Culture

Ibiza is a region that has an ancient history that is dating back to hundreds of years. It is a picturesque land that attracts tourists' world over because of its serenity and peace. Proof of human presence in these islands dates back to the era 3500 - 3000 B.C and this is considered responsible for the pre-talaiotic culture. 1500 to 123 B.C was the period of talaiotic culture that concluded with the Roman invasion. However, Ibiza was spared of the invasion and not directly affected. These islands have had a tremendous mix of civilizations throughout the history as they have endured several invasions and commercial activities.

It was only in 1812 that these islands were unified under a centralist Spanish government. During the dictatorship of General Franco there was a persecution of both Catalan language and culture.

The arrival of the Spanish constitution in 1978 finally permitted the consent of laws that made the Balearics a semi-autonomous state. This has given partial independence to these islands. The local government is now responsible for many areas such as education, and health. Catalan and Spanish are the official languages of the islands. Phoenician ruins of Sa Caleta and the Phoenician-Punic cemetery of Puig des Molins are evidences preserved of its long history. Phoenician and Carthaginian tombs are relics of the ancient era and have their own tales to tell. The 16th century fortifications are a testimony to the unique military architecture and engineering. The aesthetics of the renaissance period are exhibited through these building styles. This Italian-Spanish model was used in building and strengthening of towns in the New World.

The age-old culture and folklore are as a result of the influence of the various colonizations. "Sa llarga" and "Sa curta" are traditional dances of this place that is flirtatious in nature. Influence of North Africa is obvious in the traditional music of this region.

The Spanish are some of the most sociable people in the world and are very hospitable. They are friendly and helpful people who have no class distinctions and are fond of striking up a conversation with tourists. They take great delight in entertaining and are known to often invite guests home for a meal or take them to a restaurant. Dinners on the island are late and can begin as late as 10:00pm and end well after midnight. It is good manners typically to take a small gift such as a bottle of wine or flowers for the lady of the house, when invited over for dinner.

A. Music

In the medieval times, all churches in Ibiza had their own music school with a choir and instruments. Maintenance of both, the music schools and choir required spending lot of money. Traditionally, wind instruments were played in Ibiza and taught at the music school. Initially the liturgical music consisted of Gregorian Chanting without any instrumentation.

It was during the end of 16th century and beginning of the 17th century that the period of musical splendor occurred in Ibiza. Ibiza got a new orchestra in 1715, which had state-of-the-art acoustics. It was finally destroyed during the Spanish Civil war.

Balearic Beat is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s and was in style into the mid-1990s. It was very popular among European nightclub and in the local nightclubs. Soul II Soul and Enigma are liable for having popularized Balearic Beat. This music has a characteristically heavy, slow beat. It is incorporated with a distinctive laid back and swing beat patterns. Music in this case was typically restricted to instruments. The sound of guitar and piano were also sometimes programmed into it. The Balearic beat was eventually replaced by "chill out" and "downtempo" genres.

The style of Ibiza music tries to echo its atmosphere and listeners are often transported to the region when they hear the ecstatic and elevating songs. "Seven Cities" (Solar Stone), "Offshore" (Chicane) and "Beachball" (Nalin & Kane) are some of the popular tracks of this style.

B. Language

There are 2 official languages in the region namely Spanish and Catalan. However, due to the tourism industry having advanced so much, most staffs in the service industry are more than just conversant with good English and German. Hence, a tourist is generally comfortable if he is aware of these languages. Catalan is a form of Spanish that is different from the more popular Castilian. It is generally seen that road signs as well as menus use both forms of Spanish. However, Catalan is the preferred language.

Ibiza is 'Eivissa' and 'buenas dias' is 'bon dia'. Some of the key phrases that are used are Por favor, gracias for Please, thank you. Good morning/afternoon/night is Buenos dias/buenas tardes/buenas noches. I don't speak Spanish gets translated as No hablo espanol.

C. Religious Practices

Most of the people belong to Christianity. They celebrate all the religious festivals of Christianity with fervor and enthusiasm. Patron saints are revered and celebrate commemorative days. The local population is however tolerant and peace loving.

D. Major Events

There are a variety of occasions that offer the tourists a taste of what Ibiza has in store for them.

Revelta i Beneides de Sant Antoni Abat held on January 16th and 17th,is a celebration that includes parades, dancing, bonfires and feasting, which are star attractions for the tourists.

Festa de Sant Sebastia celebrated on January 20th is a pageant with two dancers called cavallets who mount wooden horses.

Carnival Parades held in February and March have fancy dress balls that mark the end of the Carnival before Lent. Cavalcade (Sa Rua) is the most magnificent fiesta that is hosted by Palma.

Princess Sofia Trophy that is held in Palma, Mallorca is a yachting regatta. It is one of the important yachting events in the Balearic Islands.

Processio de la Beata is celebrated on the first Sunday in September and is held in Santa Margalida, Mallorca. It is an attraction to visitors as it involves procession of floats and people who are dressed in folk costume. This is celebrated in the honor of Sant Catalina.

Christmas is another occasion that is celebrated with traditional gaiety and pomp that impresses the tourists.

E. Etiquettes / Do's and Don'ts

- Dress is typically casual on this island and beachwear is the most favored attire. However, there are several restaurants and bars that do not admit persons who are dressed in beach clothes.

- Exclusive nightclubs and restaurants may entail a jacket and tie. Business dresses are formal and appearances are important.

- It is advisable to cover shoulders and legs while visiting churches and religious buildings.

- A brief but friendly handshake is the customary greeting in the place. Exchanging Business cards is a typical norm during the introductions.

- It is considered courteous on part of the visitors to speak a few words of local language.