So there are a few festivals you have to see once in your lifetime just like the original Holi Festival in India or the Festival of Lights in Thailand. One of them is definitely the Patrona de Pollença on Mallorca!
Why? First of all it's in August, one of the hottest months in Spain, and therefore a great vacation opportunity. Second, there is a whole bunch of hot-looking guys on the streets, and when I say "a bunch" I mean thousands of handsome men of all ages, either painted like terrific pirates or innocently dressed in white.
The Patrona is one of Mallorca's most popular and most traditional Festivals, and commemorates an ancient battle between the Moors (baddies) and the Christians (goodies). It's a week-long celebration that includes a white party on Pollença's plaza, loads of fabulous concerts, marching bands and an exclusive display of fireworks at the end of the battle.
I had such a blast getting carried around by pirates, almost drowning in the crowd, taking pictures of all the beautiful costumes and face paintings (photographer's paradise) and finally watching the fireworks after an insane week full of crazy events and warm-hearted people. Even some of my best Mallorquin friends fought in the battle with real rifles and long wooden sticks, it was pretty scary at times!
I hope you enjoy the snapshots (this is only part one of the Patrona photo series), even though I know the overwhelming impressions of this festival were even more exciting than these photos - long live Pollença!
