Have you ever heard of the Fameliar? This strange, goblin-like creature is born from a magical herb that grows for just a few hours each year on the night of Sant Joan. According to Ibizan folklore, if you manage to trap this herb’s stalk in a black bottle, the Fameliar will spring to life, bald, big-headed and demanding either work or food. Mischievous, powerful and sometimes troublesome, this is just one of many mythological beings that inhabit the island’s rich and imaginative tradition.
Ibiza is home to a whole cast of curious and unforgettable characters passed down through oral stories known as rondaies. These tales of magical beings,many of them unseen, have shaped the island’s cultural identity for generations. If you are curious about Ibiza’s folklore, here is everything you need to know about its most fascinating mythological creatures.
1. The Barruguet: Ibiza’s most mischievous creature
One of the most iconic mythological figures of Ibiza is the Barruguet. This small, invisible trickster with an elongated head is known for causing chaos in rural homes. He hides in wells, cisterns and dark corners, waiting for the perfect moment to play pranks.
This creature can transform into animals, usually a young goat, and loves to swap sugar for salt, make strange noises, or tickle babies until they cry. During stormy nights, it is said that groups of Barruguets gather by the sea to clean themselves.
2. The Fameliar: born from magic on the night of Sant Joan
The Fameliar is another legendary being from Ibiza, but unlike the Barruguet, this creature must be magically created. It is born from the stalk of a rare herb that only grows for a few hours during the night of Sant Joan, under the old bridge of Santa Eulària des Riu.
If you are lucky enough to find this herb, you must quickly place its stalk inside a black bottle. When sealed, the herb transforms into a bald, big-headed goblin. Once released, it will ask for one of two things: “work or food!”
The Fameliar has incredible strength and must be constantly kept busy with difficult tasks, such as building stone walls or doing impossible jobs. If ignored, it may become destructive. Sculptures by Andreu Moreno in Santa Eulària immortalise this fascinating character.
3. The follet: a mysterious power
The Follet is not a physical being, but rather a supernatural power. People who have it are said to be able to fly or become invisible, moving silently from house to house.
Traditionally, when a child was extremely restless or mischievous, elders would say that the child had this power. Some believed that only priests could remove it and various magical remedies were used to rid someone of this strange ability.
4. The Crespells: monsters that spit fire from their eyes
To frighten naughty children, grandparents on the island would tell stories about the Crespells. These grotesque monsters had wrinkled skin, large warts and lived in Sa Cova des Crespells, a dark cave near Buscastell.
The legend speaks of seven small Crespells and one huge one. They constantly growled and could spit fire from their eyes. The tale, terrifying and vivid, was used to keep children from wandering too far from home.
5. Bruixes: Ibiza’s herbal witches
Ibiza’s witches, or bruixes, were not evil or dangerous like those in European fairy tales. Instead, they were wise women who knew everything about the island’s herbs and flowers.
They used this knowledge to make spells, potions, and natural remedies. Some could help with love, health, or protection. Many houses in Ibiza still have a white cross on their window to guard against these witches and other dark spirits.
Why these legends matter today
These mythological beings are not just fun stories. They are part of Ibiza’s cultural DNA. They reflect the islanders’ connection to nature, their creativity, and their need to explain the unexplainable. These stories taught children how to behave and gave adults a way to understand strange events.
Exploring this side of Ibiza allows visitors to discover a deeper, more magical version of the island, one that has been shaped not just by history, but by imagination.
Where the myths come to life: Barruguet Festival in Santa Eulària
The Barruguet Festival of Children’s Theatre brings these myths into the present day in the most joyful way. Every year, Santa Eulària des Riu hosts this colourful event dedicated to imagination, storytelling and family fun.
Named after the legendary Barruguet, the festival features puppet shows, interactive theatre, workshops and creative performances that introduce children to the magical stories of Ibiza. It is the perfect way to experience the island’s folklore in a playful, artistic setting.
A magical side of Ibiza you should not miss
If you are planning a trip to Ibiza and want to go beyond the usual tourist attractions, explore the island’s rich mythology. Learn about these fantastical beings. Visit Santa Eulària during the Barruguet Festival and take part in a tradition that has entertained and inspired generations.
Ibiza’s mythological beings are more than just old tales, they are part of what makes this island truly unforgettable.
