It's Easter time and right now, we are seeing the first green shoots of the summer season with venues opening their doors for this year in the build up to May when everyone seems to dust down their shutters. There's still lots to do and if you're not sure what to do in Ibiza over Easter, here is a quick guide to what's on from a party night out to the colourful holy processions that take place this week.
Kids come too?
If you are coming with the kids look out for fun events like Easter egg hunts that many venues are putting on for Easter Sunday on 27 March. Forty Fives beach bar in Playa d'en Bossa is doing an egg hunt, plus there's face painting and activities like card making from midday. Raco Ibiza in San Rafael is doing an egg hunt too with live music from 1pm. Atzaró Fiesta de la Primavera, starts from midday, entrance is free and there'll be more than 30 market stalls will be selling craft jewellery, art and fashion. This wonderul event at Atzaro is for everyone to enjoy and thousands are expected at the event, it's not to be missed! If your kids are a bit older, you might want to take them to the recently re-opened Surf Lounge Ibiza to try out its Flowrider artificial wave machine where they can surf your heart away; the burgers here have been voted the best in Ibiza too, so try one of those bad boys when you go. Finally, there's a circus on ice from Circo Alegria in Ibiza Town starting on Good Friday to keep the little ones happy too.
Out for the day or night
With the long Easter weekend giving some extra holiday time, you can come and see the island away from big crowds meaning you can enjoy the largely people-free beaches and open countryside. As well as great eateries open all year, places like the delectable Asian-inspired Bambuddha restaurant and Mint Lounge in San Antonio's Sunset Strip have just opened for summer business. If you are saving up for a bigger summer holiday and wanting to save then do try the reasonable menú del día lunchtime meal deals offering three courses for as little as €10.
Whilst many of you might be coming to relax, it's good to know that you can still sample some of Ibiza's legendary party nights in winter. Pacha is open Fridays and Saturdays through the winter, but over the easter period the club is open 5 nights in a row (Wednesday - Sunday) which includes the Vintage event on Saturday 26 March has top DJs with vocals from Mimi Barber. Lips Reartes beach club in Playa d'en Bossa is hosting Keep on Dancing's Easter Edition from 2pm till 1am with a €20 menu on offer too. After that, it's just a short stroll for Wednesday nights successful monthly event, Unusual Suspects as well as Saturday's, Sankeys Sabados event showcasing female DJ talent for more dancing till dawn if you're up for it.
Marching on
Easter is a big deal in Spain, whose history as a deeply Catholic country was cemented by the taking back of Spain by the Christian Kings in the Reconquista. This also brought the country and the Balearics back into the welcoming arms of the Church. There are religious parades all over Spain and in Ibiza the tradition goes back centuries. You'll hear mournful music and possibly some wailing as the devout make their way through the streets of Ibiza's towns and villages.
In these more secular times and for visitors to the island, it's a great cultural spectacle to see. The streets of Ibiza are decked out with flowers and crosses and there are parades with bearers carrying large ornate religious statues through the streets. Some of them complete their outfits with tall hoods called capirotes, worn to hide the bearer's sombre reflection of their own sins. To catch one of these religious pageants in the streets of Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town, from Monday to Wednesday there are nightly processions following the 8pm mass. The big event on Good Friday sees all the cofradias, who are charged with the statues' care, take part in one big procession from the Cathedral at 8pm.
Sweet finish
A must try over Easter is the local sweet treat Flaó, a traditional Easter flan (now enjoyed throughout the year). Going with tradition though, you should definitely get yourself a slice and usually most bakeries will sell it. Made from goat's cheese eggs and sugar and flavoured with peppermint and aniseed, this aromatic treat is not to be missed.
Whatever you decide to do during Easter, make sure you check out our webpage for more ideas of what to do. You'll find everything from places to stay to the best restaurant or bar close by. Happy Easter!
WORDS: Julian Heathcote
