Ibiza is a very special place to celebrate the magic of the carnival thanks to the mild climate that allows you to give free rein to your imagination without fearing that the cold will spoil the fancy dress parties and the various parades and children’s workshops that are organised in all the towns and villages. A family weekend for all ages and perfect for those who prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy the experience in a different way.
One of the oldest and most traditional activities on the island, which kicks off the festivities, is the so-called “dijous llarder” (Mardi Gras), which this year will begin on Thursday 20 February in the Plaza de Vara de Rey and will include a large afternoon tea consisting of a giant potato omelette to be distributed among the public, as well as various musical and entertainment activities to delight the children. Around 100 kilos of potatoes, 15 kilos of onions and approximately 600 pasteurised eggs are usually used to make this enormous omelette.
Once people’s stomachs are full, the “mariol·los” (fancy dress) contest takes place, in which the challenge is for contestants to dress up in handmade clothes or objects, or anything they can find at home, and show the originality and boldness of their costumes.
From 20 to 25 February, the Ibiza Town Council will promote various activities for children, including street entertainment and puppets, culminating in the Grand Carnival Parade, where up to six different prizes are awarded. A display of merriment and colour that will start on Sunday 23 February at 11:30 am from Avenida de Santa Eulària and continue along Avenida de Bartomeu Roselló, Calle Isidor Macabich, Calle País Valencià and Avenida de España, ending up on Paseo de Vara de Rey. In addition, Sunday will conclude with the preparation of a huge people’s paella, organised by the residents of the Es Pratet district and open to the general public at the very reasonable price of 12 Euro.
A street party that also extends to other towns such as Sant Antoni de Portmany, where the parade will start at Avenida Doctor Fleming at 5:30 pm, to conclude with a prize giving ceremony followed by a party at Passeig de Ses Fonts.
The parade in Santa Eulària des Riu will start at 5 pm from Calle José Guasch Vich, continuing along Calle César Puget and Calle Sant Jaume, and ending up in Plaça d’Espanya; while in other towns, such as Sant Josep de sa Talaia or Sant Joan de Labritja, the processions and parades with floats, music, confetti and elaborate dances, will run through the main streets of both towns and prizes will be awarded for the creativity and performance of the participants.
Cultural activities, such as concerts and plays, are another of the highlights of the festivities. The Can Ventosa cultural centre will host the play ‘Carnival’, by Jordi Galcerán, directed by Àngels Martínez, on Friday 21 and Sunday 23 February at 8.30 pm.
The traditional “burial of the sardine” will take place on Tuesday 25 February: the sad farewell until 2021 to these festivities in which it is possible to become anything from a superhero to a villain.