On September 3, Palma transforms into a giant water arena when two rival teams, known as "Canamunt and Canavall", provide wet action with their water cannons. It gets wild, fun and wet in Palma when yellow takes on red. This year, the Parc de la Mar, at the foot of the Cathedral in Palma, and the Plaza Juan Carlos I is the setting for this historically inspired spectacle that recalls the epic conflicts that took place at the end of the 16th century between these two noble factions in Palma de Mallorca and throughout the island.
This unique water battle dates back to the centuries-old conflict between the opposing neighborhoods of Canamunt and Canavall. Partiers and waterproofs are divided into two groups and fight each other with a variety of water projectiles.
In a true spectacle, the participants divide into two groups: The yellows represent Canamunt, while the reds proudly represent Canavall. Armed with water pistols, they plunge into battle laughing and shrieking.
The decision for one's side must be made in advance. The Reds meet at 4 pm in Plaça Sant Jeroni, while the Yellows gather at the same time in Plaça Drassanes. After a proper warm-up and full of anticipation, both groups move towards Plaça Joan Carles I, where the battle is ignited at 5pm. The wet spectacle ends only when the water runs out or the clock counts 20 hours.
For the youngest participants there is a "Batalleta infantil" - a safe area where they can let off steam under supervision.
The event was created years ago by the organization Orgull Llonguet to strengthen the sense of community among the younger residents of Palma. After all, Palma is a place of meeting, celebration and festivity. In this sense, let's go to battle!"
Waterproofs threatened by drought
Due to the threat of drought, Palma City Council stops the flow of water at various water festivals, including the water battles in Canamunt and Canavall. Organizers must either cancel or organize private water supplies to keep the festivities going. Organizers stress that they will continue the festival.
Every year, the city council has generously supplied 18,000 liters of water for the epic Citizens' Water Battle, which has been celebrated in Palma since 2016 and has now become one of the hottest events in the city.
This year, however, due to the threat of drought, the city government has decided to turn off the tap for this spectacular event. However, the organizers are determined to continue the party on their own.
Program
The participants of the big water fight can buy their T-shirts (in pink or yellow) for 10 euros at the boutique "Melicotó" in Blanquerna Street.
The water battle of Canamunt and Canavall 2023 is one of the most anticipated summer events in Palma. Participants appear with water guns in the colors of the two factions. The preparation for the water battle begins on Sunday at 16:00 with the meeting of the gangs of Canamunt and Canavall in their usual places (Sant Jeroni and Plaza Drassana). A band and drummers accompany the gangs until the actual battle in the Parc de la Mar, which begins at 17:00.
The program of the festivals of Canamunt and Canavall 2023 includes the hanging of coats of arms on Friday at 19:30 in Cort. Likewise, the community dinner of the gangs, which will be held in Ses Voltes from 20:30. Finally, on Monday, September 4, the funeral of "en Berga" will take place in the street of Sant Pere Nolasc, marking the end of the festivities. Participants wear black and hold a candle. The meeting takes place at numbers 11-13, the place where the judge Berga was murdered. This event symbolizes the end of the festival, peace and truce.
Canamunt and Canvall history
The story of this water battle of Canamunt and Canavall recalls the clashes between the two noble factions that took place in Palma and Mallorca at the end of the 16th century: Canamunt and Canavall.
The causes of this conflict are complex and go back to the noble disputes in Mallorca in previous centuries. The nobility's attempt to control political and economic power in Mallorca after the Germanías civil wars, protracted disputes among the nobles and the race for noble titles equal to the Spanish nobility played an important role.
Originally, the conflict began between urban noble groups, but expanded to include other out-of-town groups that sought protection and support from the powerful noble factions. In addition, the nobles organized private groups to pursue their goals, and within these, out-of-town bandit gangs were also active. These noble groups operated mainly in the city, but also sent bandits to carry out acts of revenge and provided logistical support to other friendly gang movements throughout Mallorca.
