Elegant, ritualistic, powerful, musical.
The ball pagès is one of Ibiza's most valuable cultural treasures. It is a dance that speaks to who we are, where we come from, and how to pass on our roots to younger generations.
Today we'll tell you all about this living traditional gem... and why you should share it with your children.
A living heritage declared a Site of Cultural Interest
Ball pagès is the name given to the traditional dances of the Pityusic Islands. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2012 and has been kept alive thanks to the commitment of the colles (folk groups), who perform it at patron saint festivals, cultural events, and popular gatherings throughout the island.
Originating in the context of rural life, it was customary to dance in country houses during the slaughter, harvest, or shelling of corn.
Today, although the settings have changed, the community and festive spirit remain intact.
A dance full of symbolism and strength
What's most striking about ball pagès is the clear difference between the roles of the man and the woman. The woman, always standing upright with her gaze fixed on the floor, describes quick spirals with short steps, without looking at her dance partner. The man, on the other hand, performs freer and more energetic movements, kicking his legs, jumping, and marking the rhythm with castanets.
There are different types of ball pagès:
- The curta, slow and ceremonious, used to open and close the celebration. It was performed by the oldest members of the family.
- The llarga, more energetic, is the most typical. The man jumps and spins and demonstrates strength and skill.
- Sa filera, in which a single man dances with several women, approaching each of them without losing the rhythm.
- Ses nou or dotze rodades, with a strong symbolic meaning, represents the cycle of pregnancy or the year. It is the only dance where there is physical contact between the dancers, who link elbows in the centre of the circle.
The music, played by the sonadors, combines the three-holed flute and the drum, while the men play their castanyoles (Ibizan castanets) with force and rhythm, with which they also dance.
The magic of the traditional clothing
No dance can be understood without its costume, and in the case of ball pagès, the clothing is as important as the movements.
Women can wear up to three types of outfits: work, party, or wedding. Each has its own symbols, fabrics, and colours.
The oldest is the black gonella, which is combined with a silver and red coral emprendada (embellishments). The gold one, on the other hand, is reserved for special occasions and is accompanied by up to 24 rings symbolizing commitment.
Men wear white with a dark waistcoat, red or black sash, beret and esparto espadrilles, and complete their outfit with a silver filigree embellishment over the jupetí (traditional vest).
In many cases, especially for the emprendadas, they are a family heirloom and are proudly displayed on special occasions.
This aesthetic richness not only enhances the dance, but also conveys the values, history and identity of the island.
A group for every part of the island
Today, there are twelve federated colles (folk groups) on the island of Ibiza. Each of them works to keep this tradition alive through rehearsals, exhibitions, workshops, and active participation in local festivals.
If you would like to experience this world with your family, here are our recommendations for a colla in each area:
- Santa Eulària des Riu: Es Broll Cultural Association
- Sant Josep de sa Talaia: Sant Josep Folk Group
- Sant Antoni de Portmany: Brisa de Portmany Folk Group
- Ibiza city: Colla de Vila Association
- Sant Joan de Labritja: Sa Colla de Labritja Cultural Association
All of them participate in the patron saint festivals of their towns, but also in events organized by the Federació de Colles de Ball i Cultura Popular d'Eivissa (Federation of Dance Groups and Popular Culture of Ibiza).
Why teach it to your children
Beyond the music, colour and rhythm, ball pagès is a way of teaching values.
It teaches respect, discipline, teamwork, and a love for the local culture. Dancing in a colla involves learning to listen, observe, coordinate, and be part of something bigger.
It's also a tool for intergenerational connection. Children learn from their elders, families get together for rehearsals and parties, and a sense of pride is generated that transcends age.
In addition, many colles organize children's classes, family workshops, school gatherings, and participatory activities to provide children with a fun way to learn about the tradition.
Where and when to see it live
If you're in Ibiza, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see ball pagès live.
During the patron saint festivals of each town (from January to November), it’s common for the colles to hold open exhibitions.
In addition, during the summer, weekly ballades populares are organized in squares and churches, with the goal of introducing both residents and visitors to the tradition.
And if you happen to be there in September, don't miss the Ibiza Mare Nostrum Folk Festival, featuring local groups as well as national and international guests.
A celebration of music, dance and cultural pride!
A dance for life
Ball pagès is not just a folkloric spectacle; it is a lesson in history, identity, and emotion.
It involves dancing without haste, looking without seeing, and feeling that what unites us goes beyond words.
If you have children, teaching them this dance is giving them roots. And if you're visiting the island, watching it is a way to understand the culture from within.
Because Ibiza is also about dancing, listening, and sharing… step by step.
We are your guide to family leisure in Ibiza
Ready to enjoy a show like no other? Then we encourage you to discover part of our culture through ball pagès.
And if you're looking for more recommendations for family activities in Ibiza, we encourage you to check out the rest of our blog posts.
You can also consult our guide to beaches, trails, museums, restaurants, accommodation and services with the Ibiza Family Moments quality seal.
Your adventure starts here!
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