Ibiza: among pirates, invaders and privateers

Many pirates came to loot Ibiza, especially those from North Africa. They even seized human beings and sold them as slaves. Countless are the invasions that the island's inhabitants experienced throughout history. 

To counter these unfortunate enemy attacks in the 16th century, Charles V, who ruled over Spain, decided to build huge ramparts in Eivissa, which were later supported by seven watchtowers around the island, making it the most protected city in the whole kingdom.  From the towers, it was easy to observe the sea. When a suspected enemy ship appeared on the horizon, a large fire was lit on one of these towers. This prompted the other towers to do the same and then alert all of Ibiza and Formentera of the imminent danger.

After a period of tensions linked to the disappearance of Charles II of Spain, the island experienced an upsurge of enemy attacks. Pirates, Ottomans, English attacked the island. The Kingdom of Spain then decided to make Ibiza an island of privateers and the ibicenco sailors became formidable mercenaries. More than 200 of them became captains and trained their crews on the water. According to the authorizations issued by the Spanish Crown, these officers of the Royal Army were free to attack certain ships.

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On June 1, 1806, one of the most powerful British warships, the Felicity, arrived off the coast of Ibiza, flying the red flag of battle. Antoni Riquer (1773-1846), the greatest pirate on the island, saw the enemy fleet in the morning from the top of the ramparts of Dalt Vila. He remembers having dealt with the ruthless English sailors in the past and does not intend to let it happen. The problem is that his men are not ready, scattered all over the island and everyone at home. Antoni Riquer needs a crew! He rushed down the streets of Eivissa and knocked on the doors of a few quality sailors. But the men at its disposal are too few and it is necessary to act quickly. He therefore went to look for prisoners to complete his crew and set sail on his San Antonio at nine in the morning. The news spread very quickly over the island and suddenly hundreds and hundreds of people appeared along the city walls to observe the battle that was about to begin between David and Goliath (the English being much more numerous and better armed).

The confrontation took place, Riquer approached the British guns. Some people died, including the pirate's father: Francesc Riquer Riera. But the officer continued the fight and managed to board the enemy frigate. His crew then burst "fire bottles" (the equivalent of Molotov cocktails) on the English ship. After 20 minutes of fighting, the enemy wood ignited and the British sailors had to jump overboard. 

Riquer returned victorious with his men and prisoners to the land of Ibiza. The feat he has just accomplished made him a national hero. The Kingdom of Spain, grateful, promoted him as he continued his feats of arms. He later became a frigate lieutenant on merit and enjoyed a monthly salary of 10 escudos of gold.

Today, an obelisk pays tribute to the pirates of Ibiza, at the foot of which the residents of the white island picture their warrior ancestors.