Opinion article by: Pepita Torres Serra
Good day, I would like to inaugurate this blog by sharing a brief history of what my dedication to this Federation of Dance Troupes and Popular Culture of Ibiza and Formentera has brought me.
After many meetings with all the troupes from the islands, we managed to realize the idea of creating a Federation that would serve as a unifying axis, so that through the organization of events, publications, and studies related to our customs, attire, music, and dances, etc., we could progressively acquire knowledge that would help us improve our work and make it known.
Personally, it has helped me change preconceived ideas, ideas heard in explanations from folklore groups or texts almost always aimed at tourists, which presented a convoluted and romanticized image of the meaning of the dances and some of the attire. Nevertheless, I believe I still have much to see, hear, and learn.
However, it concerns me to see that all the work carried out by the Federation is overlooked by some individuals, and especially by new artisan groups created independently of the troupes and recently quite promoted by institutions at fairs both within and outside our territory, who, despite presenting themselves as traditional peasant attire, incorporate elements that bear little or no resemblance to our ancient garments. One only needs to carefully observe old photographs of rural people performing their tasks to discern the differences.
Finally, I wish to invite anyone interested to contact the Federation for information, either through the publications we already possess, or by proposing a topic so that we may seek out individuals who can provide further knowledge and continue our work.
Thank you all.
Photos:
Water carriers: Screenshots from the ‘Eivissa antiga’ (Old Ibiza) photo group on Facebook
Cart: ‘Eivissenques’ (Ibiza Women), 1940s/50s – Photo © Leopoldo Plasencia Pons (1906-1988)
