Nuestra Señora del Carmen Festival, Ibiza
16 July 2025
Across the Island:
While Ibiza Town hosts the most renowned procession, communities across the island honour the day in their own distinctive ways.
Portinatx (Sant Joan de Labritja)
In the northern fishing village of Portinatx, the festivities span several days, typically leading up to 14 July. The town bursts into life with family activities, traditional food stalls, and performances of folk music and dance. The highlight is a special mass and parade on 14 July, where locals carry floral offerings through the streets, accompanied by local choirs and dance groups.
Es Cubells (Sant Josep de sa Talaia)
The tiny village of Es Cubells, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, hosts two maritime processions: one on 14 July in the morning, and another on 16 July in the evening. Each begins with a mass at the village church and continues with traditional music and local folklore performances. The setting is breathtaking, and the sense of tradition runs deep.
Sant Antoni de Portmany
Known for its strong seafaring history, Sant Antoni celebrates Nuestra Señora del Carmen on the Sunday following 16 July. This scheduling allows more people to take part. The event includes a religious procession, a blessing of the boats in the harbour, and festive gatherings filled with music, food, and family spirit.
At its core, the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a celebration of Ibiza’s bond with the sea. It is both a prayer and a party, a time for communities to reflect on their heritage and give thanks. For locals, it’s a cherished tradition. For visitors, it offers a chance to witness the island’s more spiritual and authentic side.
The festival is also a feast for the senses: the scent of flowers and incense, the sound of choirs and folk instruments, the sight of boats illuminated at sunset, and the taste of local food offered at town fairs and roadside stalls.
The Nuestra Señora del Carmen festival is a beautiful fusion of faith, culture, and seafaring tradition. Whether you're drawn by religious curiosity, cultural exploration, or the visual beauty of boats and candlelight on the Mediterranean, this event offers a unique window into Ibiza’s heart. It’s a celebration that transcends generations—and one that stays with you long after the boats return to harbour.
16 July 2025
By Claire Miller
Every year on 16 July, the island of Ibiza comes together in a beautiful, moving celebration to honour Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. This heartfelt tradition blends deep religious devotion with Ibiza’s strong maritime identity, creating one of the most atmospheric and authentic festivals of the summer.
The most iconic celebration takes place in Ibiza Town, particularly in the vibrant La Marina district.
The day begins with a solemn mass at the Church of Sant Elm, attended by clergy, locals, and visitors. Following the mass, a statue of the Virgin—adorned with flowers—is carried through the historic streets of Dalt Vila in a poignant religious procession. The route winds through cobbled lanes until it reaches the harbour, where the statue is gently placed aboard a traditional llaut, Ibiza’s classic wooden fishing boat.
This marks the beginning of the sea procession: a fleet of boats, festooned with flowers and flags, sets out to bless the surrounding waters. As the boats drift toward the horizon, prayers are said for the safety of sailors and the memory of those lost at sea. Wreaths are floated on the water, and the sounds of music and bells mingle with the sea breeze in a spectacle that stirs the soul.
Across the Island:
While Ibiza Town hosts the most renowned procession, communities across the island honour the day in their own distinctive ways.
Portinatx (Sant Joan de Labritja)
In the northern fishing village of Portinatx, the festivities span several days, typically leading up to 14 July. The town bursts into life with family activities, traditional food stalls, and performances of folk music and dance. The highlight is a special mass and parade on 14 July, where locals carry floral offerings through the streets, accompanied by local choirs and dance groups.
Es Cubells (Sant Josep de sa Talaia)
The tiny village of Es Cubells, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, hosts two maritime processions: one on 14 July in the morning, and another on 16 July in the evening. Each begins with a mass at the village church and continues with traditional music and local folklore performances. The setting is breathtaking, and the sense of tradition runs deep.
Sant Antoni de Portmany
Known for its strong seafaring history, Sant Antoni celebrates Nuestra Señora del Carmen on the Sunday following 16 July. This scheduling allows more people to take part. The event includes a religious procession, a blessing of the boats in the harbour, and festive gatherings filled with music, food, and family spirit.
At its core, the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a celebration of Ibiza’s bond with the sea. It is both a prayer and a party, a time for communities to reflect on their heritage and give thanks. For locals, it’s a cherished tradition. For visitors, it offers a chance to witness the island’s more spiritual and authentic side.
The festival is also a feast for the senses: the scent of flowers and incense, the sound of choirs and folk instruments, the sight of boats illuminated at sunset, and the taste of local food offered at town fairs and roadside stalls.
The Nuestra Señora del Carmen festival is a beautiful fusion of faith, culture, and seafaring tradition. Whether you're drawn by religious curiosity, cultural exploration, or the visual beauty of boats and candlelight on the Mediterranean, this event offers a unique window into Ibiza’s heart. It’s a celebration that transcends generations—and one that stays with you long after the boats return to harbour.