Sant Carles de Peralta is gearing up for its patronal festivities, featuring more than 30 activities that will blend gastronomy, music, tradition, culture, and sport. The celebrations began on 19 October and will extend into December, with the fireta del calamar as the main new attraction this year, and 4 November, the feast day of Sant Carles, marked as one of the highlights of the festivities.
The inaugural fireta del calamar will take place on Friday, 30 October, starting at 17:00. The pedestrian streets of the village will host an afternoon of gastronomy and live music, featuring squid tapas that combine traditional recipes with modern interpretations. This event is designed as a prelude to the tenth edition of the Fira Gastronòmica del Calamar.
Four musical performances are scheduled for the evening: The Rosemary Family at 17:00, Pep Còsmic and es Verros de Balàfia at 18:30, Eribertho with a salsa music proposal at 20:00, and Los del Varadero, who will close the event from 21:30.
The following day, Saturday, 31 October, will see the X Fira Gastronòmica del Calamar, one of the most anticipated events of the festivities. From 11:00, Sant Carles will host tastings of tapas, children's activities, live music, and awards for the best recipes. The afternoon will continue with performances by Groove Garage at 17:00, Arredefolk at 19:00, and Orquestamelase at 21:30.
The initial events kicked off on 19 and 20 October with board game championships and a photographic exhibition titled Gent del camp by photographer Joan Costa. A special tribute to parishioners over 80 years old will take place on 1 November, featuring a solemn mass, a recognition ceremony in the church square, a performance by the Colla de Ball Pagès de Sant Carles alongside the dance group L'Espadanya from Segovia, and a tribute lunch. This day will also include exhibitions of vintage cars and motorcycles, children's games, and a comedy night.
Children will have their own activities with games and hot chocolate planned for students at CEIP Sant Carles on 2 and 3 November. Sports will also feature in the celebrations, with the XII Sant Carles Extrem scheduled for 7 November at the Les Dalias car park, and the XI Sant Carles Trail taking place on 15 November, alongside the Trofeo de Pesca desde Embarcaciones Fondejadas.
Among the musical and cultural highlights are the first edition of EsRot on 7 November, which will include games, prizes, bingo, and music; a concert by the Cor Parroquial followed by a traditional dance on 8 November; and activities organised for the Senior Citizens' Club on 22 November. The festivities will continue with a walk to Cala Mastella on 28 November and conclude in December with a talk on safety in rural areas, presented by the Guardia Civil and Local Police, and a theatrical performance titled Jutjats de pau, judicis pendents by the Es Molí Residents' Association.
The main day of Sant Carles on 4 November will feature the most traditional events of the patronal festivities. The day will commence at 12:00 with a solemn mass in honour of the patron saint, presided over by the Bishop of Ibiza and Formentera, and sung by the Cor Parroquial de Sant Carles, followed by a traditional procession. At 13:30, the Colla de Ball Pagès de Sant Carles de Peralta will perform a traditional dance in the church square. The celebration will continue in the afternoon with live music from singer Juanjele at 18:00 and Endemics at 20:00, concluding with a DJ session featuring local DJs Little House and Xumi from 22:00.
