Month: December 2021

January 2021

After Xmas, New Year and Kings Day celebrations Ibiza has record covid numbers but countless infractions are still being reported daily. – Ibiza doesn’t take kindly to being told what to do. Education bosses report that too many teachers are on sick leave and the month ends with Can Misses declaring that hospital services had ‘collapsed’ and national news reporting that Ibiza Town as the ‘most infectious town in Spain’ due to a spike in numbers. Ibiza goes to Level 4 restrictions. As the song says…..Things can only get better

February 2021

The constant barrage of numbers from the 3^rd wave continues but cases begin to lower and Can Misses hospital starts to recover. Mass testing in Ibiza takes place with a highly coordinated effort. Ibiza (like the world) is consumed by bad news but UD Ibiza football club continue their charge in the league. Ibiza is declared as Spain’s epicentre of the ‘British variant’ (remember that?). Hotels and bars are still closed but the natives are getting restless as livelihoods suffer. Investment in Ibiza carries on unabated as hotels change hands and many carry out big refurbs. The covid vaccination is finally rolled out but a couple of cheeky politicians jump the queue causing widespread anger. Naughty naughty!

March 2021

There’s good news that national travelers can now enter Ibiza without showing a negative test but many international flights are cancelled until May. As cases plummet but restrictions continue there’s a demonstration in Ibiza Town calling for bars, restaurants and hotels to be able to open. The extended promenade from Cala Gracio to Port des Torrent gets the green light with work slated to start in 2023 and new hotels, the 5-star OKU and the 4-star Stic Urban in San Antonio are previewed to the world. The Ibiza vaccination program is ramped up after its reported that the island has the slowest roll out in Spain as covid related deaths pass 100. German tourists return to Mallorca and the month ends with an order that a face masks must be worn at all times even outdoors. Oh Dear!

April 2021

Easter time but restrictions still in place including a complicated curfew with restaurants and bar interiors remaining closed. As many destinations prioritise vaccinations for those that work in the tourist sector the Balearics resist calls to do the same. Weather is getting better and the island seems busier with French, German, Swiss and Dutch but where are the Brits? Still confined to their homeland. Sacre bleu!

May 2021

EasyJet and Ryanair start international flights, 50% of Ibiza’s hotels get ready to open for summer. Sant Joan Sunday market reopens, bar and restaurants reopen interiors and terraces now allowed until late evening and Island President Vicent Mari declares that the island is ‘open and is a safe destination’. Have we turned the corner? The Brits are still not allowed to travel so the island and especially San Antonio looks to attract a more international crowd. In sport, UD Ibiza finally gain promotion to the 2^nd tier of Spanish football at the 3^rd time of asking. Meanwhile there’s trouble brewing as Space Ibiza owner Pepe Rosello starts court proceedings against the Matutes Group claiming they have slandered him. Diddums!

June 2021

Ibiza’s bars and restaurants can now open until midnight (whoopee). The Ibiza nightlife association pushes back on the idea that Ibiza is ‘better without discotheques’ as the British government delays its decision to allow international travel until the end of June. Illegal parties in private houses are daily news and UD Ibiza football club upsets local rivals (who also use the facilities) by signing an agreement for the exclusive use of the Can Misses stadium for 2 years. The Balearics goes to the top of the class in the vaccination program. The Dutch become major players in the tourist market but the Brits come crashing back as Boris puts the Balearics on the green list plus the welcome news that masks don’t have to be worn outside. And breathe!

July 2021

The Balearic Supreme Court overturns the order that saw the closure of San Antonio’s West End terraces although business owners in the area doubt they will be able to open this summer due to ongoing restrictions. The political killjoys of Sant Joan declare that the famous drum fiesta on Benirras beach is illegal and there’s problems in Ibiza Town when bars close at 2am and hundreds start gathering in the harbour area carrying on the party. What did they think was going to happen? It’s now mid-summer and temperatures hit almost 40 degrees Celsius and 2 weeks after getting the green light the British government change the Balearics to amber – WTF Boris! The health ministry say that the reopening of nightclubs isn’t viable and a famous poker player on a private jet is busted for a case full of drugs – how the other half live. Ibiza has a 4^th wave of infections or is it the 5^th wave, who’s even counting anymore? Bars and restaurants back to 1am closing. Gotta love Summer!

August 2021

12–15-year-olds can now get jabbed as the Ibiza government brings in fines of up to 300.000 EUR for illegal villa parties which are being openly sold in the street even though the police are now using drones to try and detect them . The island is busy busy. The good news is that more flights are arriving than in August 2019, the bad news is that there are less people on them. The UK keeps Balearics on the amber list and San Antonio breathes a collective sigh of relief. Football fever hits the island as UD Ibiza host their first ever game in the professional ranks versus Malaga, the game ends in a 2-2 draw. The month ends with the usual heavy rainfalls and also a bad ferry accident when the ‘San Gwann’ runs aground on its way to Formentera. Oh Captain!

September

Bars and restaurants get an extra hour so can open until 2am (whoopee again) and Ibiza’s nightclubs ask for permission to hold their closing parties in October even though they never opened in the first place, confused? Ibiza’s hotels report a better August than they expected and Ibiza Pride hold a large concert on the beach in San Antonio but everyone is seated, and dancing is frowned upon. Covid seems to be largely forgotten about. Pressure builds on the island government as entrepreneurs voice their concern that other destinations are holding large scale electronic music events while Ibiza is languishing behind, they finally relent, and it’s announced that nightclubs can reopen from mid-October. Bars and restaurants can also open until 4am. Thank the lord!

October

The summer dawdles to an end but not before Amnesia, DC10 and Hard Rock Hotel hold big parties. DC10 opens its doors for a 12-hour bonanza that sees queues as far as the eye can see – Ibiza clubbing is back baby! Sporting events are everywhere in October – Marathons, triathlons, road races, cycling, car races and plenty more. All restrictions are lifted on bars and restaurants and Pepe Rosello announces he is to open a ‘musical restaurant’ on San Antonio’s sunset strip and that he’s close to finding a venue for Space on Sunday – cues a social media frenzy. Meanwhile Naomi Campbell’s ex-boyfriend, the multimillionaire Vladislav Doronin is fined 1M euros for illegal work carried out on the villa he purchased from Elle McPherson. How’s that for name dropping!

November

The month starts quietly and then the rain comes which isn’t unusual but it doesn’t stop which is very unusal. A court rules that the Matutes Group can legally purchase the remaining shares and become the outright owner of Privilege, the worlds biggest club. It’s still raining. Vaccinations are now available to the under 12’s and the covid passport is needed to enter establishments which hold more than 50 people. Pressure builds on UD Ibiza manager Juan Carlos Carcedo as the team records only 3 points from a possible 15. The rain has finally stopped!

December

It’s Christmas!!!!! Festive lights are switched on in San Antonio as fake snowflakes fall to the delight of the crowd. A new bishop of Ibiza is appointed (still big news over here) and the first case of the Omicron (the what?) variant is found in the Balearics. A new law that requires a covid passport to enter all bars and restaurants sees a 3-fold increase in vaccinations. Infection numbers start being a thing again (to the press anyway) as the 6^th wave (I think) takes over the island. UD Ibiza sack their manager after 6 games without a win. Ruthless. The year ends as it started with ibiza partying hard and numbers rising. Ho-ho-ho.

Happy New Year!

Ibiza has moved to level 3 restrictions after exceeding 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days, a four fold increase since the start of December.

Covid certificates will now be required for all bars and restaurants regardless of capacity although this still needs to be ratified by the Balearic Supreme Court for bars with a capacity of less than 50. Covid certificates will also be needed to enter cinemas, cultural establishments where food and drink is served, gyms and fitness centres, dance academies, gambling halls and clubs for the elderly.

With regards to indoor and outdoor sporting events and competitions, participants over the age of 12 must demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated, are fully recovered in the last six months or a have had a recent negative test.

In addition, planned street parades such as Kings Day can go ahead but must be carried out “in a way that is as serene and relaxed as possible and with the maximum of common sense; therefore, it will be necessary to avoid crowds and be as static as possible “. These are the words of Josep Marí Ribas, formerly mayor of San Jose and now the Balearic Minister for mobility and housing. The measures will come into force immediately (except those that require authorisation from the Balearic Superior Court) and will remain, in principle, until the end of January.

With regards to the thorny issue of masks outdoors Mari Ribas said “where there are crowds and the safety distance cannot be safeguarded, the use of a mask is a good thing but we have also clearly argued that when there is a considerable distance from others a mask is not necessary”.

Mariano Juan, Vice President of the Ibiza Council, added “to say that a mask should be used at all times outside doesn’t make any sense but it’s logical in outdoor spaces where there are crowds or risk situations”.

Original article in Periodico de Ibiza (Spanish)

The festive season is now upon us so it’s time to kick back, relax and indulge in some naughty and nice pursuits that only Ibiza can offer

San Antonio Christmas Market
The San An Xmas Market is back again after it’s surprise success in 2019. Live music on stage in front of the the wooden cabins serving food and drink, the wonderful Christmas tree and sparkly lights throughout the town square surrounded by palm trees, not forgetting Santa’s house and the brand new sledge run. There’s a full program of events in San Antonio but it’s the Xmas Market that brings the town alive from 5pm every day.

Ibiza Town Funfair
It’s not the holiday season without an old fashioned funfair and Ibiza Town’s offering near Can Misses ticks all the boxes and much more. From the dodgems to the haunted house to the gravity defying ‘Carcel’ there’s fun for all the family. Plenty of fast food is available and even faster ways to spend your money at the many booths and rides scattered about the busy fairground. The fair is open daily from 5-11 pm until 19 January (winning a large fluffy toy is compulsory).

Cava and Oysters at Hostal Parque
It’s a bit of a tradition so pull up a chair at the best viewpoint in Ibiza Town’s busiest square and order a glass of cava and a dozen oysters and enjoy the moment. Personally I like tabasco on my oysters and then let them slide down but everyone is different. As we get closer to Xmas the atmosphere starts to crackle with fun and excitement as Ibiza gets busier and busier. Better than summer? It’s a good debate but both are very different.

Shopping in Ibiza Town
Long gone are the days when Ibiza’s shops in winter didn’t have much to offer and over the holiday period the islands capital is buzzing with both residents and tourists finishing off their xmas shopping looking for gifts, ideas and couture clothing in the famous avenues and alleyways. From cheesy souvenirs to high end labels there’s plenty on offer so bring your credit card and finish off the evening having a look at the stalls on Vara de Rey and then some tapas and vino in one of the local bars.

New Years Eve at Lio
Okay, the drinks might be eye-wateringly expensive and whole concept scandalously indulgent but Lio is up there as one of the most amazing venues in the world nestled amongst the super yachts with the famous Ibiza Old Town is it’s backdrop. Dress code is ‘Elegant’ so dress to impress and throw away your inhibitions for what is sure to be an evening to remember. Tickets are 70 euros per person for entrance and a drink.

New Years Day Lunch on the Beach
2021 has been the year of gastronomic adventures on the White Isle so there’s no better way to start off the New Year with a long lazy NYD lunch in the sunshine. Make sure you book a table at one of the many beach restaurants (especially if the weather forecast is good) and organise a taxi so you can let your hair down and start the year as you mean to go on. This is what Ibiza is all about!

Es Vedra Walk
With time on your hands and the calorie intake rising it’s the perfect time of the year for the short hike to Es Vedra. Compared to summer there’s very few people about and the December and January skies always throw up some amazing colours especially at sunset. This is social media gold and sure to get your friends and family back home frothing at the mouth. It ain’t rocket science and a fantastic way to spend a few hours over the festive period.

Ibiza Town Kings Parade on 5 Jan
In Spain it’s tradition to give gifts on 6 January so the crowds will be out in big numbers to welcome the Royal Cavalcade on Wed 5 January from 6.30pm as the 3 Kings from the Orient come bearing presents plus boxes of sweets for the kids (and big kids). It’s a fitting end to the festive season calendar with an excited atmosphere and large numbers on the streets as the carriages file past. This is the real Spain and something that needs to be experienced at least once.

Finally……This is just a small selection, there’s so many things happening in Ibiza over the next few weeks, each town and village has a comprehensive list of events designed to keep all ages engaged so get involved wherever you can. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. The Big Man in red will be making several appearances plus plenty of things to do for the big kids once the little ones have gone to bed.

Have a great Ibiza festive season, thanks to everyone who read and commented on my Man in San An blog posts in 2021. Onwards and upwards to 2022!