Life in Pollença

The  time is fast approaching for “La Patrona” here in Pollensa.  This is where the village re-enacts the battle between the Moores and the Christians.

On the 2nd August every year, the village of Pollensa remembers how they fought against the Moorish pirates to save the village and the honour of  it daughters.  The event starts in July, where all the villagers vote for who will play which part in the re-enactment of the battle.  Plus of course all the events that build up to it.

La Patrona 2009

Juan Mas 2009

To watch the actual battle is essential to understand how incredible a feat this was as you an see in these  videos from 2008 and 2009,  especially the beginning, where Juan Mass jumps out of the window and calls out at the top of his voice ” Pollensines,  Pollensines we will not surrender” and the two sides then charge to one another and so the battle begins.  It is impossible to watch this without becoming emotional, as you realise that the Pollesines were only humble farmers, fighting with all they had from farming against the experienced well armed pirates.

La Patron 2008

2008

Recovery day for Pollença today.

As always San Antone is my favourite fiesta and the perfect opportunity to discover what Pollença is all about.

I spend the day watching and enjoying the interaction between people and the tolerance shown to those who indulged a little too much.   The none aggression is a tribute to the local people especially as each year more and more go to experience their special day.

The aggression is saved for the tree later when they hype themselves up to climb to the top,  in the alcohol indulged state the aggression can overflow to each other but is not usually more than an attempt at a punch which is usually stopped by those around, ending up in laughter at the idiot who tried it, or worse,  sending him home to his mother.

The things best remembered are the girls dancing,  while musicians play instruments that have been played here for centuries and rockets whoosh into the sky and explode with loud bangs.  People sat on top of the tree, as it makes it way down the hill to the town  and as drunk as they are a young man saying  ”make way for the señora she wants to pass” .

It is an amazement to me that even though I am surrounded by thousands of people and in a confined space at times ,  I am not thumped shoved or pushed.

Thank you Pollença for these and other wonderful experiences.