Sant Jaume Festival in Ibiza
25 July 2025
Key Events and Traditions
1. Traditional Dance and Music
Central to the celebrations is the Ball Pagès, the traditional folk dance of Ibiza. Dancers in traditional attire — women in heavy, layered dresses and men in white with red sashes — perform in town squares accompanied by flute, drum, and castanet rhythms. It’s a unique performance that reflects courtship, celebration, and community storytelling.
2. Processions and Religious Ceremonies
In towns like Sant Antoni, a mass and religious procession mark the beginning of the day. Locals gather to honour the saint, carrying his image through decorated streets, followed by music and local dignitaries.
3. Artisan Markets and Local Food
Throughout the day, visitors can explore craft markets showcasing Ibizan ceramics, handmade jewellery, woven textiles, and local produce. Traditional dishes are served in pop-up stalls or local restaurants — especially the popular orelletes, a sweet, anise-flavoured pastry often enjoyed with coffee or liqueur.
4. Cultural Performances and Concerts
The evening brings a shift in energy with live music, dance performances, and local bands playing in open-air venues. Town plazas become lively gathering spaces with stages, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
5. Fireworks
A dramatic fireworks display often caps off the night — especially in Sant Antoni — lighting up the harbour and drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Food to Try:
Orelletes – Aniseed-flavoured fried pastries, often shaped like ears.
Sofrit Pagès – A traditional meat stew with lamb, chicken, and sobrasada.
Arroz a la Marinera – A fisherman’s-style rice dish common at festivals.
Hierbas Ibicencas – A herbal liqueur made locally, often served as a digestif.
The Sant Jaume Festival offers a rare and meaningful glimpse into Ibiza beyond the beaches and nightlife. It’s a chance to see how locals celebrate their roots, reconnect with seasonal rhythms, and welcome both residents and travellers into their community.
Whether you’re drawn to the music, food, or cultural richness, Sant Jaume is one of the best times of year to experience Ibiza in full colour and spirit.
25 July 2025
By Claire Miller
Each year on July 25, the island of Ibiza comes alive with the vibrant sounds, colours, and traditions of the Sant Jaume Festival — a celebration that blends cultural heritage with festive spirit. Known in English as Saint James’ Day, the festival honours Santiago (St. James the Apostle), the patron saint of Spain, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the authentic Ibizan way of life. Though widely celebrated across Spain, Sant Jaume holds particular local charm in Ibiza, especially in Sant Antoni de Portmany (Saint Anthony), where it’s also the town’s official saint day.
The celebration of Sant Jaume in Ibiza is rooted in both religious devotion and community resilience. Historically, festivals in the Balearic Islands marked important milestones in the agricultural calendar and were deeply tied to local saints. In the case of Sant Jaume, the day was also associated with communal thanksgiving — often for recovery from past hardships, including pirate raids or plagues.
Over time, the day evolved into a wider celebration of Ibizan identity and rural culture, especially in towns like Sant Antoni and Formentera, where the connection to the land and sea runs deep.
Key Events and Traditions
1. Traditional Dance and Music
Central to the celebrations is the Ball Pagès, the traditional folk dance of Ibiza. Dancers in traditional attire — women in heavy, layered dresses and men in white with red sashes — perform in town squares accompanied by flute, drum, and castanet rhythms. It’s a unique performance that reflects courtship, celebration, and community storytelling.
2. Processions and Religious Ceremonies
In towns like Sant Antoni, a mass and religious procession mark the beginning of the day. Locals gather to honour the saint, carrying his image through decorated streets, followed by music and local dignitaries.
3. Artisan Markets and Local Food
Throughout the day, visitors can explore craft markets showcasing Ibizan ceramics, handmade jewellery, woven textiles, and local produce. Traditional dishes are served in pop-up stalls or local restaurants — especially the popular orelletes, a sweet, anise-flavoured pastry often enjoyed with coffee or liqueur.
4. Cultural Performances and Concerts
The evening brings a shift in energy with live music, dance performances, and local bands playing in open-air venues. Town plazas become lively gathering spaces with stages, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
5. Fireworks
A dramatic fireworks display often caps off the night — especially in Sant Antoni — lighting up the harbour and drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Food to Try:
Orelletes – Aniseed-flavoured fried pastries, often shaped like ears.
Sofrit Pagès – A traditional meat stew with lamb, chicken, and sobrasada.
Arroz a la Marinera – A fisherman’s-style rice dish common at festivals.
Hierbas Ibicencas – A herbal liqueur made locally, often served as a digestif.
The Sant Jaume Festival offers a rare and meaningful glimpse into Ibiza beyond the beaches and nightlife. It’s a chance to see how locals celebrate their roots, reconnect with seasonal rhythms, and welcome both residents and travellers into their community.
Whether you’re drawn to the music, food, or cultural richness, Sant Jaume is one of the best times of year to experience Ibiza in full colour and spirit.