“It’s not like the other chapels; this is one of the most magical corners of the village.” With those words, two lifelong residents, Teresa and Lola, summed up on Saturday what Cala Llonga means to so many local people. Tucked among the pine trees surrounding the Chapel of the Virgin of the Assumption, there is a special atmosphere that feels unique to this part of Ibiza. With the sound of cicadas in the background and the warm afternoon shade, the small coastal community in the municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu once again celebrated its main festival, combining religious tradition with the unmistakable festive spirit of August in Ibiza.
The day’s programme had started earlier in the morning with an exhibition of classic motorcycles on Cala Llonga’s main avenue, followed by the traditional sandcastle competition on the beach. But the main focus of the celebrations came at 6pm, when residents and visitors made their way to the small chapel hidden among the pine trees on the outskirts of the village.
A Mass without the bishop, but with plenty of devotion
As happens every 15 August, the religious ceremony brought together local residents, holidaymakers and public officials. Among those attending were Santa Eulària mayor Carmen Ferrer, Ibiza Island Council president Vicent Marí, and several municipal councillors, who took their seats among the trees in the area prepared by the town hall.
There was, however, one notable absence: Ibiza Bishop Vicent Ribas, who was unable to officiate the Mass. According to the parish priest, Ribas had believed the ceremony was scheduled for the morning and already had other commitments in the afternoon.
“But we still have to celebrate,” the priest told the congregation before introducing Don Alfonso Ibáñez, who had travelled from Valencia to lead the Eucharistic celebration in his place.
Neither the unexpected change nor the August heat could take away from the atmosphere of the occasion. Fans moved back and forth as the cicadas sang in the surrounding pine trees, while the shade provided some relief from the afternoon sun.
The Coro Rociero de Santa Eulària accompanied the ceremony with live singing, drawing the attention of passers-by who ended up sitting down to listen, even if they were initially unsure what was being celebrated. Among the curious spectators were a French couple, an Irish family and an English woman who tried to find out, through gestures, what the people of Ibiza were celebrating that afternoon.
“When you look up in Cala Llonga, you find a horizon that seems to have no end. Some of you have the privilege of being children of this land,” Don Alfonso said during his homily, highlighting the strong connection between the local community and its surroundings.
Horse-drawn carts, horses and traditional Ibizan dance
Just minutes after the Mass ended, the atmosphere shifted from religious celebration to traditional Ibiza festivities. At around 7.30pm, horses were already lined up along the main road as residents gathered to find the best possible spot to watch the traditional horse-drawn cart procession.
Siroco’s restaurant quickly became a popular vantage point for spectators, turning into an impromptu party before the procession had even begun. The Coro Rociero, which had remained part of the festive atmosphere throughout the afternoon, entertained the crowd with Nino Bravo’s Te quiero, te quiero, prompting applause and cheers.
The procession was followed by one of the most anticipated and photographed moments of the day: a performance of traditional ball pagès by the Colla de s’Horta de Jesús, showcasing one of the most distinctive elements of Ibiza’s cultural heritage.
Santa Eulària mayor Carmen Ferrer summed up the spirit of the celebrations by highlighting the balance between tradition and entertainment.
“We have the Mass, which is the most traditional part, but we mustn’t forget that there is also plenty of partying,” she said. “Cala Llonga offers a little bit of everything: activities for families during the day, music and nightlife, but it also preserves its traditions, with this Mass in such a special church, followed by the cart procession and the ball pagès.”
The celebrations continued into the evening on Cala Llonga beach, where The Power of Love – Flower Power brought the festivities to a close. The 1980s and 1990s-themed beach party featured entertainment, music and food trucks, extending the celebration until midnight.
For another year, Cala Llonga’s 15 August festivities brought together religion, local traditions, music, family activities and beachside entertainment — capturing the distinctive character of one of Ibiza’s most atmospheric summer celebrations.
