Sant Francesc Festivities

Sant Jaume 2026

Formentera, July 15, 2026

The Formentera Island Council has unveiled the programme for the Sant Jaume 2026 Festival, one of the highlights of the island’s annual celebrations. Over the course of two weeks, the event will feature a wide range of concerts, cultural activities, family entertainment, sports, and traditional festivities.

The celebrations will take place from July 18 to August 1, with Sant Francesc serving as the main venue for a programme designed to appeal to all ages. The festival will bring together international artists, leading names from the Spanish and Catalan music scenes, as well as local talent.

During the presentation, the Island Council explained that the aim is to offer a varied programme where live music, performing arts, exhibitions, children’s activities, sports, and some of Formentera’s most cherished traditions all come together.

The calendar includes some of the summer’s most eagerly anticipated performances, alongside cultural and family-friendly activities that will make Sant Francesc the island’s main meeting point for both residents and visitors during the festival.

Jazz to Open the Sant Jaume Festival

The festival will begin on Saturday, July 18, with a jazz concert in Constitution Square. The opening performance will be by The Washington St. Quartet, a group founded at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.
The quartet will perform a repertoire combining jazz classics with contemporary influences, officially launching the festival’s musical programme.

Culture, Astronomy and Family Activities

The programme will continue from July 20 to 23 with a variety of cultural events. On Monday, July 20, the exhibition Guide to Getting Lost on an Island by artist Fran Lucas Simon will open at the Antoni Tur “Gabrielet” Artisan Centre.
The following day, another session of Formentera Looks to the Sky will take place, focusing on observing the Moon from the Molí Vell de la Mola.
On Thursday, July 23, the day will begin with the traditional Dona del Sac games. Later, artist Lildami will perform a family concert in Constitution Square, presenting a show that combines music, humour, and audience participation to introduce younger audiences to his creative world.

Formentera Day

Friday, July 24, will mark the celebration of Formentera Day with the official institutional ceremony held at the Jardí de ses Eres. During the event, the 2026 Honorary Distinctions will be presented, recognising the achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations closely linked to the island.
The celebrations will continue with an exciting evening of live music. Spanish rock band Seguridad Social will perform some of the iconic hits that have defined several generations, while General Levy will bring his trademark blend of ragga jungle and British dancehall reggae to the stage.
Also taking place from July 24 to 26 will be the John Tunks Memorial Tennis and Padel Tournament, organised by the Illa de Formentera Tennis Club. The competition will feature men’s, women’s, and mixed categories, with registration open until July 21.

Sant Jaume Day: Tradition and Live Music

Saturday, July 25, will be the main day of the festival. The programme will begin with the solemn Mass in honour of Sant Jaume, followed by the traditional folk dance performance by the Es Pastorells and Es Xacoters dance groups.
That evening, live music will take centre stage once again. L’Arannà will present Turmarí, a performance that reinterprets the traditional music of the Pityusic Islands from a contemporary perspective, blending folk music, poetry, and experimental sound.
Later, The Tyets, one of the most popular bands on today’s Catalan music scene, will perform a set featuring their biggest hits. The evening will conclude with a DJ set by Sr. Cardona, bringing the celebrations to a close with electronic music.

Night Bus Service

To make travelling easier and promote safer mobility, the Formentera Island Council will operate a special night bus service on the nights of July 24 and 25.
The service will connect the island’s different villages with Sant Francesc before and after the concerts, allowing people to travel without relying on private vehicles.
The fare will be five euros per journey. Timetables and routes will be available through the official communication channels of the Formentera Island Council.

Until August 1

The festivities will continue beyond the main celebration day. On Sunday, July 26, there will be a community sing-along followed by ballroom dancing at the Day Centre, with music provided by DJ Karlos.
On Monday, July 27, the exhibition Polyphony of Matter by artist Javier Ens will open at the “Ajuntament Vell” Exhibition Hall. That same afternoon, author Jordina Oliva Dosaiguas will present her book You and Me, Through Five Senses, accompanied by a poetry recital at the Marià Villangómez Library.
On Tuesday, July 28, the Cinema a la Fresca series will screen Sherlock Jr. by Buster Keaton, accompanied live by pianist Jota Hidalgo, recreating the authentic silent film experience.