks the beginning of the madness. Those familiar with the tradition rushed to a safe place with a good view. The low wall along the beach was full of people craning to see. The devils arrived wielding their blazing pitchforks, sparks flying in all directions. Teenagers pulled their hood down and covered their faces with bandanas so they could get as close as possible without burning.

The demonic procession headed towards the main square. There, the drummers mounted the concert stage and beat their hearts out for a full hour, while down below the devils unleashed all their fiery ammunition. Smoke filled the air and firecrackers screamed in our ears. As soon as the crowd began to get comfortable, a wilder display would send them running back. If the flames didn't scare you, then it was the crazy devil with his electric saw which did!

On Friday, the medieval market came to town. Stalls lined the promenade selling jewellery and leather goods, herbs and sweets, toys and clothes. Some goods looked a little more medieval than others! There were medieval games to play and arts and craft workshops for children. The smell of barbequed meat wafted in the air mingling with that of freshly fried potato chips and the scent of cinnamon bread. A band of musicians, dressed in medieval garb, performed traditional music with their bagpipes and drums, oboes and trumpets. A smiling belly dancer with a sword balanced on her head hypnotised the crowd with her snake-like moves, and a juggler with a dreadlock beard impressed them with his tricks.

The main event took place on Saturday with the disembarkation of the Christian troops at La Creu de Santa Ponça. Despite a spell of rain, spirits remained high. There was a merry procession of Moors and Christians, each group in a different costume and with their own musicians. They were led by the King and Queen gegants, giant wooden figurines hollowed out to enable a person to carry them.

The wonderful thing about these fiestas is the humour with which they are carried out. The locals love and value their traditions and yet, at the same time, they don't take themselves too seriously. There was laughter as a group of Moors arrived dancing La Macarena. Later I heard them belting out AC/DC's Highway to Hell as they headed for battle.

The historic battle took place on the beach as the sun set. Between the crowds and the fading light, it's never very easy to see what's going on. That's why it's always worth coming early to watch everyone arrive in their costume. After all, everyone knows who's going to win! Despite a valiant effort by the Moor King, there was a roar of victory and swords were thrust in the air as King Jaume triumphed once again!

Moors and Christians joked and laughed as they departed the battleground. Families and friends lingered at the beach or headed towards the stage where a concert was beginning. As I soaked up the great energy of a fiesta well done, I thought to myself that I could really live in Santa Ponça. After the high of the fiesta, I bet more than one tourist was thinking exactly the same!

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From the 30th of August to the 9th of September 2018, Santa Ponça will celebrate its annual fiesta of the King with music, dancing and theatre. On the 10th of September 789 years ago, Jaume I disembarked along the coast at Santa Ponça with 15,000 men and 1,500 horses to reconquer the island from the Moors. This historic event played a huge part in shaping the island into what it is today and the reenactment of the king's landing is one of the highlights of the week.

On the 9th September 1229 King Jaume I and his Catalan troops disembarked and reconquered the island. Around the same date, every year, the whole town takes to the streets to enjoy and participate in its historical reenactment.

Flags representing both Catalans and Moors decorate the town's lampposts. Locals get into the spirit of things, swapping civilian dress for costumes, choosing between Knights and Arabian nights. Whole families dress up together, the most dedicated opting for wooden carts to replace modern buggies to carry the littlest in the group.
The festivities start at 5pm, but it's probably best to forget your watch. Not quite knowing what's going on or when things are going to kick off is part of the charm. At least, that's what I suggest you tell yourself while you're waiting and wondering along with everyone else.

The Christians troops disembark at the bay of Santa Ponsa to the sound of drums. They stand in line with swords raised to greet King Jaume I. The atmosphere is festive and there's a lot of laughter and joking. By my side, a Moor in sunglasses wolf whistles at a man dressed up as a Christian lady, complete with very hairy chest, and tells her it's a shame she's a Christian.

Once the knights are all safely on dry land, a procession with traditional wooden giants, representing King Jaume I and Queen Violant of Hungary, plus 'xeremias', players of the traditional Mallorcan bag pipe, makes it way towards the site of the first battle, the picturesque cove, Calò d'en Pelisser.

The 'collas', or bands, of Moors and Christians are made up of people of all age groups. It's wonderfully absurd to watch grown men and women charging at each other with wooden swords. Not taking yourself too seriously is one of the best ingredients for a good time.

The final battle takes place in Santa Ponsa beach as dusk falls. The little girl by my side was very disappointed that the Christians had won yet again, as she informed me they'd won all the previous years. That's history for you. Fortunately there's no hard feelings between the Moors and Christians of Santa Ponsa. Everybody joins in the party that goes on well into the early hours, with an outside stage hosting bands and DJ's, and a medieval market satisfying post-battle munchies.

All proceeds, including the €3 entrance fee, went to the charity Sonrisa Médica, which literally means 'Medical Smile'. The charity's aim is to transform public hospitals into happy places and it achieves this thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of thirteen professional clowns.