Sant Carles is preparing for its annual patron saint festivities with more than 30 events taking place throughout October, November and December. Food will once again take centre stage, with a new addition to this year’s programme: the first Fireta des Calamar, a warm-up event ahead of the 10th edition of the Fira Gastronòmica des Calamar, or Squid Food Fair.
The new event will take place on Friday, 30 October, from 5pm, in the village’s pedestrian streets. Visitors can look forward to squid tapas prepared using both traditional recipes and more contemporary cooking techniques, accompanied by live music throughout the afternoon and evening.
The musical programme will open with The Rosemary Family at 5pm, followed by Pep Còsmic i es Verros de Balàfia at 6.30pm. Eribertho will take to the stage at 8pm with a mix of music and salsa, before Los del Varadero close the evening from 9.30pm.
Ten years of the Squid Food Fair
The following day, Saturday, 31 October, Sant Carles will celebrate the 10th edition of the Fira Gastronòmica des Calamar, one of the main events in the village’s festive calendar.
From 11am, visitors will be able to sample squid tapas, enjoy activities for children and listen to live music. Prizes will also be awarded for the best recipes.
The entertainment will continue into the evening, with performances by Groove Garage at 5pm, Arredefolk at 7pm and Orquestamelase from 9.30pm.
The wider festivities got underway on 19 and 20 October with board game competitions and Gent del camp, a photography exhibition by Joan Costa. A varied programme of events for all ages will continue over the coming weeks.
Celebrating local traditions and the older generation
On 1 November, the programme will include a tribute to residents of the parish aged over 80. The day will feature a solemn Mass, a special recognition ceremony in the church square, and a traditional performance by the Colla de Ball Pagès de Sant Carles alongside La Espadaña, a folk dance group from Segovia.
A commemorative lunch will follow. Other activities will include exhibitions of classic cars and motorcycles, children’s games and an evening of comedy.
Younger visitors will also have plenty to enjoy, with games and hot chocolate gatherings organised for pupils at CEIP Sant Carles on 2 and 3 November.
Sant Carles Day: the main celebrations on 4 November
Wednesday, 4 November, the feast day of Sant Carles, will bring some of the most traditional celebrations of the programme.
The day will begin at noon with a solemn Mass in honour of the patron saint, presided over by the Bishop of Ibiza and Formentera and accompanied by the Sant Carles Parish Choir. A religious procession will follow.
At 1.30pm, the Colla de Ball Pagès de Sant Carles de Peralta will perform traditional Ibizan folk dancing in the church square.
Music will take over later in the day, with Juanjele performing at 6pm and Endemics at 8pm. The celebrations will conclude with sets by local DJs Little House and Xumi, starting at 10pm.
Trail running, outdoor activities and more live music
Sport will also feature prominently in this year’s celebrations. On 7 November, the 12th Sant Carles Extrem will take place in the car park at Las Dalias, followed by the 11th Sant Carles Trail on 15 November. The same day will also see the Trofeo de Pesca desde Embarcaciones Fondeadas, a fishing competition for boats at anchor.
Other highlights include the first edition of EsRot on 7 November, featuring games, prizes, bingo and music.
On 8 November, the Sant Carles Parish Choir will perform a concert, followed by a xacota pagesa, a traditional Ibizan social gathering centred on music, dance and local customs.
Activities organised around the local senior citizens’ club are scheduled for 22 November.
Festivities continue into December
The celebrations will continue on 28 November with a group walk to Cala Mastella, offering another opportunity to enjoy the island’s countryside and coastline.
The programme will conclude in December with a talk on rural security delivered by the Guardia Civil and the Local Police, followed by a theatre performance of Jutjats de pau, judicis pendents, presented by the Es Molí Residents’ Association.
With its combination of local food, live music, traditional dancing, outdoor sport and community events, Sant Carles offers visitors a chance to experience a more traditional side of Ibiza beyond the island’s better-known summer attractions.