PALM SUNDAY IN SANT JORDI DE SES SALINES

VIA CRUCIS IN SANT JORDI

Es Passos de Setmana Santa (in Ibiza is the way to say Via Crucis) is a tradition that is almost celebrated at all parishes of the island, although the celebration day for the via crucis varies from one parish to another. Most of them do so on the evening of Holy Thursday but there are some exceptions as in the church of Sant Jordi de Ses Salines that celebrates it during the evening of Palm Sunday. 

"Es Passos" in Sant Jordi are among the most beautiful on the island, since the majority of women participating in the procession, dressed in the suit, reminds the old Ibiza and, also with the mantle with which in the past, they went to church or was used for any religious acts.

It is fortunate that this parish manage to keep this lovely tradition and certainly all those involved in this act for a moment revive that old Ibiza that persuaded people who came from outside. It's wonderful that we can still see today these beautiful pictures that give us the churches during Easter but especially those that offer the residents of Sant Jordi.

The via crucis consists of fourteen stations that are developed around the church. Some are marked with a cross. At each stop, participants carrying the two images, they listen a gospel passage from each station, they say a prayer and ends with a song. In Ibiza there are various kinds of songs for "es passos" but the most popular is one that has its origins in Tarragona, and is sung in Sant Jordi; in other parishes are sung some others, that have a more ancient origin and are from the island itself.

The image of Christ crucified is the first to go in the way of these processions, or in some parishes just the one. Always carried by men followed by the women at the back. Another ancient tradition that still exists today in some rural churches of the island, the men sit separately from women.

Behind men, the image of Our Lady of Sorrows which is carried here by women, follow men. These two images are the only two that come in this procession of "Passos" or Way of the Cross in churches on the island.

For those visiting Ibiza this Easter or for residents of other villages on the island, you can see this celebration in Sant Jordi on Palm Sunday afternoon.

The devotion, ritual, customs and tradition come together at Ibiza's churches during Holy Week, also in Sant Jordi with the participation from the parish of San Jorge makes it even more special and colorful.

ES CAP DES FALCÒ

THE FALCON CAPE

(ONE OF THE MOST SOUTHERNMOST POINT OF THE ISLAND)

Reaching the top of Es Cap des Falco (Cape Falcon) is to reach the southernmost tip of the island, a place that will arrive, after starting from Ses Salines. In the first image (top) we can see a picture of the Salinas Beach, located just behind the ponds and the very small village of "Sa Revista." Due to Cap des Falco is a totally wild tip, we must be ready to start walking up hills and then down them to reach Cap des Falco. A place that worth just for the wonderful views that we see during the way, definitely delightful. In the picture above we see as we climb the first hill near the beach of Ses Salines or Mitjorn, we are able to see from the top, the string of islets that separate the islands of Ibiza and Formentera (called "Es Freus"). For reference to the image we can see clearly two lighthouses, the closest to the image corresponds to the island des Penjats (of the hanged) and further one from the island of Espalmador. At the bottom almost confused with the horizon appears Formentera.

Reach Cap des Falco requires some perseverance and patience. Not for people who do not like walking. We will be amazed into this place. Here in the form of a small cove (certainly the southernmost cove of Ibiza), name unknown (if it has it), is completely surrounded by pine trees and vegetation.

Going up a bit, and leaving the cove back, we can admire a pretty rocky landscape. We are at the southernmost tip of the island, but by the east side we see another tip, that one is the tip of Ses Portes, with a watchtower called also "ses portes" (the doors) scanning the horizon...

We are arriving to Cap des Falco. This point at the image we see with these small islets, is the southernmost part of the island of Ibiza. A kind of Finisterrae of the island in its south side. For some people getting here, could get some tireness, but this is a good place to rest and regain energy as it is a truly beautiful place.

We have already reached the top of Cap des Falco, that peak so beaked if we see it from some sides of the island. That leads out to a place with great views, where a backdrop of blue sea green contrasts with other native vegetation of the island. On one side the sea, and to the other the salinas.

On the east side, is perfectly visible the beach of Codolar, the mountains of the island and the salt ponds.

This route can be made by people of all ages, though, if people with dizziness should avoid looking down from above, due to the fall of the ravine is very pronounced. Even if you are not too dizzy, worth to look down, albeit with caution...

On the top you will find a fantastic view to the west of the island. Although half hidden but perfectly visible the imposing rock of Es Vedra greets us from afar, as also the area named cala Llentrisca.

Once up, we see that "Cap des Falco" is a pretty big area, where the high cliffs surround the coastal area. From now on we must go down, but we can enjoy the views that we find into the way.

On our descent we can see even from a distance, the lighthouse and the islet des Penjats (the hanged island) so named because in the days of the pirates was the place where the convicted pirates were hanged. The island now appears serene and detached from us and surrounded by pine trees, pines that we have in few feet of us.

In our descent, at a relatively low level, we can enjoy the view of a relatively near beach, but inaccessible by land, so we can not get there. But from above gives us the view of an impressive clean and clear water background.

Again we must climb another hill for finally reach again the top of another mountain, in order to return to civilization. Again we can spot the salinas beach and Sa Canal, where there is usually some salt loading that will ship to Europe. Once again we got out to the world when we go down the hill. For some hours we have enjoyed the nature and the silence with impressive views.

BACKSIDE OF DALT VILA

BACKSIDE OF DALT VILA  (ES SOTO)

Dalt Vila is one of the most interesting and beautiful sites of the island and the most important. Heritage Site since 1999, is one of the most photographed places in the Balearics. Currently under restoration, the Ibiza Castle, we will gradually discover the results of a restoration, that although is not finished yet, have no liked in general at most of locals, due the wall colors. The historic building which is the former castle will be the future Parador Tourism. Anyway stroll through the area around the walls (the Renaissance walls) is a delight, especially when these great historic walls, can cover the new garish colours of the castle.

Another reason to visit this area are the views of the port of Ibiza, they were years ago a real visual treat to see the island with the Botafoch lighthouse. Nowadays the views are also nice but also can be seen the progress surrounded by concrete at the new harbor. Gradually the island gets to know the wild side of progress. In any case, the views are still quite nice and the close sea with its blue-green color gives the color note to the landscape. On one side of the stone walls on the other sea port Vila (Vila, is how the locals call to the city of Ibiza).

Reforming what (I suppose, if no other changes) will be the future parador (in a place where there is no lack precisely of tourist beds) is appearing before our eyes. A reform that may have raised controversy when was builded a floor over, and the height of the old castle, surpass the cathedral tower. Another of the "innovations" that have not liked by many "Ibicencos". In any case it is still a special place that should not be missed when visiting the island. This area seems to be that from now delight us with their varied new colors.