Alcudia’s Via Fora
Historical Street Theatre in the Best Setting
Alcudia’s Via Fora street theatre continues in 2024, marking the 20th year of the town’s theatrical talent in their making and telling the story of the old town. It also puts a spotlight firmly on Alcudia’s most significant heritage elements: the Medieval and Renaissance walls.
The dramatized guided tours began as a much smaller affair in 2004. These days the artistic production is a slick event thanks to a grand team of artists, professionals, scriptwriters, technicians, volunteers, musicians and more. Together they work miracles year on year and make the Via Fora a reality.
Every year, scenes are performed at different points around the walls. They are written by and performed to local people so it will all be in Catalan. However, the theatrical experience means you can grasp what is happening and it is well worth heading along to see the spectacle.
Here’s what you can expect in this year’s performance:
Via Fora Scene 1: The Construction of the Walls Location: Porta des Moll
In 1357, Pere the Ceremonious, King of Aragon, remains at war with Pere the Cruel, King of Castile y Leon. Faced with the threat of an attack by the Castilian navy on the coast of Mallorca, Pere el Ceremonious orders work on the walls of Alcudia to be continued. They were started in 1300 by Jaume II of Mallorca, and men — about 800 of them — from surrounding towns were put back to work. Captain of Alcúdia, Guillem Mosqueroles, and the royal bailiff, Bernat de
Moro, were in charge of defending the town which had become the only place that could serve as a refuge for residents of the outer parts of Mallorca should the Castilian army attack.
Via Fora Scene 2: Chained to Privilege 1646 Location: Calle Sant Jaume
We are taken back to July 13, 1648, after the German War in which Alcúdia had taken a clear position in favour of the nobles. In return Emperor Charles V granted Alcúdia the official title of a Faithful City, along with all the privileges that brings. But now the nobles—the same ones that the Alcúdians defended—do not think it right that Alcúdia has the same privileges as in Palma. The viceroy begins, always within the framework of legality, to make movements that will take away the rights Alcudia have just been granted.
Via Fora Scene 3: The Head of Joan Virrei, end of the 17th Century Location: Puerta de San Sebastián
Banditry was a social and political phenomenon that struck Mallorca in the 17th century, when the ruthless fight between the Canamunts and the Canavalls spread throughout the island. Murders between the factions were frequent and the cruelty of their actions was displayed in an exemplary manner among the population. Here is an example.
- This scene is not suitable for children under 12 years old.
Via Fora Scene 4: Yellow fever. 1870 Location: Baluarte de la reina
In 1870, yellow fever was declared in Palma and all the municipalities of the island quickly isolated themselves, creating their own sanitary cordons and quarantine hospitals, as was customary at the time to prevent the entry of the feared epidemic. In this situation, Alcudia had the advantage of having its walls to facilitate the job of cordoning off the area.
Via Fora Scene 5: The Arrival of the Tourists, 1960s Location: Pont de la Vila Roja
This scene takes place on a hot summer’s day in the 1960’s, the city of Alcudia. The town is in full swing as it is the patron saint’s day and tourists from many parts of the world are now becoming the norm in the town’s social landscape.
The tourists’ appearance, especially their way of dressing and behaving, sends shockwaves through the town and disrupts the norms of the local population, some busy with their daily life and others, who are not so busy, observe how life is changing in their town.
This summer the Via Fora will have four performances, two in July and two in August. A huge team are behind what is now a massive production. After 20 years, it is very much a part of the town’s cultural calendar, the Via Fora has a strong future.
For the full programme click here.
