San Ciriaco Festival, Ibiza
08 August 2025
The culmination of the festival on August 8th is a day of profound significance. The morning begins with a solemn mass at the Capilla de San Ciriaco, followed by vibrant processions through the streets of Dalt Vila, where participants don traditional Ibicenco attire. The afternoon features a communal feast at Puig des Molins, offering traditional Ibizan dishes accompanied by music and dancing.
As night falls, the anticipation builds for the festival's highlight: a spectacular fireworks display launched from the port of Ibiza Town. The dazzling show illuminates the night sky, reflecting off the historic walls of Dalt Vila, and is best viewed from vantage points such as Marina Ibiza, ROTO, and Lío Ibiza.
The San Ciriaco Festival is more than a historical commemoration; it's a living tradition that encapsulates the essence of Ibiza. It brings together locals and tourists in a shared experience of remembrance, joy, and cultural pride. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of cultural festivities, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the island's vibrant atmosphere, the San Ciriaco Festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
08 August 2025
By Claire Miller
Every August 8th, the island of Ibiza honours its patron saint, San Ciriaco. This annual celebration is not merely a religious observance but a profound homage to the island's rich past and community spirit.
The roots of the San Ciriaco Festival trace back to the pivotal year of 1235. On August 8th, Catalan forces, led by Archbishop Guillem de Montgrí, seized control of Ibiza from Moorish rule.
Legend tells of a clandestine tunnel, revealed by a disenchanted Moorish insider, which allowed the Christian troops to penetrate the fortified city. Today, this tale is immortalised by the Capilla de San Ciriaco in Dalt Vila, believed to mark the very spot of the historic entry.
The San Ciriaco festivities are part of the broader "Festes de la Terra," a week-long celebration commencing on August 5th with the feast of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, the patroness of Ibiza and Formentera. The days leading up to August 8th are filled with cultural events, including live music, traditional dances, and communal gatherings, fostering a sense of unity among residents and visitors alike.
The culmination of the festival on August 8th is a day of profound significance. The morning begins with a solemn mass at the Capilla de San Ciriaco, followed by vibrant processions through the streets of Dalt Vila, where participants don traditional Ibicenco attire. The afternoon features a communal feast at Puig des Molins, offering traditional Ibizan dishes accompanied by music and dancing.
As night falls, the anticipation builds for the festival's highlight: a spectacular fireworks display launched from the port of Ibiza Town. The dazzling show illuminates the night sky, reflecting off the historic walls of Dalt Vila, and is best viewed from vantage points such as Marina Ibiza, ROTO, and Lío Ibiza.
The San Ciriaco Festival is more than a historical commemoration; it's a living tradition that encapsulates the essence of Ibiza. It brings together locals and tourists in a shared experience of remembrance, joy, and cultural pride. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of cultural festivities, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the island's vibrant atmosphere, the San Ciriaco Festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience.