The Formentera government’s official celebration of Dia de les Illes —Balearic Islands Day— took place today at 12 noon in Plaça de la Constitució. President Ferrer gave an address underscoring the progress seen on Formentera since 2007, when a retooling of the regional autonomy statute left the island with its own consell, or council.

Ferrer said that challenges lay ahead for Formentera, like protecting islanders’ basic rights, “one of the most important of which is access to acceptable housing. This is an issue that must be dealt with forcefully and in coordination at every level of government”.

The president likewise spoke about the need for a renewed commitment to Formentera’s social, economic and environmental sustainability, and underscored plans to push the needle in that direction. The year 2020 will mark the second anniversary of Formentera’s scheme to restrict in-bound vehicles during the heavy months of summertime crowding: “It’s a way to continue preserving our island for future generations, guarantee quality of life for our inhabitants and deliver a more enjoyable experience to our visitors”.

Other challenges cited by Ferrer included regulating moorage at Estany des Peix, closing the water cycle and eliminating single-use plastics. “In times like these, it’s important that we unite behind common objectives: for a just society, a safeguarded environment and a healthy and shared economy. We want a society that is educated, free, cohesive and supportive.”

Poetry reading
Before Ferrer’s public address, a reading was done of five fragments of poetry from four poets, one from each island in the Balearic archipelago. Formentera’s former mayor, Isidor Torres, read a segment of Majorcan poet Guillem d’Efak’s “Les illes”, after which Selva Garrone, a teacher, read a piece of “No t’he parlat avui...” from fellow Minorcan Pere Gomila.

Following that, Sasha Riccardo and Munay Guzman interpreted two fragments from two poems, “Lletra menuda” and “Sal i Silenci”, by Eivissa poet Nora Albert. Finally, writer/director of the Sant Ferran school Neus Costa interpreted a fragment of “L’espera de la letargia”, by hometown poet Maria Teresa Ferrer.

Members of the local Formentera cabinet, opposition party representatives and the head of the Balearic government’s office of modernisation and digital administration, Ramón Roca, and others, were also on hand for the event, which concluded with a performance of traditional dance in the square by local troupes Es Xacoters and Es Pastorells. Those in attendance were treated to a sampling of signature Formentera fare at the event’s closing.

1 March 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

Formentera’s president and councillor of equality and LGTBI, Alejandra Ferrer and Vanessa Parellada, respectively, were joined by Espai Dones director Dolores Fernández Tamargo in unveiling the list of events on offer to help islanders ring in International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.

Ferrer applauded Fernández Tamargo for once again putting together a jam-packed programme of exhibits, film screenings, concerts, round tables, book launches and more. According to the president, one thing the events all share is “educating islanders about the importance of working hard to deliver real equality for women”.

Details about the events calendar were outlined by the Espai Dones director, who underscored one day in particular: Sunday 8 March, International Women’s Day.

The day starts at 11.00am with the sixth Run for Women (Cursa solidària de la Dona), an event encompassing not only a fun-run but a walk as well, both of which are designed to raise money for the Spanish Cancer Association (AECC). A community paella will also be organised later that day in Sa Senieta car park (Sant Francesc), with money again going to benefit the AECC.

From 11.00am on that same day an information stand will be set up and posters put up around Plaça de la Constitució as batucada troupe Bloco Colubraria provide percussive rhythms. Islanders are encouraged to come out for a 1.00pm reading of the day’s manifesto, followed by a group of women performing “A rapist in your path” (Un violador al teu camí). Rehearsals take place today from 7.00pm to 8.00pm and same time next Friday in the IES Marc Ferrer sport and fitness centre. The rehearsals and performance are open to all women.

Exhibit

At 8.00pm on Monday 2 March, the Sala d’Exposions (Ajuntament Vell) will host the opening of “Mujeres trabajando por mujeres”, an exploration of the women’s struggle past and present by María María Acha-Kutscher. Currently residing in Spain, Peruvian artist Acha-Kutscher is a visual artist dedicated to the feminist cause. Her show will be open 11.00am to 2.00pm ad 6.00pm to 8.00pm until 14 March (Sundays and Monday mornings closed).

Programme:

Friday 6 March, 8.30pm | Sunday 8 March, 8.00pm
Una cuestión de género, a film by Mimi Lede
Sala de Cultura (Cinema)

Saturday 7 March, 8.30pm [L’Illa a Escena]
Les Kol·lontai. Barnasants concerts. Music for International Women’s Day.
Sala de Cultura (Cinema)

Monday 9 March, 7.00pm
Round-table discussion with speakers from the lecture series Figures in Local History (Personatges de la nostra Història). Discussion will focus on women in the recent history of Eivissa and Formentera. Presented by Friends of the Museum of Archaeology (AAMAEF).
Sala d’Exposicions ‘Ajuntament Vell’

Friday 13 March, 8.00pm
Presentation of Miren Jaurne Martinez’s book La venus que rompió el espejo. Jaurne Martinez is a youtuber and “body positive” advocate.
Marià Villangómez Library

Wednesday 18 March, 7.00pm
Documentary, En la brecha (dir. Claudia Rei). Discussion on gender inequality in the workplace to follow.
Casal de Joves

Sunday 22 March, 12 noon
Twelfth Tribute to the Elderly Woman of Formentera
Sala de plens, Centre de Dia

Thursday 26 March, 7.00pm
Round-table discussion “The road to women's empowerment”
With Guardia Civil Women and Minors Division sergeant Antonia Alanzol, department of research into and prevention of addictive behaviour director Bélen Alvite and writer/blogger Pilar Ruiz. The discussion will be moderated by Diario de Ibiza director Cristina Martín.
Sala de plens, Centre de Dia

Friday 3 April, 7.00pm
Lecture “Masculinity and men in the age of feminism”
With Ritxar Bacete
Sala d’actes, Plaça de la Constitució

Councillor Parellada applauded various local groups for close involvement in this year’s programme, pointing out that “they’re all working to contribute to a more equal world” and encouraging islanders to come, participate and have fun in the many events.

28 February 2020
Department of Communication
Consell de Formentera