Today Ana Juan and Alejandra Ferrer, president and vice-president of the Consell de Formentera, respectively, and Sa Unió representative Llorenç Córdoba, presented the events programme to commemorate the bicentennial of Formentera's governing authority this October. The ceremony was also attended by Raquel Guasch, councillor of heritage, whose department is promoting the event, and programmer and coordinator Manolo Oya.
President Juan pointed out that, as documented by historian Isidor Macabich, this August marks two centuries since the island's first ajuntament was established, an event which Formentera's current governing authority intends to commemorate by organising various events. "We want the programme to be primarily a popular celebration, because as an institution, the Ajuntament de Formentera represents the people. Over the years municipal government has always defended the general interest, and imperatives like safeguarding our land, identity and social equilibrium mean this remains crucial today", said Juan. The president stressed that the events also "recognise the work and efforts of individuals who have dedicated part of their lives to serving the community".
The president asserted the programme is about "further integrating the different communities that make up Formentera, who are essential to our culture and society" and invited the entire population to enjoy the event.
For her part, Vice-President Ferrer cast the role of the ajuntament as "fundamental", and insisted that "throughout history, this authority has had to enact courageous measures to defend the island in line with the demands of local society and for the benefit of the general interest".
Mr Córdoba lauded "two centuries of work by municipalities and islanders, which has made the Formentera we know possible", and insisted, "It is all of our responsibility to not squander this great common effort".
Finally, Councillor Guasch drove home the important role of the ajuntament and the people who, for the last two hundred years, have made it possible. She had additional praise for the local archival office for "stewarding, preserving and showcasing the island's documented history".
Programme (20-27 October)
Mr Oya said the activities bill was about making sure that "the people of Formentera participate as much as possible".
Thursday 20 October
Round tables at Sala de Cultura (Cinema)
7.00pm: "Governing on Formentera: the last 39 years" – Mayors' round table moderated by Pepo Rubio
8.30pm: "Transformation and conservation: The present of Formentera" – Association, trade union and industry confederation representatives participate in a round table moderated by Toni Ruiz.
Friday 21 October
Concerts and festival in Plaça de la Constitució.
8.30pm: Roots music performances with artists born or based on Formentera, including Aires Formenterencs, Paquita Juan, Genoveva Tur, Tamara García, Cani Huertas, Ermanno Panta...
10.00pm: Barbecue
11.00pm: Performances of funk, rock and Latin music from local musicians like Genís Campillo, Mariano Menteguiaga, Nuno Alves, Maya Alexander, Eki Hoffmann, Eric Doornweerd, Kelly Neuenschwander, Pierre Alain, Tomás Rinalde...
Monday 24 October
Sala d'Exposicions "Ajuntament Vell". A look at the history of the Ajuntament de Formentera, including photographs of buildings and past mayors, accounts, objects and documents (bastó de comandament, municipal books, electoral rolls, budgets, etc.)
Thursday 27 October
8.30pm: Contemporary music and performance of dance and movement at Sala de Cultura (Cinema).
Compositions by Hugh Levick. Musicians: Mario Molina (piano), Catalina Sureda (violin), Esteban Belinchón (cello). Movement by Valeria del Vecchio and Pablo Arias.
Artist Sean Mackaoui created the image that celebrates the Ajuntament de Formentera bicentennial. In 2009, Mackaoui took part in "Visual Poetry", an exhibition incorporating works by Joan Brossa and Chema Madoz at Sala d'Exposicions "Ajuntament Vell".
30 August 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera
