On Saturday January 18th the ‘Caramelles de Nadal’ from Ibiza arrive at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

The Consell d’Eivissa has launched for another year the program of Caramelles de Nadalone of the oldest musical expressions of the island, and that this season puts the finishing touches with a performance on January 18, ‘Es Xacoters de sa Torre’ at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Following the tradition and before closing the program in Barcelona, the ‘Caramelles de Nadal’ have been interpreted in most of the churches in the towns of the municipalities of Ibiza, such as Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, Sant Antoni de Portmany or Santa Eulària des Riu and in the Cathedral of Ibiza.

The Caramelles, which are also performed during Holy Week and Easter, have a religious theme and are a true musical treasure, being one of the most significant manifestations of Ibiza’s culture and intangible heritage, which is why they are registered as an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Consell d’Eivissa. The “Caramelles” also have a very special meaning that consists of explaining the seven “goigs” of the Virgin Mary in a song that is interpreted later by the reading of the Gospel and that culminates with the custom that those attending the mass go to kiss the image of the baby Jesus.

It is a doubled song, a factor in common with the rest of the typical rural songs in Ibiza, which is performed by a group of “caramellers” in which a flute, a drum, an “espasí” (metallic musical instrument) and some “castanyoles” sound and two voices sing. Actually, the “espasí” was the main piece to accompany the “caramelles”, although nowadays its use can also be seen in the “ball pagès” (traditional dance).