This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ibiza's original and biggest Hippy Market in the grounds of the Club Punta Arabi in Es Cana.
Set up in 1973 to provide Ibiza's artists and hippies with an outlet to sell their wares - both handmade ones, and goods brought back from winter visits to India - the Hippy Market originally consisted of just six stalls selling cakes, sweaters, puppies, jewellery and toys. Today, over five hundred stalls are set up underneath the pines trees and between the white bungalows of Club Punta Arabi in Es Cana, and between 12,000 and 14,000 visitors descend on the market every Wednesday.
A huge range of merchandise is available, much of which is hand-crafted in Ibiza, ranging from clothing and jewellery, to leather goods and sequinned bags, to paintings and pottery to name just a few examples.
There are restaurants and bars, including a fresh juice bar, and live music, drumming, dance performances and mime acts all add to the vibrant atmosphere of the Hippy Market.
Always a colourful and entertaining day out for all the family, this year to celebrate its fortieth birthday, the market will be putting on even more special events during the whole season. For instance, from late May, there will be a new children's corner with a bouncy castle, clowns and other entertainment for the little ones, giving their parents an opportunity to relax at the "Hippy Kids" snack bar.
This season, the market will open on Wednesday 3rd April and will run every Wednesday until October from 10.00 to 18.00 hrs. Entrance to the market is completely free, although there is a small charge for car parking. There is a regular bus and coach service, or you can even take the ferry to Es Cana.
To keep up to date with news and events this season, you can check out the Hippy Market's new website, which will be launched in April, at Punta Arabi Hippy Market .
So if you are in Ibiza this summer, and are a fan of "hippy treasures" make your way to Es Cana and join in the birthday celebrations!
