Santa Ponsa is more than just a popular holiday resort. The town also has an important place in Mallorcan history, for it was here that Jaime I landed in 1229, to begin his recovery of the island from the Moors. A conquest he described as 'the best thing man has done for a hundred years past'.
Santa Ponsa may look like just another beach resort but it has a permanent place in Mallorcan history. A relief on a large cross above the marina, erected in 1929, records the event.
Nowadays, though, the lively resort has all the holiday facilities you could wish for good beaches, white sands, a pretty marina, plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, and an exciting nightlife. And if all thats not enough, there's also scuba-diving, golf and tennis.
Santa Ponsa is also famous throughout the island for hosting two big Fiestas every year. The 'Rocio' is held during the first weekend in June each year, and is basically a religious festival but, in keeping with all religious festivals in Mallorca these days it becomes a weekend of food, drink and music. It does attracts a lot of people to the town and there is a great selection of side shows and stalls.
The other big fiesta is a 10 day long event held in September to commemorate the landing and conquering of Mallorca by Jaime I in the 13th century. The Fiesta ends on the second weekend of the month with a grand procession through the streets followed by a mock battle between the Moors and Christians on the beach on the Saturday. That night there is a rock concert from 9pm until 4am attracting many top international acts. The whole Fiesta ends with a grand fireworks display at Midnight on the Sunday, the likes of which you've never seen before. It costs the local tax payers around £30,000 each year, but it's worth it!
