What is
Reenactment of the victory of Sóller over the pirates in 1561. It is not a parade of Valencian-style troupes: it is a theatrical battle through the streets, port and beach, with the entire town dressed as pagès or Moor.
On i quan
- Sóller, on Monday of the Fira, around Sant Ponç (May 11). The Fira is the second Sunday in May.
Personatges and objects
- Christians: dressed in pageants, with the Sant Jordi creu.
- Moors: dressed as pirates, with the moon mitja; painted face
- Ses Valentes Dones: the heroines of the day.
- Capità Angelats: brings together the pagesos.
- Almirall Otxalí: proclaims the false pirate victory.
- Pardoned trabucaires who join the Christians.
- Gunpowder weapons (to verify typology and regulations).
How is
1. Wreath offering at the monument to heroes; Mass in Can Tamany, home of the Valentes Dones.
2. Meeting of payments; The forgiven bandits join them.
3. Pirate landing in Can Generós; fighting in the Port, the platja d'en Repic and the pont d'en Barona.
4. Looting of the town; final defeat of the Moors in the square.
5. Proclamation of victory and thanks to the Mare de Déu de la Victòria; closing with La Balanguera and return of the Virgin to the Hospici chapel.
Vocabulary
- Firó: the day after the Fira, the day of the battle.
- Valentes Dones: the Casasnovas sisters, heroines of Can Tamany (please check names).
- pagès / moro: both sides.
- trabucaire: bandit armed with a blunderbuss.
History
- 5/11/1561: pirate attack on Sóller and local victory.
- Since 1562: it is celebrated every year.
- 1855: current form of the festival.
Protection
- BICIM (FIC). Plenary of the Consell 8/10/2015; BOIB 165, 11/10/2015.
Why is it design
- City as a setting: the route is the real geography of the attack.
- Participatory clothing: each neighbor designs his page or his pirate; Minimum rules, enormous variety.
- Two symbols: cross and crescent organize thousands of people.
For the project
- Face painting and Moorish costume workshop: who does it, materials.
- See the Sóller Sea Museum as a context for coastal defense.
Frequently asked questions
What is Firó de Sóller (Moros i Cristians)?
Reenactment of the victory of Sóller over the pirates in 1561. It is not a parade of Valencian-style troupes: it is a theatrical battle through the streets…
What are the traditional words for Firó de Sóller (Moros i Cristians)?
Some words: Firó, pagès / moro, trabucaire, Valentes Dones.
Sources
Working text from the Disseny Indígena knowledge base, machine-translated from Spanish.