SA FIRA AND ES FIRÓ DE SÓLLER

THE FESTIVAL AND HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT

Song of the Balanguera
Xeremiers de Sóller
Firó de Sóller
Flags of Moors and Christians
Valentes dones infantils 2021
Firó de Sóller Harangue
Battle of Ca'n Generós
Battle on Ca'n Repic beach

If you happen to be in Sóller during the second and third week of May, consider yourself lucky because you'll have the chance to experience one of the biggest, if not the biggest, festivals in our municipality: The Sa Fira i Es Firó festival. While there are various events and activities that take place over the course of these two weeks, we'll focus on the four most intense days of this fantastic celebration that is rich in history, tradition, and culture: Friday, Saturday, Sunday of "Sa Fira", and Monday of "Es Firó".
As many of you already know, the main reason for these festivities is Es Firó, a historical event that is celebrated every year on the first Monday after the second sunday of May and which recreates the invasion of Turkish and Algerian corsairs in the port of Sóller on the 11th of May 1561. An invasion that the residents of Sóller stopped. But before reaching Monday (the last day of the fiestas), there are 3 days of intense festivities in the municipality of Sóller. A festival that you can enjoy to the full thanks to the excellent location of the Gran Hotel Sóller. 

 

FRIDAY OF SA FIRA 

Sa Fira Friday marks the commencement of the highly anticipated Sa Fira and Es Firó celebrations. The day kicks off with a range of cultural and children's activities, but the real fun starts in the late afternoon. At 8 p.m., the Plaça Constitució transforms into a lively hub of excitement with a captivating performance by the local batucada group, "Batu al Món". The crowd eagerly anticipates the "Txupinasso", which signals the start of the festivities and involves the launching of a rocket. To secure a prime viewing location, we recommend arriving on Es Born street at around 19:00h as it fills up quickly with enthusiastic locals. Following the "Txupinasso", it is customary to indulge in dinner before the live music concerts begin at Plaça Constitució from 11 p.m. until the early hours of the morning. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and entertainment!

 

SATURDAY OF SA FIRA 

Sa Fira, on Saturday is a day not to be missed as it offers a plethora of activities and entertainment at the heart of Sóller. At around 11:00h in the morning, the Plaça Constitució comes to life with lively music performances, a bustling street market, and numerous stalls featuring local products, crafts, and much more! At 17:00h, don't miss the stunning Solemn Procession or Ofrena de Flors, where the locals dress up in traditional costumes and offer flowers and citrus fruits to the Mare de Deu. The procession follows a route along Calle de la Luna to Parròquia de St. Bartomeu, so be sure to secure a prime viewing spot to savor this unique moment. After the procession, the peasant flags are raised, and there are popular and traditional dances. From midnight onwards, indulge in the live music concerts featuring local groups of different genres in the enchanting setting of Plaça de l'Alamenda. So come and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment in the magical ambiance of Sóller.

 

 

SUNDAY: SA FIRA 

Immerse yourself in a diverse range of exhibitions and products at Sa Fira's Sunday in Sóller's center and the bustling streets of Cetre and Gran Via. Get captivated with activities such as a racing car exhibition, livestock exhibition featuring horse shoeing demonstrations, sheep shearing displays, a presentation of different horse breeds, rural tools, handicrafts, and more! Take a leisurely walk and delve into the village's unique people and customs. In the evening, unwind with a comedy show at Plaça Constitució or head to the market square near Gran Hotel Sóller to witness another exceptional traditional event: the Revetlla d'armes. Join the peasants in burning rum and revel in the performances of local groups Aires Sollerics and Xeremiers de Sóller. This undoubtedly serves as an excellent precursor to the grand day: Es Firó.

 

MONDAY: ES FIRÓ 

If you haven't experienced Es Firó before, this unique fiesta will leave you speechless. While it's a family-friendly festival, we don't recommend bringing very young children due to the use of pyrotechnics, smoke, and gunpowder cannons, which can be uncomfortable and inappropriate for their health. Additionally, if you want to take part in the festival as an audience, you must purchase wristbands, which are sold every Saturday in front of the town hall. Without these, you won't be able to enter the Plaça Constitució during the festival.

At 15.00h, the bells ring, signaling the sighting of enemy ships. The peasants gather in the Plaça dels Estiradors to head to the Battle. Although not very touristy, visiting this square is a special experience. However, if you want to see the harangue of Captain Angelats in the square at 15.30h, we advise you to quickly head to Plaça Constitució to experience the party. After the harangue, take the free tram to the Port's last stop and witness the battles of Ca'n Generós Beach and Repic Beach. We recommend walking to fully enjoy the experience, and be aware that the locals, especially those dressed as corsairs, have a tradition of painting tourists and peasants. Wear old clothes to fully participate in this tradition.

After the battles of the Port, take the tram back up to Plaça Constitució and secure a good spot to watch the final battle. Although there is a battle at Es Pont d'en Barona near the square, it's better to watch the finale from a good spot. The entrance of the corsairs, peasants, and the most beautiful moment of the festival, the cant de la Balanguera, happens around 9.30 pm. It's a magical moment in which the local people sing this hymn on their knees and give thanks to the Mare de Deu for the victory.

To experience the festivities of Sa Fira i Es Firó is to live some unique and unforgettable days in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range, full of tradition, atmosphere, culture, magic, and history in the Valley of Sóller. It's one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean and a unique privilege. If you're staying at our hotel, don't hesitate to ask us any questions, including where to pick up the festival program or buy the bracelets to fully experience Es Firó and create an unforgettable and unique souvenir.

 

WATCH HERE THE VIDEO OF "ES FIRO 2022" EDITION