If you are lucky enough to be in Port de Sóller on the Monday following the second weekend in May, then you must be sure to take a look at THE biggest historic event of the year. The village, usually an idyllic place, goes crazy, with locals and visitors participating in a colorful, loud spectacle that is unique on the island to celebrate Port de Sóller’s special story. The "Es Firó" in Sóller takes place on May 12, 2025, but the festivities kick off on Thursday, May 8.

So what’s the deal? On May 11, 1561 Algerian invaders, landed on the beach at Port de Sóller. The Sóllerics defended their village so vigorously that the Arab pirates retreated and made a second attempt to land, at d’en Repic beach. They overran the Sóllerics and stormed Sóller. But they hadn’t reckoned with the town’s brave women (the “valentes dones”), who began attacking them with pokers while their men were still fighting on the beach. The final battle took place on Sóller’s market square (“Plaça Constitució”), where courageous Captain Angelats and the local peasants were able to rout the attackers.

All of this is reenacted with great passion – and without much regard for political correctness. The reenactment is a very boisterous affair. At 4.00 p.m. the pirates – played by locals dressed in historic costumes – storm the beach, where the Sóllerics are already lying in wait. Everyone wears traditional clothing and is armed with wooden swords, catapults, and shotguns. It takes a few hours until victory is finally achieved, and this lively festival includes lots of shouting and deafening explosions!

Attention: If you're wearing a straw hat, it might be snatched off your head by a "Christian" and thrown into the air – where it will then be shot at!