The Feast of the Standard (in Catalan: Festa de l’Estandard) is celebrated annually on December 31 in the city of Palma de Mallorca. It commemorates the anniversary of the fall and conquest of the city by the forces of King James I of Aragon.
History
The conquest took place between 1229 and 1231. The city of Madina Mayurqa (now Palma) fell in December 1229, although Muslim resistance continued for another two years in the mountainous areas.
This festis considered one of the oldest civic celebrations in Europe, dating back to the 13th century. Furthermore, it is regarded as the oldest festival linked to the history of the Crown of Aragon.
The Crown of Aragon was a political union established in 1137 through the marriage of Petronilla, the daughter of King Ramiro II of Aragon, and Count Ramon Berenguer of Barcelona.
How It Was Celebrated
Over time, the traditions of the feast have evolved, reflecting new cultural and social realities. However, the central event remains the raising of the standard on the central square, Plaça de Cort, in Palma de Mallorca. The celebration begins with official ceremonies, including a proclamation explaining the significance of the day.
As part of the festivities, residents lay flowers at the statue of King James I, located in Plaça Espanya in Palma. The name of the festival is tied to a historical account of a soldier who raised the royal standard on one of the city’s defensive towers, signaling the Christian troops to begin their assault, as there were no Muslim defenders left in the way.
Controversy over Mallorca Commemoration Day
Until 2022, the Festa de l’Estandard was also Mallorca Commemoration Day, or the Diada de Mallorca. However, the incoming right-wing coalition opted to break the link between Mallorca Day and the Festa de l’Estandard in 2023, by shifting Mallorca Day celebrations to September 12.
The decision was officially justified by referencing the succession of King James II on September 12, 1276. This event marked the confirmation of the Carta de Franquesa, a decree laying the foundation for the Kingdom of Mallorca as an autonomous political entity distinct from the Kingdom of Aragon. However, the decision has been controversial. Critics argue that it seeks to break the link between Mallorcan history and its broadly Catalan origins and diminishes the cultural and historical importance of December 31st, which remains celebrated informally through traditional events.
Text by Stefan Rairayan
