Canamunt i Canavall 2025: the 10th water gun battle arrives

The most anticipated party of the year in Palma is here: Canamunt i Canavall 2025. Organised by Orgull Llonguet, this iconic water gun battle, which has its roots in a historic conflict between two city factions, has become a celebration that unites tradition, fun, and community. The neighbourhoods of Canamunt and Canavall have been at odds since the 17th century, when a stream divided the city into two rival territories. Although the stream no longer exists, the rivalry continues, but now in the form of a festive and colourful water fight.

Traditionally, members of Canamunt dress in red, while those of Canavall choose yellow. Although participants can be guided by their place of residence, nowadays it is not mandatory for neighbours of one side to live in their historical territory. Even in the past, there were infiltrators who lived in enemy territory.

Canavall parade in a previous edition. Photos: www.canamuntcanavall.com.

On Sunday 7 September, the highlight of the programme arrives with the Canamunt i Canavall 2025 water gun battle, which this year celebrates its tenth edition. At 16:00, Canamunt troops gather at Plaça Sant Jeroni, while Canavall troops meet at Plaça Drassanes. From there, both sides march in parades, accompanied by batucadas and brass bands, towards the Parc de la Mar, where the battle will begin at 17:00. Judge Berga, faithful to tradition, will attempt to stop the conflict and send all the bandits home, although he has never succeeded so far. Once the battle begins, anything goes: strategically placed pools allow participants to reload their water guns and continue the fight. The battle ends when Judge Berga is symbolically “defeated”, bringing the conflict to a close.

Official T-shirts

The official T-shirts, through which Orgull Llonguet self-manages the event, can be purchased for €10 – cash only – on 2, 3, and 4 September at Plaça Espanya from 18:00 to 21:00. They are also available at the Melicotó shop (c/ Blanquerna, 32) throughout the week during business hours (10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00). In addition to helping fund the water gun battle and the rest of the festive activities, those wearing the official T-shirt will enjoy special prices at the bar set up in Parc de la Mar on the day of the event.

Canamunt i Canavall 2025 Programme

5 September

19:30 – Plaça de Cort. Penjada de blasons (Hanging of coats of arms): Joana Daviu (17th century, hanged for disguising herself as a man, banditry, and murder) will give the opening speech with the display of coats of arms.
20:30 – Ses Voltes. Sopar de colles (Group dinner): Bring your food and share it. This is the space of brotherhood of the banners. It is recommended to dress in yellow or red. There will be a bar service at popular prices, and you can bring your own cups.

7 September

16:00 – Agrupament de banderies (Gathering of banners):
- Canamunt: Plaça Sant Jeroni. Wear a red T-shirt.
- Canavall: Plaça Drassanes. Wear a yellow T-shirt.
- The groups will gather in their respective squares to start the route towards the battle. They will have a leader, brass band, and batucada.
17:00 – Parc de la Mar. Batalla de banderies (Battle of banners): The greatest battle in the city between the two banners. There will also be a “Children’s battle” next to the bars. Respect the Cabos de Guaita and dry areas. Civility and respect are required.

8 September

20:00 – Carrer de Sant Pere Nolasc. Enterro d’En Berga (Funeral): It is recommended to dress in black and bring a candle. The meeting point will be at Carrer de Sant Pere Nolasc, 11-13, the original place where Judge Berga was murdered. This event marks the end of the festival, with peace and truce.