Every summer, the historic streets of Pollença are transformed into the setting for one of Mallorca’s most spectacular and cherished festivals. Music fills the squares, cannon fire echoes through the old town, thousands of people gather dressed in white for the famous Marxa Fresca, and on 2 August the town relives one of the most important moments in its history with the dramatic Battle of the Moors and Christians.
Known simply as La Patrona, the festival celebrates Mare de Déu dels Àngels (Our Lady of the Angels), the patron saint of Pollença, whose feast day falls on 2 August. While its religious origins remain an important part of the celebrations, today’s festival is a unique blend of history, tradition, culture, music and community spirit that attracts thousands of visitors from across Mallorca and beyond each year.
Whether you’re visiting for a single evening or planning to experience the entire programme, this guide explains everything you need to know, from the fascinating history behind the festival to the biggest events, local traditions and practical tips to help you make the most of La Patrona 2026.
Everything you need to know about La Patrona 2026
A Celebration More Than 475 Years in the Making
Although La Patrona honours the patron saint of Pollença, the festival is best known for commemorating the events of the night of 30–31 May 1550, when the Ottoman corsair Dragut launched an attack on the town.
According to local history, the people of Pollença, led by Joan Mas, successfully defended the town against Dragut’s forces. Their victory has become one of the defining moments in the municipality’s history and is remembered every year through the Simulacre de Moros i Cristians (Mock Battle of the Moors and Christians), which has become the most famous event of the festival.
The first documented references to the Simulacre date back to 1860, although historians believe the tradition may have begun even earlier. Today it remains one of Mallorca’s most iconic historical re-enactments, drawing thousands of spectators to Pollença’s narrow streets every year.
Who is Joan Mas and Dragut?
If you’re visiting La Patrona for the first time, you’ll hear two names mentioned again and again.
Joan Mas is remembered as the local hero who rallied the people of Pollença during the 1550 attack. During the Simulacre, he leads the Christian defenders through the town before confronting Dragut and his invading corsairs.
Dragut, one of the most feared Ottoman corsairs of the sixteenth century, represents the attacking force in the re-enactment. Together, the two characters recreate one of the defining moments in Pollença’s history and form the centrepiece of the celebrations every 2 August.
One of Mallorca's Most Unique Traditions: The Public Vote
Unlike many historical festivals, the leading roles in Pollença’s Simulacre are not appointed by the town hall.
Instead, local residents vote to decide who will portray Joan Mas, Dragut, the Lieutenant, the Standard Bearer and the members of the historic Ajuntament Vella.
The tradition of electing the principal characters by public vote has been in place since 1988 and has become an event in its own right, reflecting the pride the local community has in preserving the festival.
Meet the 2026 Winners
The 2026 election took place on 17 July and attracted a record level of participation, with more than 4,400 votes cast according to the Ajuntament de Pollença.
This year’s Joan Mas (the Christian leader and local hero) will be portrayed by Daniel Pérez Alberti, who secured 1,325 votes (30.0%), finishing ahead of Marc Vila Font (674 votes), Toni Torrandell Mesquida (623 votes) and Jaume Cifre Costa (482 votes).
The roles of Dragut, Lloctinent (Lieutenant) and Abanderat (Standard Bearer) were won by Rafael Morro Aguilar, Marc Llompart Cifre and Miquel Alfonsín Torres after receiving 1,029 votes (23.3%). It was a closely fought contest, with the runners-up, Joan Gutiérrez Cantallops, Miquel Llompart Cañaves and Nico García Mir, receiving 970 votes (22.0%).
The Ajuntament Vella (Old Town Council) team for 2026 will be Toni Cànaves Llobeta, Biel Bauzà Manresa, Martí Cladera Cifre and Tolo Villarreal Polar, who were elected with 2,445 votes (55.8%), ahead of Rafael Cárdenas Fiol, Antoni Ochogavía Cerdà, Rafael Rotger Alberti and Tòfol Ferriol Vila, who received 1,937 votes (44.2%).
The Main Events of La Patrona 2026 - what to look out for.
The celebrations span more than two weeks, with something happening almost every day. While every event has its own atmosphere, a handful have become true highlights of the summer calendar.
17 July – Election Day
The festival begins with the public election, officially launching this year’s celebrations.
24 July – Dragut Fest
Named after the infamous corsair himself, Dragut Fest has quickly become one of the most anticipated opening events of La Patrona, bringing together live entertainment and setting the tone for the festivities ahead. Event Information
25 July – Avalanx Concert
Live music continues with one of the festival’s biggest free concerts, helping to transform the town centre into a lively summer celebration.
26 July – Canonades and the Pregó
The ceremonial proclamation (Pregó) officially opens the main week of festivities, accompanied by the traditional cannon fire that echoes through the streets of Pollença.
29 July – Festa Jove Neó (Glow Party)
One of the newest additions to the programme, the Glow Party is aimed at younger festival-goers and offers a vibrant evening of music and entertainment.
31 July – Marxa Fresca (The White Party)
Perhaps the best-known party of the entire festival, Marxa Fresca sees thousands of people dressed almost entirely in white fill the streets and Plaça Major for an unforgettable night of music.
One simple piece of advice: wear white. It’s not compulsory, but you’ll certainly feel part of the celebration.
1 August – Revetla de la Nit de l'Alborada
The eve of La Patrona brings another night of concerts and celebrations before one of the festival’s oldest traditions begins before sunrise.
2 August - The day of The Battle LA PATRONA
Before dawn, musicians walk through the streets performing the traditional Alborada, a piece first performed in 1882 by Nicolás de Castro that has become one of the defining sounds of the festival.
Throughout the morning, religious celebrations honour Mare de Déu dels Àngels, while the restored Cossiers dances, reintroduced in 1981 after disappearing for 71 years, provide one of the most colourful spectacles of the day.
Then, at around 7pm, thousands of people line the streets for the event everyone has been waiting for.
Beginning at Plaça de l’Almoina, Joan Mas confronts Dragut before the famous battle unfolds through Carrer Major and towards Sant Jordi, complete with cannon fire, charging crowds and the dramatic retreat of the corsairs. The Simulacre concludes with the Christians capturing the corsair flag before giving thanks in the parish church, faithfully preserving a tradition that has defined La Patrona for generations.
Top Tips for Visitors
- If you’re planning to watch the Battle of the Moors and Christians with young children, choose a safe viewing spot well in advance. The narrow, cobbled streets become extremely crowded with thousands of spectators, which can be overwhelming for young children and makes it easy to become separated.
- Wear white if you’re attending Marxa Fresca (the White Party). While not compulsory, it’s a long-standing tradition and most people join in.
- Expect temporary road closures, traffic restrictions and limited parking throughout the festival, particularly on 2 August. Consider using public transport or arriving early.
- If you want a good view of the Battle of the Moors and Christians, arrive well in advance. The best viewing locations fill up quickly, especially around Plaça de l’Almoina.
- Respect the participants and follow the guidance of event stewards. The Simulacre de Moros i Cristians is one of Mallorca’s most treasured historical re-enactments and an important part of Pollença’s cultural heritage.
Frequently asked questions
What is La Patrona in Pollença?
La Patrona, officially known as the Festes de la Patrona, is Pollença’s annual patron saint festival celebrating Mare de Déu dels Àngels (Our Lady of the Angels). Held each summer, the festivities combine religious ceremonies, concerts, cultural events and the famous Simulacre de Moros i Cristians (Battle of the Moors and Christians), which commemorates the successful defence of Pollença against the Ottoman corsair Dragut in 1550.
When is La Patrona celebrated?
La Patrona takes place every year in late July and culminates on 2 August, the feast day of Mare de Déu dels Àngels, the patron saint of Pollença. While the exact programme varies each year, celebrations typically last for more than two weeks and include live music, family activities, sporting events, traditional ceremonies and historical re-enactments.
What is the Battle of the Moors and Christians?
The Simulacre de Moros i Cristians (Mock Battle of the Moors and Christians) is the highlight of La Patrona. It recreates the events of 1550, when the people of Pollença, led by local hero Joan Mas, defended the town against an attack by the Ottoman corsair Dragut. Hundreds of local participants dress in period costume and recreate the battle through the streets of the old town, attracting thousands of spectators every year.
Is La Patrona worth visiting?
Absolutely. La Patrona is widely regarded as one of Mallorca’s most authentic and spectacular festivals. Whether you’re interested in history, traditional Mallorcan culture, live music or simply experiencing one of the island’s biggest celebrations, La Patrona offers something for everyone. The combination of centuries-old traditions, community spirit and unforgettable events makes it one of the highlights of the Balearic summer.
Is La Patrona free to attend?
Yes. La Patrona events, including concerts, Marxa Fresca and the Battle of the Moors and Christians, are free to attend.
Where is the best place to watch the Battle of the Moors and Christians?
The battle begins around Plaça de l’Almoina before moving through Carrer Major and the surrounding streets of Pollença. Arriving at least one to two hours early is recommended, as the streets become extremely crowded and viewing space is limited.
However, getting a good spot is not a given and is usually quite hard, the battle moves on towards the football field at the entrance of La Font on the outskirts of Pollença (next to the restaurant La Brasseria for reference).Positioning here is often much better as there is alot more space and vantage points.
Why You Should Experience La Patrona
There are many summer festivals in Mallorca, but few combine history, tradition and community quite like La Patrona. For more than four centuries, the people of Pollença have kept alive the memory of one of the town’s defining moments, while continuously adding new events that ensure the festival remains as vibrant today as ever.
Whether you come for the music, the White Party, the historic battle, or simply to experience one of Mallorca’s most authentic celebrations, La Patrona offers an unforgettable insight into the island’s culture. It’s not just one of Pollença’s biggest events, it’s one of the highlights of yearly calnedar on the island and an experience every visitor to Mallorca should witness at least once.
Discover more on TOTN
