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As far as festivities are concerned, the Sóller Valley is mainly known for the Sa Fira and Es Firó festivities. These are some of the most emblematic and historical festivities in Mallorca, in which the victory of the inhabitants of Sóller over the invasion of the Turkish corsairs in 1561 is recreated. However, this is not the municipality's own festival, but rather the patron saint festival of Sant Bartomeu. These festivities are held at the end of August to commemorate the patron saint of the Sóller Valley: Saint Bartholomew. A patron saint who, in turn, gives his name to the town's magnificent central church: La Parròquia de Sant Bartomeu. That is why today we are going to talk about the patron saint festivities of the Sóller Valley, how to experience them and how to discover the essence of this celebration of the Tramuntana.

FRIDAY OF SANT BARTOMEU

The key day of the festival is the 24th of August, the day of Sant Bartomeu, but different cultural events are held from the Friday before the 24th.
Friday is the day when the celebrations begin in the village and is therefore one of the most special days of all the festivities, as the people are excited and
are looking forward to the festivities. So, from 17.00h in the afternoon there are activities for children and for all ages in the Plaça Constitució, such as the "Pal Ensabonat", children's workshops, games, etc; and other activities such as cultural exhibitions in other parts of the municipality.

For this reason, and thanks to our excellent location, we recommend that you leave the Alcázar Hotel by taking a pleasant stroll through the Plaza del Mercado, located right next to the hotel, and then continue walking until you reach the main square of the town. Once there, you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the place, the streets of the centre full of "paradetes" with local and Majorcan handicrafts, both decorative and food, and other typical stalls of the fairs. During that afternoon, the centre is full of life and atmosphere, so having an aperitif in one of the many cafés in the main square and being surrounded by the festive village atmosphere is something that we recommend 100%. It is also worth noting that most of the cafés and restaurants in the centre are fully booked for dinner several weeks in advance, as the locals tend to dine in the square during these festivities, making it very difficult to find a table in the square for dinner. However, after our evening out, we can have dinner at the Alcázar Hotel, and then return to the centre to continue enjoying the festivities and all the events taking place!

On our way back to the main square we can enjoy the atmosphere and the live music concerts and DJ's that take place until the early hours of the morning. It must be said that the location of the Alcázar Hotel means that we are "inside" the party at all times, as from the exit of the hotel we will already find "paradetes" on the street to the right and left and with the possibility of visiting the Plaça Constitució or the attractions, located 50 metres to the left leaving the Alcázar Hotel. So being able to enjoy the party 100% and in total comfort is much easier.

SATURDAY OF SANT BARTOMEU

The Saturday of Sant Bartomeu is perhaps one of the busiest days in the centre as, apart from the "paradetes" and activities typical of the festivities, the "mercadillo" (street market) is also held, as it is every Saturday. A market of food, decoration and textile products typical in many municipalities of Mallorca. Therefore, on Saturday we recommend that you leave the hotel after breakfast and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the centre and its streets full of traditional and cultural products with a lot of history. Likewise, if Saturday falls on the 24th, the solemn mass in honour of the patron saint of Sant Bartomeu is held in the presence of the authorities and the "Valentes dones", very emblematic figures of the Sóller Valley and of the Sa Fira and Es Firó festivities. However, this mass is always held, as well as other events such as open doors in different museums, on the 24th of August, the day of the patron saint. In the afternoon/evening, concerts are held again, such as that of the Municipal Music Band and from 22.00h onwards there are live music performances and DJ's with different and varied styles of music.

SUNDAY OF SANT BARTOMEU

The Sunday of Sant Bartomeu is the last day of the festivities, a very special day on which the "Nit de foc" of the Esclatabutzes takes place at night: one of the oldest "colles" of demons in Mallorca - created in 1996 by the inhabitants of Sóller - and which offers a great scenographic, pyrotechnic and musical show of lights and fire starring their demons and tambo- res (Esclatadrums). The show usually begins with a more theatrical part and ends with a great fire and pyrotechnics display in which the people take an active part.

This show, which brings the Sant Bartomeu festivities to an end, is one of the oldest celebrations in Mallorca, which is why we recommend you see it as it is only held once a year. However, in order to enjoy it to the full, you should be aware of some very important aspects. The "Nit de foc" is a pyrotechnic show performed by a group of "demons", which means that the scenery, sets and costumes of its members can be frightening for the little ones.

Also, we must not forget that it is a spectacle with fire and that the pyrotechnic spikes burn. For this reason, if you want to enjoy the festival to the full, we recommend that you do the same as the locals: dress in old, long-sleeved clothes and go to the fountain in the square just before the show starts to soak your clothes a little and avoid possible burns. Also, if you don't want to "dance" with the "demons" and just want to watch the show, we recommend you to stand as close as possible to the façades that mark the perimeter of the square. This way you can be away from the fire but still experience the spectacle from the inside. On the other hand, the pyrotechnics cause great thunder and noise, so it is a good tip to wear earplugs. The show is usually held around 10.30 pm, so we recommend you to have something to eat before going to the square to experience the "Nit de foc" and get a good place to do so.

Finally, when the show ends in the Plaça Constitució, people go to the market square. This is the place where the Correaigua is held with the collaboration of the firefighters without borders and where the participants can refresh themselves after the fire show. Undoubtedly an unforgettable experience to finish the Fiestas de Sant Bartomeu to the fullest and less than a minute's walk from the Alcázar Hotel Sóller!

If you are staying at our hotel and would like more information about the Fiestas de Sant Bartomeu, timetables or tips, as well as the programme of this year's festivities, please do not hesitate to ask our reception team, who will be happy to help you.

INFORMATION OF INTEREST

Tips to experience the "Nit de Foc" of the Esclatabutzes:

Wear long-sleeved clothes and keep them damp, wear earplugs, stand at the sides of the square if you come with small children.