Grape battle in Binissalem. | M. PUIGROS
Binissalem and Vilafranca compete for the Mallorca crown of who first invented the so-called ‘neo-fiesta’, which typically involves a battle of some description.
Neither claim may actually be valid, as ‘El Cosso’ in Felanitx - not a battle - probably predates both. But whoever has the honour, there’s little doubt that these neo-fiestas can produce quite a spectacle - if you like watching people getting filthy that is. The grape battle for the Vermar Fiestas in Binissalem is the filthiest of the lot. You might expect this to be case, given that loads of grapes are being thrown around.
The battle, as with other neo-fiestas, has its mock ceremony and an opening address prior to the grapes being hurled. It is a highlight of the first weekend of the Vermar Fiestas, another being the grape-treaders competition on Sunday afternoon.