There are villages that simply celebrate their annual festivities, and then there are those that seem to rediscover their identity through them. Sant Agustí is firmly in the latter category. Every 28 August, the ringing of the church bells, the traditional ball pagès, the lively village square and neighbours gathering around the church recreate a scene that has become an annual tradition — and one that remains special precisely because it is repeated year after year.
From traditional Mass to live concerts
The main celebrations will begin at 7pm with a sung Mass, performed by the Cor de Sant Agustí. The religious ceremony will be followed by a traditional procession, before one of the events most deeply rooted in the island’s cultural heritage: the ball pagès, performed by the Grup Folklòric sa Colla des Vedrà.
Following the procession and folk dancing, the parish organisers and Sant Josep Town Council will offer refreshments to those attending. Journalist and local figure Pep Ribas, known as ‘Hereva’, will then deliver the traditional festivities proclamation, officially marking the start of the celebrations.
At 9pm, live music will take centre stage. The evening’s programme brings together three very different acts: Arredefolk from Formentera, Balkan Paradise Orchestra from Barcelona, and The Groggy Dogs from Seville.
The three bands will provide the soundtrack to a night in which Sant Agustí’s live concerts will once again underline why music has become one of the main attractions of the village’s annual festivities.
Live music has been part of the character of the Sant Agustí celebrations in Ibiza for years. While the festivities have retained their traditional village atmosphere and cultural identity, their concerts have also established themselves as a major draw for audiences from across the island.
The only change to the scheduled programme is the cancellation of the youth treasure hunt ‘Missió Cuc de Garrova’, which had been planned for Saturday 29 August. All other activities will go ahead as scheduled.
FESTIVITIES PROGRAMME
Today | 28 August
7pm: Mass, procession and ball pagès traditional folk dancing. Festivities proclamation by Pep Ribas, ‘Hereva’.
9pm: Live concerts by Arredefolk, Balkan Paradise Orchestra and The Groggy Dogs.
Saturday, 29 August
9pm: Live concerts by Suc i Sopes, Wet Iguanas and Mallazo, followed by a DJ set by DJ Vila.
Sunday, 30 August
7pm: Festa Pagesa at Pou des Rafals.
4 September
Festa de sa Xíndria at Can Berri.
5 September
10am: Kayaking trip.
10 September
Tribute to local senior citizens.
12 September
8.30pm: Nit de Poesia (Poetry Night).
18 September
8.30pm: ‘Estrelles i Senalló’, an astronomical observation event at Can Blau.