The month of November in Ibiza shows a version of the island that many travellers don’t know about. The island becomes a place where the tranquillity of autumn allows you to discover Ibizan traditions like the one we are going to tell you about today.
On Vacalia you can find amazing holiday homes to live an authentic experience on the island. Don’t hesitate to use our search engine to find your perfect home.
The revival of an almost forgotten tradition
The “Trencada de Pinyons” is an ancient custom that, after having fallen into oblivion for years, has recently made a strong comeback. Ibicencans make a great effort to preserve their cultural heritage, and one of the best ways to do so is by sharing it with visitors. In this way, they not only keep their rich history alive, but also offer a vision that is far removed from the conventional tourist circuits and closer to the true spirit of the island.
Every year, on the eve of the 1st of November, Ibiza prepares to celebrate the “Día de Tots Sants”, a date dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed away.
In the olden days, the children of Ibiza used to roam the streets at dusk, knocking on the doors of houses to ask for pine nuts, sweets and dried fruit. After receiving their small rewards, they would gather with their families around the table, where, amidst laughter and tales of witches and ghosts, they would share a special night.
Before going to bed, the shells and a candle were left on a table all night long to honour their dead. This tradition became one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year.
Today, families and friends gather to collect and eat seasonal nuts and dried fruit. In rural Ibiza, this custom symbolised family unity through the sharing of the food gathered. The simple act of cracking the nuts, from which the name “trencada” (which means “breaking” in Catalan) comes from, was at the heart of this tradition.
Although this activity was on the verge of disappearing, it has made a strong comeback in recent years, driven by local interest in preserving customs and sharing them with visitors to the island. This experience offers visitors a different vision of Ibiza, far removed from the typical beach and party landscapes, and closer to its cultural roots.
The Ibiza version of Halloween
The “Trencada de Pinyons” could be seen as Ibiza’s response to Halloween celebrations. While in other places costumes and pumpkins have been installed, in Ibiza the value of sharing and remembering the dead is prioritised. Traditionally, the pine nuts collected were used by families to make typical All Saints’ Day sweets. Nowadays, however, the preparation of these sweets has mainly been transferred to local bakeries, which have rescued old family recipes.
This collective festival has evolved, becoming more and more organised as a full day of festivities, including not only harvesting, but also live music and cultural activities.
This festival, celebrated between 31 October and 2 November, has become an unmissable date for those who are looking to discover a different Ibiza, connected to its ancient traditions and family values.
Pine nuts are not just seeds, they are part of a tradition that symbolises family togetherness. In addition to nuts, dishes such as “frita de porcella” (a pork stew) or buñuelos de viento (a kind of doughnut) were served on the tables. Nowadays it is once again typical to eat them at this time of year.
In villages like Sant Llorenç de Balàfia, the Trencada has once again become a very important festival, where in addition to collecting pine nuts, there are also workshops where you can learn traditional island recipes and take part in a large communal meal, where the entire population shares dishes made with ingredients from Ibiza.
The Ibiza almond, one of the best in the world
Almonds have long been one of the island’s star products, especially in the preparation of the famous almond and pine nut panellets, which are also typical at this time of year.
In the past, Ibiza exported tons of almonds nationally and internationally, being an important source of income for the island. However, with the passing of time, many of the almond trees have aged and their production has decreased considerably.
Despite this, in recent years there has been an effort to revitalise almond production on Ibiza. The Consell Insular de Eivissa has worked together with local farmers to implement new cultivation techniques and ensure that the Ibizan almond is once again an important ingredient both in local markets and in products consumed on the island.
If you visit Ibiza in November, the “Trencada de Pinyons” is a perfect opportunity to get to know a version of the island that few people see. At this time of year, the island is quieter and less touristy, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful landscapes and discover its rich culture.
