After several years dealing with the restrictions to organize the Festes de la Terra, finally the program has returned to normal, which is “a breath of fresh air” in the words of the mayor, Rafa Ruiz. For Rafa Ruiz, one of the most emotional moments on these dates is the delivery of the Medallas de Oro de la ciudad, in terms of festivities, but among his concerns is the importance of achieving a balance between tourism and residents. “The number of tourists arriving at certain times of the year brings with it a pressure that is difficult to sustain.”
In the middle of August, the Festes de la Terra fill the city’s calendar with activities. Rafa Ruiz recommends using the park and ride lots to attend the events, or take advantage of the two hours of free parking at the Cetis for consumption in city businesses.
Finally the Festes de la Terra are back to what they were, with its berenada and fireworks, among many other events, what does this return to normality mean to you Rafa Ruiz?
It is a respite, to be able to organize a festival without health restrictions and know that people will be able to enjoy it, the truth is that it gives us a peace of mind that in the previous few years we did not have. We really want the city of Ibiza to experience its festivities as it always has.
We have had no other option but to live with covid.
They have been very complicated years but I think we have been able to overcome it mainly in the economic arena. The measures to protect companies and people have worked and we have been able to move forward.
Have other activities been able to be resumed?
Apart from those mentioned before, the rest of the activities had been carried out, but in a format and with measures adapted to the health situation of the moment, for example the ball pagès last year was done with chairs, disinfectant gel and masks. The concerts were also done seated and with a mask. This year we can enjoy all the activities in their original format, as we have always enjoyed them.
Is there any act that you would highlight this year, in addition to the returning classics?
I am especially looking forward to the performance by the comedian Patricia Sornosa, I would also highlight the show of Miguel Barranco and, as I have two daughters, at home we were also looking forward to the show ‘Mou el cos’ by Dámaris Gelabert.
This year with the works it will be especially difficult to park in the center of Vila, what is your advice for those who arrive by car to enjoy the festivities?
Parking in the city, especially during the summer, is very complicated. We are a very small city in size and we have a high density of vehicles, the highest on the island. People who come to visit us, or to work in the city of Ibiza, have two options that we are working tirelessly on: to park the vehicle in the dissuasive parking lots as well as to use the campaign of two free hours in the Cetis parking lot if consuming in the small businesses of the city. My advice is the same as always, and now with the Festes de la Terra there is all the more reason: people arriving from other municipalities can leave their cars in the park-and-ride lots.
Rafa Ruiz believes that illegal tourist rentals must be stopped.
Are they enough?
In recent years we have enabled more than 1,000 new park-and-ride lots near the city and we have conditioned them. From es Gorg to Paseo de Vara de Rey it is only a 15 minute walk; from the Multicines parking lot another 15 to 20 minutes, from the power plant parking lot, the same. It takes less time leaving the car at these points than entering the city and driving around looking for parking. It is a question of responsibility, besides saving gasoline, which is good for the pocket, and emissions, which is good for the planet.
Is the campaign of one hour of free parking in the Cetis for consumption or purchases in businesses in the city still active?
After maintaining direct contact with the merchants in the area of Isidor Macabich, we agreed to extend that hour to two hours. Anyone who buys in small stores or consumes in a bar or restaurant in the city will have two hours of parking in the Cetis and also in the Mercat Nou, but in this case only in the afternoon. It is very easy: you park, do the shopping you have to do and when you go back to the car with your ticket, show it at the ticket office and you will have two hours free. It is also an alternative for those who come to these parties.
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