Religious festivals & traditions
Festa de la Patrona: Pollença’s patron saint festival in August
On 2 August, Pollença celebrates its patron saint – a festival between the patronal mass and historical remembrance.
Quick answer
What is the Festa de la Patrona Pollença?
The Festa de la Patrona is Pollença’s patron saint festival on 2 August in honour of the Mare de Déu dels Àngels. To the religious core of mass and celebration on the Plaça Major comes the Simulacro: the re-enactment of the defence against the corsair Dragut in 1550 by the townspeople under Joan Mas – one of Mallorca’s four big Moros i Cristians (Moors and Christians) festivals.
Fixed date August
Quick facts
- When
- 2 August
- Where
- Plaça Major and Es Glosadors, Pollença
- Duration
- all day, main part in the morning
- Admission
- free
- Audience
- Culture lovers, holidaymakers in northern Mallorca
- Special feature
- Patron saint festival with a historical commemoration
- Date rule
- Fixed date 2 August, the same every year.
Note on currency
This information is updated before each season, in particular the exact daily programme.
Location: Plaça Major and Es Glosadors, Pollença.
What is the Festa de la Patrona?
Pollença celebrates its patron saint on 2 August. The religious core is the patronal mass in the parish church, followed by a celebration on the Plaça Major, the town’s historic centre.
Historically, the festival is linked to the memory of the attack by the corsair Dragut in 1550 and the defence of the town under Joan Mas. On the afternoon of 2 August this clash is re-enacted as the Simulacro: with the cry “Mare de Déu dels Àngels, assistiu-nos!” (Our Lady of the Angels, help us!) the battle between Moros and Cristians begins, then moves through the old-town lanes to the Plaça Major.
Where does it take place?
The centre is the Plaça Major with its arcades and the parish church, plus the adjoining square Es Glosadors. Both are in the middle of the old town and within walking distance of each other.
The Simulacro: the re-enacted battle
The secular highlight is the re-enactment of the 1550 attack. Led by the figure of Joan Mas, the “Cristians” defend the town against the landing “Moros”; the battle cry “Mare de Déu dels Àngels, assistiu-nos!” opens the action. The fighting is done with wooden weapons and black powder right through the lanes to the Plaça Major.
If you want to watch, you need an early spot along the route, sturdy shoes and patience – the lanes are narrow and are closed off section by section. The noise is too much for very young children and dogs.
How it differs from Es Firó in Sóller
Both festivals take up the conflict with Moorish corsairs, but they are separate: Es Firó in Sóller in May is the island’s largest re-enactment, with a landing in the harbour, while the Festa de la Patrona in Pollença combines a patron saint festival and the Simulacro in the old town.
Practical information
The religious part takes place during the day, and the supporting programme goes on into the evening. Pollença is packed in early August: it is best to arrive in the morning or by bus, as the car parks on the edge of town fill up early.
Tips for your visit
- Check the programme at the town hall – the times change every year.
- Arrive in the morning and combine it with a visit to the Calvari steps.
- It is hot on 2 August – look for shade under the arcades of the Plaça Major.
- Restaurants on the square are fully booked on this day – reserve in advance.
Who is it worth it for?
A good fit for:
- Holidaymakers in the north of the island
- Culture lovers
- Anyone who wants to experience Pollença beyond the weekly market
Less suitable for:
- Anyone expecting a large re-enactment – for that, Es Firó in Sóller is the right date
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Frequently asked questions
What is celebrated in Pollença on 2 August?
The town’s patron saint festival in honour of the Mare de Déu dels Àngels, with mass and a celebration on the Plaça Major.
Is it the same as Es Firó in Sóller?
No. Both festivals refer to the defence against the corsairs, but they are separate events in different places and on different dates.
Is there a re-enacted battle in Pollença?
Yes, the Simulacro on the afternoon of 2 August: the defence against the corsair Dragut in 1550 under Joan Mas, played out in the old-town lanes up to the Plaça Major.
Is access free?
Yes, the festival takes place in public spaces and there is no admission charge.
Where exactly does the festival take place?
On the Plaça Major and the adjoining square Es Glosadors in the old town of Pollença.
Next steps
- Devallament Pollença Good Friday in the same town
- Mallorca in August All dates this month
- Es Firó Sóller The big corsair battle in May
- Moros i Cristians in Mallorca The four corsair festivals compared
- Restaurants in Pollença Where to book on the festival day
- Religious festivals & traditions Overview of all religious festivals
This page belongs to the topic area Religious festivals & traditions and can be found at /en-gb/festa-de-la-patrona-pollenca.