Historical Street Theatre in the Best Setting
Alcudia’s Via Fora street theatre continues in 2025, marking the 21st 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 2025’s performance:
Introduction: The Talaier, 14th Century
A talaier, located at the observation point of Sa Atalaya in Alcúdia, on a hot summer night, suddenly sees an image on the horizon that leaves him paralyzed: the initial fog on the horizon is fading away, revealing a band of ships, specifically galleys, slowly approaching Alcúdia…
Via Fora Scene 1: The Construction of the Walls
Location: Porta des Moll
The construction of the walls of Alcúdia began around 1300, during the reign of King James II of Mallorca. Later in the century the War of the Two Peters (1356-1375), between Peter the Ceremonious (King of the Catalan-Aragonese Crown) and King Peter the Cruel (King of the Crown of Castile). King Peter the Ceremonious ordered in 1357 the Castilian armada continue to be defended off the coast of Mallorca.
Men from the different towns, outside of Palma, worked on the construction in different shifts, totalling around 800 people. The town’s defence was in the hands of the Captain of Alcudia, Guillem Mosqueroles, and the Royal Mayor, Bernat de Moror. Alcudia was the only town that could serve as a refuge for the inhabitants of the ‘Part Forana’, the outer part of Mallorca in the event of a Castilian attack.
Via Fora Scene 2: The Black Death reaches Alcudia.
Location: Cova de sa Murada, St Jaume Church
It’s 1348, and a new threat reaches Alcudia: the plague. This terrible epidemic wiped out a third of Europe’s population. In Mallorca, the first case of death from the plague documented in Alcudia was a man named Guillem Brassa.
The local authorities try to hide it, but it’s too late. Despite their efforts, the events unfolding give rise to a curious situation.
Via Fora Scene 3: 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 4: 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 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.