Traditional music
The traditions of Formentera and Ibiza are so similar that one could almost speak of Siamese twin cultures. Thus, the Ball Pagès is a pillar of the identity of both Formentera and Ibiza. An emblematic dance, the Ball Pagès sees in its choreography all in repeated circular movements, the man turning around his partner playing castanyoles (castanets of about 15 cm in length) while she moves forward in small steps, staring at the ground. In addition to the choreographic splendor, the Ball Pagès are distinguished by the splendor of the traditional clothes worn. The men are usually dressed in white and black, with a wide belt around their waist and a red cap on their head. The women, on the other hand, wear long dresses, their hair covered with a veil and wear their emprendadas, a set of gold, silver or coral necklaces. Theemprendada accompanies the life of the young girls, from the first communion to puberty, the mother enriching it year after year with new jewels. True family treasures, these necklaces are passed on from generation to generation. The music accompanying the Ball Pagès is generally based on repetitive rhythms that increase in intensity.
Unique to Formentera, there are two variants of this traditional dance on the island, called llarga and curta. This dance is still very often performed, especially during major festivities such as the patron saint's day. Starting with Sant Joan, the Feast of St. John, celebrated on June 24, by far the most popular of the island - indeed of all the territories where Catalan is spoken. Everything is gathered, including Ball Pagès, to make this day an unforgettable moment. Another very popular festival is the Procession De La Mare De Déu Del Carme, held on July 16 in Es Pujols and La Savina, which celebrates the Mare de Déu del Carme, patron saint of the sea, with a procession of the icon of the Virgin, and a Ball Pagès, danced on a boat. There are also two other patron saint festivals in which the Ball Pagès is at the heart of the celebrations: Sant Francesc Xavier, on December 3, which honors the patron saint of the capital of Formentera, and the Fiestas de Sant Ferran, on May 30, in which processions, concerts, traditional dances and a handicraft market fill the streets.
Cantades and caramelles complete the island's musical folklore. The cantades, narrative songs - with rhymes - elaborated according to the technique of the cantar redoblat, are also practiced during festive days, between neighbors and family, usually in a private setting. The cantades, which sing of love and personal stories, are still performed by a few enthusiasts and/or during local festivities such as Sant Jaume. Every July 25, in Sant Francesc Xavier, this celebration in honor of the patron saint of the island of Formentera is an opportunity to listen to the traditional cantades.
The caramelles de Nadal, on the other hand, are typical religious songs of Ibiza and Formentera, which resound in the churches at the time of Christmas mass and Easter Sunday. Castanets, espasi - a typical Balearic instrument in the shape of a sword - flute and drums give rhythm to the music. These traditional compositions were declared "property of cultural interest" in 2005.
The last event where you can taste the tradition of Formentera, the Festival of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands, on March 1, is a concentration of traditional dances, music, theater and gastronomy.
Current music
Formentera is a small piece of land and its music scene is on its own scale. There are a few local groups that, over time, have managed to make their mark, even outside the island. One example is Aires Formenterencs, a folk group founded between 1988 and 1989 and distinguished by the use of traditional instruments such as castanets, flute orespasi. Led́ by Xumeu Joan, singer, guitarist and composer, the group represented́ the Pityuse Islands in the competition of the Universal Exposition in Seville in 1992. Their island music sings of their attachment to the landscapes of Formentera, including the song Visc a Formentera ("I live in Formentera"), released in 2008, one of their most popular songs. In February 2012, the group received the Ramon Llull Award from the Balearic Government for their participation in the "traditional musical and literary base of the Pityuses Islands". One of the highest honors of the Balearic Islands.
In another genre, we also mention Jah Chango. Alias of Rico Hartmann, son of the founder of the Blue Bar, a hot spot in Formentera's musical scene, Jah Chango is a project that combines rumba, reggae, cumbia and hip-hop.
And of course, as a good neighbor of Ibiza, Formentera's nights are also full of electronics. Here, there are no superstars like David Guetta or legends like Carl Cox or DJ Harvey, but deep house on the beach, not very refined but effective, accompanied by cocktails and warm sand. Among the best places on the island for a DJ set are the Blue Bar on Platja Migjorn, Beso Beach on Playa De Cavall d'en Borràs with its "hippie chic" spirit, Can Vent in Es Pujols or Codice Luna in El Pilar de la Mola, famous for its Fullmoon Parties.
With a bit of luck, you'll be able to hear balearic beat, a kind of house music born in Ibiza in the 1980s and 1990s at the hands of Paul Oakenfold, a mixture of electronic music and psychedelic pop. Very serene and soaring, it is the perfect company for a sunset on the beach.
