Ibiza's traditional culture will take centre stage at the Port of Ibiza this Friday, August 21, as Sa Colla de Vila launches the first edition of VilaFolk, a new event celebrating traditional music, dance and folk heritage.

The event will transform Es Martell into a meeting point for Ibiza and mainland Spain, bringing together Sa Colla de Vila and the Grupo de Paloteo y Danza Villa de Ampudia from Palencia for an evening of performances and cultural exchange.

From Vara de Rey to Es Martell

The evening will begin at 8:00 pm with a traditional street procession, known as a cercavila, departing from the new clock at Vara de Rey.

The procession will make its way towards Es Martell, where the main performances will take place.

At 8:30 pm, the Grupo de Paloteo y Danza Villa de Ampudia will perform traditional dances from Palencia, including paloteo, a distinctive Castilian folk tradition involving rhythmic choreography with wooden sticks.

At 9:00 pm, Sa Colla de Vila will take to the stage to present a traditional ball pagès, one of the most recognisable forms of Ibiza's cultural heritage.

Keeping Ibiza's Traditions Alive

Sa Colla de Vila was founded in 1989 following the creation of a folklore school by Ibiza Town Council.

For more than three decades, the group has helped preserve and pass on Ibiza's traditional culture through music, dance and teaching.

Its work includes the traditional ball pagès, as well as the use of instruments such as the flaüta, drum and castanyoles.

The group regularly participates in local celebrations and cultural events and has also represented Ibiza at folk festivals and cultural gatherings elsewhere in Spain and internationally.

A Meeting of Two Traditions

VilaFolk is designed not only as a performance but also as a cultural exchange.

By bringing Sa Colla de Vila together with the Grupo de Paloteo y Danza Villa de Ampudia, the event will showcase two different regional traditions and highlight the diversity of Spain's folk culture.

For Ibiza, it also provides an opportunity to place its own traditions in the spotlight in one of the island's busiest and most recognisable locations.

Event Details

VilaFolk 2026 takes place on:

Friday, August 21
Es Martell, Port of Ibiza
8:00 pm: Traditional procession from Vara de Rey
8:30 pm: Grupo de Paloteo y Danza Villa de Ampudia
9:00 pm: Sa Colla de Vila

The event is open to residents, families, visitors and anyone interested in experiencing traditional music and dance.

For visitors spending August in Ibiza, VilaFolk offers a chance to discover another side of the island, away from its famous nightlife and beach clubs, and experience traditions that have been passed down through generations.