Celebration of the Conquest of Palma starts tomorrow

Carme Feliu, the councillor in charge of culture, yesterday announced details of the three-day programme of events to commemorate the taking of Palma by the troops of King Jaume I, who entered the city on December 31, 1229. Celebrations start at 1pm on Friday, when the council will pay tribute to all its retired functionaries. Events on Saturday start with a concert by the Municipal Band of Palma at 7pm. Half an hour later, there will be a brief religious service at the nearby church of San Miguel, while at 8pm, back in the Plaza España, Professor Pau Cateura Bennàsser will read the official proclamation of the fiesta. This will be followed by the laying of wreaths at the foot of the equestrian statue of the King in the square, which is at present occupied by the stalls of the Christmas market. A party follows, complete with bonfires and barbecues (longaniza and other sausages and fish). Antoni Vera, the president of Fepae which organises the event, criticised the Balearic government for refusing for the second year in succession to give a small bull to be barbecued. Music will be provided by the groups Caliu and Al Mayurqa. On Sunday, the Army will provide a guard of honour which will enter Plaza Cort at 10am, after which the Royal Standard of the Conquest and the helmet of King Martin will be placed in the centre of the square.