Calvià, 21 August 2026. Mateo García Bennàssar, from the Berenguer de Palou group, has been chosen as king En Jaume, and Óscar Blanco Domingo, from the Ali oli group, will be the Moorish king Abu-Yahya during the Rei En Jaume Festivals in Santa Ponça.
Process of choosing the kings
The Christian and Saracen groups voted for their representatives after the candidates passed various tests of motivation, skill, and historical knowledge. The mayor of Calvià, Juan Antonio Amengual, crowned the Christian king, while the deputy mayor, Manuel Mas, conducted the coronation of the Moorish king.
The candidates shared their motivations on stage, demonstrated their sword-wielding skills, and answered questions about the history related to the event.
Dates and activities of the festivals
The Rei En Jaume Festivals will take place from 26 August to 6 September 2026, commemorating the 797th anniversary of the landing of King James I's troops on the island. The official opening will take place on Thursday, 27 August, with a commemorative event at the Cruz de Santa Ponça, featuring a speech by Carlos Fuentes, rector of several parishes in the municipality.
The highlight of the festivities will be the historical recreation, scheduled for the first weekend in September. On Friday, 4 September, there will be a Moorish parade, and on Saturday, 5 September, the landing of the Christian troops and the grand final battle will take place on the beach of Santa Ponça.
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