Festivals & Events
Es Firó: the pirate battle of Sóller
Gunpowder smoke over the beach, pirates storming out of the sea – once a year Sóller re-enacts the pirate attack of 1561.
Es Firó commemorates the repelling of a pirate attack in 1561; it is played out in the harbour and the town centre.
Quick answer
What can visitors expect at Es Firó?
Es Firó is the annual re-enactment of the 1561 pirate raid on Sóller. Hundreds of costumed participants land in the harbour of Port de Sóller and fight a battle with black powder against the “Christians” that extends into the old town. Watching is free.
still to be officially confirmed May
Quick facts
- When
- Monday after the second Sunday in May (2026: 11 May; 2027 expected: 10 May)
- Where
- Port de Sóller and Sóller
- Duration
- several days, highlight in the morning and afternoon
- Admission
- free
- Audience
- Culture lovers, photographers, families with ear protection
- Special feature
- Landing of the “pirates” on the beach at Port de Sóller
Note on the date
Es Firó takes place on the Monday after the second Sunday in May and closes the Fira de Sóller (2026: 11 May, a local holiday in Sóller). For 2027 this points to 10 May; the official programme of the municipality of Sóller is authoritative.
Location: Port de Sóller and Sóller.
What is Es Firó?
On 11 May 1561, Ottoman corsairs landed in the bay of Sóller and were driven back by the local population. Sóller has been re-enacting this episode for centuries – with historical costumes, drumming groups and large quantities of black powder.
Unlike the Moros i Cristians festivals in Pollença or on the Spanish mainland, Es Firó is less a show for spectators than a local event: almost every family in Sóller takes part through one of the groups.
Programme and best viewing points
The day begins with a procession and a speech in Sóller. The visual highlight is the landing on the beach at Port de Sóller: boats sail into the bay, the “pirates” wade ashore, and it gets loud and smoky. The action then moves as a street battle towards the town centre.
For photos, the promenade above the beach is the best spot – there you stand higher than the crowd. Close to the water you get the more packed shots, but also the most gunpowder smoke.
Getting to Sóller
Sóller can be reached by the historic train from Palma and then by tram on to Port de Sóller – the most relaxed option on the festival day, because the town is practically closed to cars.
By hire car you can drive through the tunnel, but parking spaces in the harbour fill up early. If you want to park, be there in the morning.
Tips for your visit
- Bring ear protection for children – the bangers are very loud.
- Wear clothes that can cope with powder marks.
- Secure a spot on the promenade early, not just before the landing.
- Travel by train and tram instead of by car.
Who is it worth it for?
A good fit for:
- Photographers
- Culture travellers interested in living tradition
- Families with older children
Less suitable for:
- People sensitive to noise
- Anyone planning a quiet beach day in Port de Sóller
Similar dates
More festivals & events
-
Sant Antoni
Showers of sparks in narrow lanes, devils with torches, sausages over open fires – Sant Antoni is one of the most traditional festivals of the Mallorcan winter.
-
Sant Sebastià
Several stages, one old town, one night: Palma celebrates its patron saint with free live music on almost every larger square.
-
Nit de Sant Joan
Jumping over the fire, into the sea at midnight – in Mallorca the shortest night of the year is celebrated on the beach.
-
Moros i Cristians
Four towns, one story: the defence against Moorish corsairs as street theatre with hundreds of performers.
-
Fira del Ram
From the end of February into April, a large funfair sets up on the edge of Palma.
-
New Year’s Eve in Mallorca
Twelve chimes, twelve grapes – and then a night that Palma spends out on the streets.
Frequently asked questions
Is real gunpowder used at Es Firó?
Yes, the groups fire black powder without projectiles. This produces loud bangs and thick smoke, but it is organised and secured.
Is Es Firó suitable for children?
Yes, with ear protection and some distance. Toddlers are overwhelmed by the landing on the beach; the parade in the old town is much calmer.
When does Es Firó take place?
On the Monday after the second Sunday in May, closing the Fira de Sóller – 11 May in 2026, expected to be 10 May in 2027. The official programme of the municipality of Sóller is authoritative.
Next steps
This page belongs to the topic area Festivals & Events and can be found at /en-gb/feste-veranstaltungen/es-firo-soller.
Image credits: Flags on the Plaça in Sóller during the Firó: Photo Joan Gené, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons