Majorcan Medley

A sightseeing tour of northern and western Majorca in the early 1950s.

The film records details of a trip to Majorca, comprising visits to Pollença, Alcudia, and Valldemossa. The film includes footage of street scenes, and people encountered, as well as sightseeing attractions. The film begins in Pollença and records daily activities in street markets as well as the activities of local fisherman, preparing bait, drying and repairing nets. In Alcudia, the film records historic sites dating back to the Roman occupation of the island. Noting the influence of the Moors on the island’s architecture, the film records activities on a farm, including shots of a primitive irrigation system and the animals kept. The film concludes in Valldemossa, recording a fiesta in the town. There are shots of people leaving a religious service in the local church, crowds in the street, a four man band with drums and bagpipes, and dancing, which is watched by a large crowd.

Featured Buildings

Hotel del Puerto, Pollença Roman gateway, Alcudia Xara Gate (Portal del Moll), Alcudia Roman bridge, Pollença Roman theatre, Alcudia San Bartolomé Church, Valldemossa

Featured Events

Valldemossa Fiesta

Keywords

Majorca; Balearic Islands; Roman ruins; Fiestas; Street markets; Irrigation; Bagpipes

Intertitles

The Balearic Islands have belonged to Spain since 1229 when King Jaime freed them from the Moors who had been in possession for 800 years Majorca, the largest of the group is self-supporting. The natives are simple peasant folk, mostly fishermen and farmers PTO. de Pollensa [road sign] Street Markets An Octopus, used as bait by local fisherman The Romans took possession of the island in 125BC. Their capital was Alcudia, round which they built a high wall with two large gates Roman bridge with curious opening in centre pillar for overflow of river Open-air Theatre built by Romans with large stone seats rising in tiers The Moors from North Africa succeeded the Romans from 434 – 1229AD. The effects of their civilising influence are seen today in customs and architecture An old farm with Moorish style of Architecture Drawing water from a well to irrigate the fields Prickly-pear Pomegranates Along the coast and up to the mountain village of Valldemosa which is celebrating a “Fiesta” The holiday begins with High Mass in the old village church The “Fiesta” is ended – the band goes home

Other Places

Pollença; Alcudia; Valldemossa