Tourism as a factor in the preservation of the traditional dances of Ibiza and Formentera

Tourism has played a pivotal role in preserving the traditional peasant dances, known as ball pagès, of Ibiza and Formentera. The study reveals that the integration of these dances into tourist performances during the 1930s boom and subsequent decades ensured their survival amid rapid economic changes. By becoming a staple in nightclubs and hotels, ball pagès not only attracted tourists but also fostered local appreciation and intergenerational transmission, countering threats to its continuity. The research highlights how tourism, initially as a novelty for illustrious visitors, evolved into a cultural safeguard, demonstrating its dual function as both an economic driver and a vehicle for cultural preservation.

Cirer-Costa, J. C. (2024). Tourism as a factor in the preservation of the traditional dances of Ibiza and Formentera. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 19(6), 839–860. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873x.2024.2353239