AT THE HEART OF ISLAND LIFE
Sa Fira 2026 and Es Firó de Sóller 2026
7th – 11th May 2026
Each May, the valley town of Sóller bursts into colour, music, and tradition to honour one of the most significant events in its history — the legendary defence against the 1561 corsair attack. The festival of Sa Fira and Es Firó is more than a historical re-enactment. It’s a living tribute to Sóller's resilience, cultural pride, and vibrant community spirit.
By Claire Miller
The Battle of 1561
On May 11, 1561, the town of Sóller faced an unexpected attack by a fleet of Turkish-Algerian corsairs. The people of Sóller courageously repelled the invaders, their victory became a source of immense local pride, commemorated ever since.
Initially, the celebration was purely religious, centred around the Virgin of Victory. But in 1855, the town council introduced a dramatic re-enactment of the battle, giving rise to what is now known as Es Firó. Over the years, additional elements have been added, such as the characters of the Valentes Dones (Brave Women), symbolic battles at the Port, and the final triumph in the main square.
Today, the event is a massive, highly anticipated celebration, organised in collaboration with local cultural collectives. The mix of tradition, pageantry, and community pride makes Sa Fira and Es Firó one of Mallorca’s most stirring fiestas.
Sa Fira and Es Firó 2026
Thursday, 7 May
5:30 pm — Opening of the Funfair Attractions - Plaça Teixidores.
8:00 pm — Investiture of the Valentes Dones 2026 - Sant Bartomeu Parish Church. Honoured: Sra. Lina Sampol Bisbal and Sra. Sílvia Arbona Sampol. Standard-bearer: Miquel Frau Caamaño. Presentation of all historical figures (Captain Angelats, Sergeant Soler, Viceroy Rocafull, the Moorish King Ulutx Alí, etc.) and the children's Valentes Dones (Paula Quetglas Darder and Bruna Ensenyat Oliver) and child historical figures.
Immediately after — Fira 2026 Opening Address - Delivered by Sra. Patricia Eugenio Dons. Presented by Elena Estarellas Dols.
Friday, 8 May
10:00 am — Art Exhibition Opens (figurative, urban & reflections) - ArtSóller Gallery, C/ Sa Lluna 8. Open Fri–Sun, 10:00 am–8:00 pm.
4:00 pm — Sa Fira 2026 Drawing Contest Exhibition Opens - Espai Jove de Sóller. Friday 4:00–7:30 pm; Saturday 10:00 am–1:00 pm.
5:30 pm — Correplaces (street music procession) - Around the Plaça, with the Sóller Bagpipers (Xeremiers).
6:00 pm — "Make Your Own Sword and Shield" Workshop - Plaça. Organised by Kids and Us Sóller.
6:00 pm — Embroidery Exhibition Opening - Tercera Edat de Sóller. Saturday hours: 10:00 am–1:00 pm and 4:00–8:00 pm.
6:30 pm — Plants & Flowers Exhibition Opening - Casal de Cultura – Museu de Sóller. Friday 6:30–9:00 pm; Sat & Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm and 5:00–9:00 pm.
7:00 pm — Group Painting Exhibition Opening - Sa Botigueta. Featuring Sóller painters Tomeu Gelabert, Gori Albertí and Toni Bennàssar. On view through 31 May.
7:30 pm — "A Journey Through the World of Comics up to the 80s" Exhibition Opening - Can Dulce. Saturday 10:00 am–1:00 pm and 5:00–8:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am–1:00 pm.
7:30 pm — "Landscapes That Watched Us Grow" Exhibition Opening - Can Dulce. By Artesanies Talet and Xeroguesart. Same hours as above.
7:30 pm – midnight — TriaB Space - In front of Sant Bartomeu Parish Church. Meeting point to discover, take part in and enjoy the night safely.
8:00 pm — "Batu-al món" Batucada Procession - From Carrer de Sa Lluna and around the Plaça.
From 8:15 pm — Festival Opening! - Plaça and surroundings. The official "SUS" launch with smoke bombs, colour and celebration.
11:30 pm — Concert - In front of the Town Hall. Featuring Animacústica, The Ripple and Dirty Jobs.
Saturday, 9 May
11:00 am — Procession & Dance with the Caparrots and Giants - Starts at Can Prunera. Caparrots de la Vila, Giants of the Carrer de Sa Lluna merchants, drummers and bagpipers, accompanied by the Valentes Dones and authorities. Presentation of the new caparrot "Na Margalida Custurer" (Aires Sollerics).
5:00 pm — Solemn Procession - Plaça. Transfer of the Mare de Déu de la Victòria (Our Lady of Victory) to Sant Bartomeu Parish Church, followed by a flower offering. Route: C/ Palou → C/ Bàlitx → C/ Hospici → C/ De sa Lluna → C/ Batac → C/ Sant Bartomeu → C/ Bon Any → Plaça Constitució. Closes with the raising of the Col·lectiu de Pagesos Sant Ponç 1561 banner and a dance by Estol de Tramuntana. Inside the church, the image (mutilated by pirates in the 1561 raid) is honoured with a laurel crown.
7:00 pm — Billiards Trophy Presentation - Sa Botigueta. Open Villa de Sóller Billiards (held 27 April – 9 May).
10:00 pm — Live Music - In front of the Town Hall. Featuring Orquestra Oasis with Marga Pocoví, Sonats, Fandango All Stars and DJ VanBa.
Sunday, 10 May
9:00 am – 2:00 pm — Classic Car Show - Carrer de Cetre.
9:00 am – 2:00 pm — Livestock Show - Carrer de Cetre car park. Organised by Associació Mostra Ramadera de Sóller.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm — Embroidery Demonstration Workshop - Tercera Edat de Sóller.
10:30 am — Solemn Mass (Missa Major) - Sant Bartomeu Parish Church. With the Valentes Dones, historical figures and authorities. Offering dance by Aires Sollerics.
12:00 pm — Concert by the Sóller Town Band - Plaça.
12:30 pm — Equestrian Show - Carrer de Cetre car park. Organised by Associació Mostra Ramadera de Sóller.
1:00 pm — Flower Contest Awards - Casal de Cultura – Museu de Sóller. Organised by Foment de Cultura de la Dona.
6:00 pm — Football Match: CF Sóller vs Inter Manacor - Camp d'en Maiol. Honorary kick-off by the Valentes Dones.
6:00 pm — Popular Folk Dance - Plaça. With Aires Sollerics and Estol de Tramuntana.
9:30 pm — "Revetlla d'armes" (Eve of Arms) - Plaça del Mercat. Rum burning, music and traditional songs with Aires Sollerics and the Sóller Bagpipers.
10:00 pm — Musical Vigil - In front of the Town Hall. Sóller Town Band.
Monday, 11 May — ES FIRÓ (the historical re-enactment)
10:00 am — Wreath Offering at the Monument to the Heroes of 11 May - Followed by Mass at Can Tamany with the Valentes Dones, historical figures, authorities and the Sóller Bagpipers.
Re-enactment timeline:
3:30 pm — Bell Toll: Enemy Ships Sighted -Farmers gather at Plaça dels Estiradors to prepare for battle.
3:30 pm — Speech by the Valentes Dones -Plaça.
4:00 pm — Captain Angelats' Rallying Cry - Plaça. He commends his men to Our Lady of Victory: "To battle, sollerics!" The bandits arrive to help defend the town and later receive the Royal Pardon.
5:30 pm — First Saracen Landing Attempt - Can Generós beach. The Saracens are repelled after a fierce fight.
6:45 pm — Second Saracen Landing - Platja d'en Repic. This time they succeed.
7:45 pm — Battle at the Pont d'en Barona - Sóller's troops regroup and engage the invaders again.
9:00 pm — Saracens Sack the Town - Plaça. Troops who landed at Ses Puntes enter via Camp de s'Oca and pillage homes and the church.
9:20 pm — King Ulutx Alí Claims Victory - Arrives at the Town Hall to proclaim his triumph.
9:30 pm — The Counter-attack - Returning farmers find the town sacked. Regrouping at Carrer de Sa Lluna and rallied by Captain Angelats, they fight bravely and finally defeat the enemy.
10:00 pm — Proclamation of Victory - Captain Angelats gives thanks to Our Lady of Victory. Singing of La Balanguera.
Immediately after — Closing Procession - Transfer of Our Lady of Victory to the Hospici church, accompanied by historical figures and Firó participants.
Post-Festival Events
Friday, 15 May, 8:00 pm — Firó Dinner. Centre Victòria.
Saturday, 16 May, 9:00 am — School Rhythmic Gymnastics Final. Poliesportiu Son Angelats.
Saturday, 16 May, 8:00 pm — Book launch: "Fil a l'agulla. Vocabulari d'indumentària mallorquina" by Joan Carles Simó Artero. Sant Bartomeu churchyard.
Sunday, 17 May, 9:00 am — School Football Day. Camp d'en Maiol.
Friday, 22 May, 5:00 pm — Theatre: "El Secret de la foto 51" by Somni Produccions. Capella de les Escolàpies. Registration: 633 649 976.
Saturday, 23 May, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm — Children's Tennis – Mallorca School Games closing event. Club Tennis Sóller.
Saturday, 23 May, 4:30 pm — Batucada gathering. Camp de Futbol del Port.
Saturday, 23 May, 5:30 pm — Batucada parade from Passeig Es Través to Can Miró car park.
Saturday, 23 May, 7:00 pm — Tardeo with Vitamina C. Can Miró car park.
Saturday, 23 May, 7:00 pm — Charity bingo evening with DJ Toni Socias. Centre Victòria. Organised by Sóller Solidari.
Saturday, 30 May, 9:30 am — Tramuntanya Summer Race (Cala Tuent → Port de Sóller). 9:30 am runners; 9:45 am popular walk.
Sunday, 31 May, 9:00 am — VI Ciutat de Sóller Archery Trophy. Pati d'Es Puig.
Sa Fira and Es Firó are deeply meaningful for the people of Sóller. They blend heritage, faith, festivity, and resistance in an unforgettable experience. From cultural exhibitions and traditional music to athletic events and folk dancing, the program offers something for everyone — locals and visitors alike.
We advise visiting the Ajuntament de Sóller official website for more information on changes and / or updates. Read the official program here