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Pollensa.—In summer 2011, the town council in Pollensa decided to cancel the traditional firework display which ends the Moors and Christians festival for lack of funds. The same scenario was expected this year but a group of residents had joined forces to find the money to put on the display to keep what they see as an integral part of the celebrations alive.

Disappointingly, despite their efforts, there were still no festival fireworks yesterday. “The residents handed in the application and other paperwork necessary to get the display authorised but it was too late for us to get all the permits together in time,” said the Mayor of Pollensa Bartomeu Cifre. “I can't authorise the fireworks without the proper licence,” he explained. He said that it is necessary to get permission from the Roads department of the Council of Majorca, from the Environment department, the Majorcan fire service and even the Central Government delegation in the Balearics.

The “firework lobby” had managed to collect 3'000 euros to put on a display of light, colour and sound which would have lasted eight minutes. The Pollensa residents association or Associació de Veïns were reportedly the group which had contributed the most, around 1'500 euros, and one single resident in the area had actually seen fit to donate 1'000 euros. Cifre praised the private action of the Pollensa residents: “I am sorry, particularly as the residents made such an independent effort, but they should have started their mission at least two months ago.” So, as per last year, the Moors and Christians mock battle finished yesterday in Plaça Major with a tribute to the defenders and a performance by the local Music Band.