Pollença is the place to be today

If you like noise and being jostled by crowds, then Pollença is the place for you today as the town prepares to repel a pirate attack in a re-enactment of a battle which actually took place on May 30, 1550. The fighting starts in the Plaça de l'Almoina and goes along the Carrer Major, Plaça de Sant Jordi and Carrer March to the Can Escarrinxo soccer ground where once again, the Pollencins, under the command of local hero Joan Mas defeat the pirates. Competition to play the leading roles is fierce and this year, Rafel Oliver won the elections to portray Joan Mas, who raises the alarm and leads the defenders. His opponent, the famous pirate Dragut, is Jaume Colomar, a close friend, although both men say that this will not make the battle any less fierce. A few changes have been made to this year's programme, but all the traditions have been respected. The local band will play the Alborada outside the Mayor's summer residence in the Port of Pollença at 8am. Flags will be draped along many balconies, the red and black flag representing Pollença and the yellow flag with a crescent representing the pirates.