In August join Ibiza's festivities

If your holiday is in the first two weeks of August, make a note in your travel diary about the so called Fiestas de la Tierra, two weeks of festivities with which Ibiza honours its patron saints, Santa Maria de las Nieves and San Ciriaco. Free concerts, traditional dances, popular meals and fireworks are some of the numerous events and activities that you can enjoy in the center of Ibiza town until the 15th August.

What do we celebrate in these festivities?

These festivities have their origin in the XIII century, when King Jaime I granted the Archbishop Guillermo Montgrí the conquest of the Pitiusa islands, which were then under Arabic possession. The conquest of the city took place on the 8th August 1235, San Ciriaco’s day, which was the reason why he became the patron saint of the city of Ibiza. His chapel is in Dalt Vila and it was built, according to the legend, in the exact place where the Catalan troops came through the city walls, thanks to the treason of one of the Arabic leader’s brothers. Heartbroken because his brother had stolen his wife, he let the troops inside the city wall through a window of his house.

Why the Virgen de las Nieves (Virgin of the Snow)?

On the 5th August, also within the Fiestas de la Tierra event, we celebrate the day of the Virgen de las Nieves, patroness of the islands of Ibiza y Formentera. People didn’t search the protection of this Virgin because of a miracle summer snow, but because this Marian’s invocation is the closest in the catholic calendar to the 8th August, the day of the Ibiza town’s conquest.

8th August Fireworks show in Ibiza. © Consell d'Eivissa

Our suggestions to enjoy the festivities

On the 8th August, don’t miss the great fireworks show, taking place at midnight at the end of the old Ibiza Port. You’ll love it! That day you can also participate in the afternoon tea in Es Puig des Molins, followed by the people’s paella.
While strolling through Dalt Vila, visit the painting exhibitions “Els Blancs de Ferrer Guasch” and “Sa Penya per Ferrer Guasch” open in the Sala Refectori of Ibiza’s Mayor House and in the Espai Cultural Es Polvorí, both spaces separated by only a few meters.
During the Fiestas de la Tierra, there numerous free concerts. Check the event’s program in this link (in Spanish and Catalan).
When you’re near the San Ciriaco’s chapel, look next door: you can buy traditional Ibiza pastries made by nuns from the San Christófol Convent.
Go to Ses Figueretes from the 11th till 15th August, where you’ll also find some festivities. On the 15th, go to their beach to enjoy the traditional fireworks show that ends the festivities.