The feast of Our Lady of Carmen, patron saint of the city of Ibiza, Sant Antoni and Formentera’s fishermen, is celebrated on July 16th with a beautiful procession on the waters of Ibiza’s port. In Es Cubells, the day of their patron saint is celebrated.
The Virgin of Carmen, patron saint of the sailors (or fishermen), commemorates her presence with a feast that combines both the religious aspects with the purely festive ones. Regarding the former, we must highlight the popular maritime processions, characteristic of this feast (although one may also find ground processons, of course); while to celebrate the party, numerous activities for the whole family are organised by the neighbour committees, as well as some concerts.

The festivity in the city of Ibiza begins with the Campaign Mass officiated by Ibiza and Formentera’s Bishop. Afterwards, the Virgen del Carmen is transported onboard a cozy fisherman boat that sets sail, followed by dozens of other boats, which marks the beginning of the maritime procession. Once at sea, a laurel wreath is tossed as an offering to the Virgin. Back at port, the on-ground procession begins, ending its route at Sant Elm’s church, where the Municipal Music Band and the Choir Ciutat d’Eivissa receive the Virgin with a traditional seafaring all hail.

Another of the places where the Virgin of Carmen is celebrated on the island, which also holds the most activities in their festival programme, is Portinatx. The feast offers its followers diverse types of sport and leisure activities, although most activities take place during the weekend of July 16th. The festivities begin on Saturday morning at 9 o’clock with the distribution of sangría, fritters and a loud and joyous parade.

The floral offerings to the Virgin of Carmen are usually celebrated between 18.30 and 20 o’clock in the chapel. Almost every year, at around 19.30, the service of the Holy Mass, sung by the Choir of the Rocío de Sant Antonio Brotherhood, takes place in that same chapel. At night, the party usually begins at around 21 o’clock and is expected to end at around 4 am. These parties are usually theme parties and are guaranteed to be fun.

On Sunday, the parade takes place in the afternoon. It starts at 18.15, the Virgin’s departure in the procession being planned for 18.45, which will embark at the big beache’s dock. At 20 o’clock the Virgin will disembark and continue the procession up to the chapel where, every year, one of the hotels of the area organises a snack. Later on, the Colla de Labritja is danced and scapular prayers take place in the chapel. These schedules are usually indicative, depending on what is established each year.
As you can see, Ibiza also leaves room to commemorate its oldest traditions, without forgetting its leisure. Why don’t you try something new for your holidays and celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Carmen? It’ll be great fun!