La Patrona, Pollensa
26 July - 02 August 2025
By Claire Miller
Every summer, from July 26 to August 2, the charming town of Pollença in northern Mallorca bursts into life to honour its patron saint, the Mare de Déu dels Àngels. La Patrona is one of the island’s most spectacular celebrations — a unique blend of faith, folklore, and fierce historical drama.
Preparations for La Patrona begin well before August. In mid-June, locals volunteer to take on the festival’s key roles — the Christian hero Joan Mas, the fearsome pirate Dragut, the flag bearer, and the lieutenant - continuing a tradition that connects generations.
On July 26, the official start of the festival is marked by the thunder of cannon shots and the peal of church bells, announcing that La Patrona has begun.
The week leading up to the famous battle is packed with events. One of the most popular is the Fiesta de los Jardines, often called the Flower Power party, which transforms the Joan March gardens into an open-air dance floor with DJs, themed decorations, and summer cocktails.
Another highlight is the White Party, where locals and visitors dressed in white dance the night away to music that ranges from nostalgic hits to modern beats. This party often continues until dawn, embodying the carefree spirit of a Mallorcan summer.
Families and children are not forgotten either. Throughout the week, there are foam parties, theatrical performances, craft workshops, and smaller mock battles that bring the festival’s traditions to younger generations.
Evenings are filled with concerts, swing nights, traditional dances, and performances by local bands and folk groups. Meanwhile, the haunting drum and bugle corps — known as La Tropa del Soldà — marches through the streets each night, creating a sense of reverence and anticipation for the main event.
August 1: The Eve of the Battle
The night before the battle is a time for friends and family to gather for dinner before heading out to the town square for concerts that last well into the early hours. Just before dawn, the Alborada - a traditional wake-up call performed since 1882 - drifts through the streets, gently rousing the town for its most significant day.
August 2
At 5 AM, Pollença officially awakens with the Alborada, played by the local band through the town and down to the coast. Later in the morning, the community gathers for a solemn mass in honour of the Mare de Déu dels Àngels, followed by the Cossiers dance - a colourful folk dance that embodies Pollença’s cultural heritage.
In the late afternoon, the town’s atmosphere shifts as the Christian and Moorish sides prepare for battle. Locals dressed in white represent the Christians, while the Moors wear vivid, colourful costumes. Armed with wooden swords and accompanied by cannon fire, they clash in a dramatic recreation of the 1550 battle that saved the town from pirate corsairs. After fierce fighting through Pollença’s narrow streets, the Christians ultimately capture the corsair’s flag, celebrating victory and freedom.
After the mock battle, the celebrations continue with the Te Deum - a solemn thanksgiving chant inside the parish church - and the band’s final performance of the Alborada and the traditional “Visca Pollença” in the main square. As night falls, the sky over the Roman Bridge lights up with a spectacular fireworks finale.
What to Expect in 2025
The 2025 festival promises all the much-loved traditions from the Flower Power party and White Party to children’s activities and open-air concerts. Local families and visitors alike can expect the same vibrant spirit, historical pride, and unforgettable sense of community that make La Patrona so unique.
Tips for Visitors
If you’re planning to experience La Patrona, book your stay well in advance. Pollença is at its busiest during this time. Wear comfortable shoes for navigating the cobbled streets and bring earplugs if you’re staying near the main square - celebrations often continue into the early morning. Arrive early on August 2 if you want a good view of the battle, and remember to respect local customs, like remaining silent when the Tropa del Soldà passes.
La Patrona is more than just a festival; it’s a living expression of Pollença’s history, faith, and unbreakable spirit. For one unforgettable week each year, the town comes together to remember its past and celebrate its enduring sense of community — an experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to witness it.
For up-to-date information & the full program, please visit - www.ajpollenca.net