Sant Mateu d’Aubarca celebrated its traditional day dedicated to older residents on Sunday, September 13, bringing together members of the local community for a day of Mass, traditional music, food and special tributes.

The celebration formed part of the parish's 2026 patron-saint festivities and centred on recognising the older residents who have played an important role in the life and history of the village.

A Day of Tradition and Reunion

The day's activities began with a solemn Mass at the church of Sant Mateu, celebrated by the Bishop of Ibiza and Formentera, Vicent Ribas.

After the religious ceremony, the traditional celebrations continued in the church courtyard with a performance by Colla d’Aubarca, the folkloric group associated with Sant Mateu.

The ball pagès formed one of the central parts of the morning, bringing local tradition into the celebrations dedicated to the parish's older residents.

Lunch at Es Cruce

Following the morning activities, the celebration moved to the restaurant Es Cruce in Sant Rafel.

Up to 82 older residents attended the traditional community lunch.

The menu included arroz a la marinera and sofrit pagès, providing two dishes closely connected with local culinary traditions.

The meal also provided an opportunity for residents to spend time together away from the formal part of the day's programme.

A Tribute to Sant Mateu's Oldest Resident

During the lunch, special recognition was given to some of the parish's older residents.

The oldest man in Sant Mateu is Joan Torres Roig, who was born in Can Roques on May 6, 1929.

Torres received a basket containing a selection of local products as part of the tribute.

He described it as a source of pride to be the oldest person in Sant Mateu.

The oldest woman in the parish is Pepa Bonet Riera, born on October 24, 1933.

Bonet was unable to attend the celebration, but organisers said that her gift would be delivered to her.

Golden Wedding Anniversaries

The celebration also recognised couples from Sant Mateu who are marking 50 years of marriage this year.

Vicente Costa Torres and Esperanza Cardona Prats were the first couple honoured. They were married on November 29, 1975.

They received flowers and a commemorative plaque.

Costa described the occasion as a very special moment, while Cardona said that the celebration was one they attend every year.

When asked about the secret to a long marriage, the couple highlighted patience.

Another Couple Celebrates 50 Years

Antonio Costa Tur and Ely Daalmans, from Can Micolau, were also recognised during the celebration.

The couple married on September 26, 1975, and received the same commemorative tribute.

Their 50th wedding anniversary forms part of a year of celebrations for couples who have reached five decades of marriage.

A Community Celebration

The day was organised as more than simply a lunch.

The combination of Mass, ball pagès, traditional food and personal tributes created a programme focused on bringing older residents together and recognising their connection with the parish.

Municipal representative María Ribas attended the lunch and gave a welcome speech, while also presenting the tributes.

She represented the municipality in the absence of Sant Antoni mayor Marcos Serra.

Part of the Sant Mateu Festivities

The celebration for older residents is one of several traditional activities included in the 2026 Sant Mateu festivities.

The patron-saint programme continues through September, with religious ceremonies, traditional culture, music, competitions and community activities.

The parish's celebrations continue to bring together residents of different generations, with older members of the community receiving a dedicated day within the wider programme.

A Celebration of Sant Mateu's Older Generation

Sunday's gathering offered a snapshot of community life in Sant Mateu, combining local traditions with a simple celebration of the people who have spent much of their lives connected to the parish.

With traditional food, ball pagès and personal recognition for the oldest residents and couples celebrating 50 years of marriage, the day provided an opportunity to celebrate both the present community and the generations that have helped shape Sant Mateu.