Es firó à soller, the perfect time to visit Mallorca!

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands. A paradise in the Mediterranean Sea off south-east Spain, this charming island attracts many visitors. With its idyllic beaches, fishing villages and steep cliffs, the island is full of breathtaking scenery and picturesque, authentic spots. The Es Firó festival in Port de Sóller is one of the most popular events on the Iberian island. Es Firó in Sóller, the perfect time to visit Mallorca! You’ll be convinced after reading on.

What is the Es Firó de Sóller festival?

The Es Firó festival is an annual event held in the Mallorcan town of Sóller. It commemorates the Moorish invasion of the island on 11 May 1561. At the beginning of 1561, the Viceroy of Mallorca decided to attack the coast of Algiers and sent two frigates to North Africa. The aim was to combat the numerous pirates posing a formidable threat to the entire Mediterranean. A fleet of Turkish and Algerian pirates invaded Majorca. The defence of the island’s inhabitants, particularly the Christians of Sóller, enabled the invading Moors to flee the island.

The festival celebrating the victory of the Sollerics is celebrated by the villagers through a re-enacted mock battle. The villagers dress up in traditional costumes to represent the Christians and pirate garb to represent the privateers, who also paint their faces black. The victory of the sollerics is celebrated with a huge party, dances, fireworks and other festivities.

Why visit Mallorca during Es Firó de Sóller?

Es Firó is a very important festival for all Mallorcans. It takes place every second Monday in May and is extremely popular. Thousands of costumed locals gather at the Port of Sóller to re-enact the battle and the flight of the Moors. The day is marked by a gathering of locals on the beach, followed by a celebration featuring song, dance, wine and fireworks.

The day is marked by the ringing of Sóller’s bells. The locals divide into two clans: Christians and Moors, to re-enact the battles. They meet in the Plaza de los Estiradors, before heading for the beach at Can Generós. The sollerics simulate the battle in which the Moors were repulsed. The villagers then head to Repic beach for a second battle with music! A final event takes place in the Plaza de la Constitución, where the spurned pirates attempt to sack and pillage the town before being finally repelled by the sollerics.

The festival represents the folklore of the period. It is very lively and noisy. But it’s a must-see if you want to discover some of the island’s history, traditions and folklore. The right time of year, the energy, the infectious good humour and the interest make it a must-see for any visitor to Mallorca.

How can you visit Mallorca during Es Firó de Sóller?

Visiting Mallorca during Es Firó means discovering the many charming places in Sóller. Access to the city is easy for visitors from Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands. A 3023-metre-long road tunnel quickly links the two towns. In the village square, you can obtain information from the tourist office and pick up a map. The town is a delight to stroll through, with its beautiful villas and fragrant orange groves. Among the monuments to visit is a church dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The port and beach are a delight for water sports enthusiasts. There are restaurants just a stone’s throw from the beach.

Outside the harbour, the areas around the Place de la Constitution and the town centre are the most visited and liveliest parts of the town. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants, museums and a church. The Can Prunera Museum of Art Nouveau is well worth a visit. Housed in a magnificent French Art Nouveau-style house, the museum boasts a permanent collection of paintings by artists from all over the world who were part of the Art Nouveau movement.

The town of Sóller also has a magnificent, picturesque tramway running from the valley to the port. In the evening, a stroll along the harbour or the beach is a must. Visiting Mallorca during Es Firó is, of course, a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere. But it’s also an opportunity to take a closer look at the island’s history through its historic monuments and museums.

Mallorca is an Iberian treasure trove of heavenly coves and unspoilt natural surroundings. Visiting the island during Es Firó in Sóller is guaranteed to immerse you in an unforgettably lively and folkloric atmosphere. It’s also an opportunity to discover this pretty town, which is easily accessible from Palma de Mallorca. Not to be missed!