San Ciriaco, the festival of August 8 in Ibiza

According to the Roman calendar, August 8 pays homage to the martyr St. Ciriaco. This character is remembered for his generous service to his brothers. A value deeply rooted, no doubt, in the Catholic religion. On August 8 of the year 1235 it is said that culture and Christianity entered Ibiza. The celebration of San Ciriaco coincides with the celebration of the Catalan conquest, the traditional date when troops invaded the island. Named Ibiza patron, San Ciriaco is venerated in Europe (Italy, France, Germany and Spain).

The San Ciriaco chapel of Ibiza is at the beginning of the narrow and steep street of the same name, very close to the convent of Ses Monges Tancades. It is one of the most curious points of the Dalt Vila, the old town. Its location propitiates that many times it goes unnoticed by the tourists that visit Ibiza, but after knowing its history many visitors are for the “effort” to find it.

It was built by the City Council of Eivissa in 1754, some 100 years later (1650), when San Ciriaco was appointed patron of the island. Inside the chapel, under the altar, we can find a tunnel that simulates the entrance of the Christian conquerors. The legends tell that in 1235 the brother of the governor (Muslim) revealed the Christian troops the existence of this secret tunnel. The reason for such “betrayal“, the gossip said that the governor was sneaking in with his sister-in-law, and the brother, full of anger and fury decided to avenge facilitating the invasion. It is understood that Joan Xico was the first soldier to enter through the tunnel, and for that reason, he found a street with his name in Ibiza.

When the conquest became effective, the Catalans wanted to choose a Marian celebration closer to San Ciriaco’s day. They chose August 5: Santa María de las Nieves. It is for this reason that in Ibiza there are women who have been called Nieves or Neus.

Currently, the San Ciriaco festival is part of the Fiestas de la Tierra, a week of festivities in which Ibiza hosts activities designed for all audiences. On the 8th of August in the afternoon a great popular berenada is celebrated. Traditionally it was a snack that was organized by the sea in Puig des Molins; each one contributed the different dishes and the end was marked by the war of watermelon seeds. Now a plate of paella is invited and the Ibizan spirit is vindicated. At 12 midnight the main course is served, and this time it is not food; It is an impressive game of fireworks that is normally launched from El Muro, a site located in the port of Ibiza.