February is carnival season on Ibiza and one of the best displays is to be found in Ibiza Town. Ex-pect to see a riot of colour as dozens of floats bring the streets to life with a wealth of wild and wonderful themes.
Make your way to Figueretas at 11.30 on 26 February to watch the start of the parade, called the Rua de Carnaval, or take your position at one of the bars on Avenida España or Avenida Isidoro Macabich to enjoy the spectacle in comfort with a coffee in hand.
The streets along the route will be lined with crowds of people who descend from all around the island to cheer on their own favourites.
Last year we were treated to floats which included Star Wars characters, a jungle scene and dancing surf-boarders. Participants train for months to give you the best show so prepare to be impressed by dancers of all ages.
As well as the parade you will be treated to stalls with local products and a tortilla competition. After the floats have all arrived at their final destination of Plaza Antoni Albert i Nieto you can tuck into a portion of paella. It is cooked in an enormous pan, costs little and there is always enough for everyone.
The quality of the performances are also helped along by the competitive element with dance academies, schools and neighbourhood associations going head to head for the top prize of €1200.
Later on, after the winners have been announced, there will be a concert featuring live bands so you can continue celebrating long into the night.
This vibrant and colourful fiesta symbolises the last festival before the beginning of Lent. Whilst Ibiza doesn’t really do abstinence it’s still a great excuse to let your hair down and join the party!
Island wide parades
Cala de Bou on 23 February 2017 at 17:00 from Avenida San Augustín from the Suma supermarket.
San Juan on 26 February from 17.00. Make your way to the centre of the village and join in the fun.
Santa Eulalia on 28 February 2017 at 17:00 in starting in Avenida César Puget and then going through the Calle José Guasch ending in Calle San Jaime.
San Antonio on 4 March 2017 at 17.30 in the main streets of the town. Full details to come, though the central tree-lined promenade would be a good place to start.
Next up...
Wanting somewhere to stay whilst the carnival is on. See our hotels' or villas' pages for island-wide accommodation.
Read our interview with ecologist Chris Dews and his dream of building a sustainable tourism model.
