Moors and Christians in reverse

Bunyola will point to its underwear race for the Sant Mateu Fiestas, Binissalem to its grape battle for the Vermar grape harvest fiestas, but Santa Ponsa’s Rei en Jaume Fiestas arguably represent the climax of the summer season of fiestas.

The great highlight is of course the clash between the Moors and Christians, which differs to other Moors and Christians in spring and summer (Soller, Pollensa, Sant Elm) and in autumn (Valldemossa) in that it is the Christians who are the invaders. The history is older - by at least three centuries - but the contemporary re-enactment is similar in principle. It’s a chance for everyone to dress up and stage mock battles.

This year’s Moors and Christians will be on Saturday, September 9. The fiestas will get under way on August 31 with the traditional addresses by the Cross. The Nit de Foc (demons correfoc) will be on September 5, and the fiestas will end with fireworks on the tenth.