Hi 'CD',
Wrote this review a few days back on Trip advisor. Save typing again, here goes:
The "Battle" is always held on August 2nd. I was there a few years ago and the experience is quite amazing. One thing to remember is that it gets very, very crowded! I positioned myself on the steps outside the
Hotel Jordi at 5pm, a good couple of hours before the battle starts at 7pm I had no idea at the time whether I'd picked a good or bad vantage point, but soon realised it was pivotal to the celebration.
You mention the fact that your daughter is five. Does she scare easily? As I mentioned it does get very, very busy and crowded, and particularly noisy, with gunshots etc., but a fantastic spectacle it certainly is. As i mentioned, I stood on the steps outside the little church by the Hotel Jordi. Being elevated it enabled me to have a good view, so will allow your daughter to see the battle. Also, they do fire muskets from this position, and they are extremely loud.
Regarding the restaurants, I'm sure you wouldn't find many open, certainly not in the centre, as it's a festival that seems to involve all the people of the town! Most of the restaurants set up 'drinks' stalls outside, but am sure these didn't sell food.If you want to get a 'feel' of the action I took half a dozen shots and you can find them hiding in the following link to my Mallorca photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/373997...7594506753547/
Hope this has been helpful, and that you have a great time. Also, remember to Google 'La Patrona' on You Tube.
Have just found this old post that was sent to Trip advisor back in 2012:
"....i have been to the Patrona for about 7 years it does get really busy , The town is dressed for every night leading up to the battle mainly in the square. White night is a good night to go. the lead up starts up quite slowly with dances etc for the older folk then white night it all starts gearing up( wear white) .. Are you going with young children.. if so I would
stay away as it gets too rowdy, battle starts about 5 on the Friday , people start to line streets about 3 ish to get a good place, starts near cockeral fountain cant remember street, and does get very pushy and mad when battle commences.. google Patrona and you will see!!"
It's a wonderful occasion, one I'd love to be part of sometime soon. Enjoy!