Consular Christmas blogs: Christmas in Ibiza

Ibiza is very different in winter.

After the hectic, chaotic heat of the summer, winter is chill-out time under the weak winter Mediterranean sun. The clubbers and party-goers have left to recharge their batteries ready for next year and the Islanders do the same.

Over the last 20 years the Spanish perception of Christmas has changed slightly.

The Spanish traditionally celebrated the arrival of the Magi (the three wise men) in Bethlehem on the twelfth night of Christmas, with the procession of Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar on camels bearing gift for the children. Nowadays the children also benefit from the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, so essentially they get two Christmases!

The weather is still good enough to sit outside, relax and soak in the festive atmosphere although you may need a jacket, but be careful with your belongings. Losing your passport, credit cards and money is the last thing you want to be coping with at Christmas.

Ibiza is tenth in the world for issuing Emergency Travel Documents due to lost or stolen passports. Although the majority of these are issued during the summer months, petty thieves also love Christmas, so beware.

Although Ibiza is relatively quiet around Christmas, and a great place for long walks along the beach, with beautiful winter sunsets, and places to dance the night away (not all the clubs close), don’t throw caution to the wind – check out the Travel Advice.

Road, sea and air traffic can be hectic as the Spanish try to rush home for Christmas, or “Navidad” as it is known here. Oh, and the drink driving laws are very strict in Spain so don’t risk it!

The Consular staff in Ibiza wish everyone Feliz Navidad ( Spanish ) and Bon Nadal (Catalan) and above all, given the difficult economic climate, a prosperous New Year!