The festival of 'Nuestra Señora del Carmen' takes place every 16th July in Ibiza and is the celebration par excellence for lovers of the sea. On the day of the patron saint of fishermen you can enjoy the processions in the waters of our island.

This is probably one of the most emblematic and beautiful festivals in Ibiza, so we recommend that you don't miss the opportunity to enjoy it in Sant Antoni, Santa Eulària, Es Cubells, Portinatx or in the port of Ibiza town itself.

An offering for the patron saint of fishermen

Traditionally (and still today) this event is "the big day" for all those involved in the world of fishing in Ibiza. Everyone who owns a boat, especially those who still have the typical "llaüts", decorate them for this event.

The purpose of the offering that takes place with these processions at sea is to augur a year of good fishing. This is why both fishermen and sailors keep the Virgen del Carmen and the 16th of July very much in mind all year round.

Activities for the whole family

Despite being mainly religious in nature, the Fiestas del Carmen in Ibiza also have a recreational and family aspect. In fact, in the vast majority of municipalities activities are organised throughout the week. 

Apart from the mass officiated by the bishop of Ibiza (which takes place in the parish church of El Salvador, in the Marina), the event that kicks off these festivities is the procession of this virgin through the streets of the Marina until she is deposited on one of the boats in the port.

Remembrance of those who died at sea

Once the procession of boats leaves the port of Ibiza with the image of the Virgen del Carmen, the most emotional moment of this festivity takes place. Once they pass the Es Botafoc lighthouse, the sailors make a floral offering for those who have died at sea.

At the end of this offering, the procession (now on dry land) ends in front of the church, where the 'Salve Marinera' is sung in chorus. Undoubtedly, an event full of emotions that, due to the tourist nature of the island, never ceases to surprise foreign visitors year after year.

Programme of the Fiestas del Carmen in Ibiza this 2022

Each municipality on the island usually organises its own programme of activities for the Fiestas del Carmen. Below, we share with you the most interesting events for this year's edition 2022.

• Es Cubells: from the 3rd of July until the celebration of the big day, you can enjoy jam sessions in the town square. On Saturday 16th July the II Carmen's Rock takes place, with performances by Stone Corners, ZZ Rock and Los Bichos del Espacio.
• Sant Antoni: from the 8th to the 24th of July you can visit the photographic exhibition "¿Vivimos de cara al mar?" ("Are we living facing the sea?") of the MARE competition (the audiovisual competition for the conservation of the sea in the Balearic Islands) in the town's port (between the Town Hall and the Yacht Club).
• Santa Eulària: coinciding with the Fiestas de Es Canar, the little ones can have a great time at the Fiesta Infantil de la Espuma ("Kids foam party") which will take place on 16th July on the tennis court next to the beach of Es Canar.
• Eivissa: on the big day (16th July), the reception of the seafaring procession is performed by the City of Ibiza Choir and the Municipal Music Band. Don't miss it!

From Ibiza Blue Line we hope you enjoy this Fiestas del Carmen as much as we do.. 

Basic information on the fiestas of the carmen in Ibiza

• What is celebrated during the Fiestas del Carmen in Ibiza?

  The seafaring procession is an offering to the patron saint of the sea, the Virgen del Carmen. This festivity is deeply rooted in the local population due to its close relationship with the sea and the fishing sector.

• When are the Fiestas del Carmen in Ibiza?

  The big day of the festivities is 16 July. This year 2022 falls on a Saturday and activities have been organised throughout the week.

• Where are the Fiestas del Carmen celebrated in Ibiza?

  The seafaring processions that are the main feature of the Fiestas del Carmen in Ibiza take place in almost all the island's ports: Sant Antoni, Santa Eulària, Eivissa, ... Other towns such as Portinatx and Es Cubells also hold events on their beaches.

Information and photos: illesbalears.travel