History of Ibiza in Timeline

Ibiza is a Spanish island located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, about 150 kilometers from Valencia. It ranks as the third-largest Balearic Island by area and the second-largest by population. Key settlements include Ibiza Town, Santa Eulària des Riu, and Sant Antoni de Portmany. The island's highest point, Sa Talaiassa, reaches 475 meters above sea level.

1961: Population in 1961

In 1961, Ibiza had 38,000 inhabitants.

1971: 'Life on Mars?' song

In 1971, David Bowie's track 'Life on Mars?' mentioned Ibiza in the lyrics.

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1971: Population in 1971

In 1971, Ibiza had 45,000 inhabitants.

1973: "F for Fake" docudrama

In 1973, the island of Ibiza was portrayed as the home of art forger Elmyr de Hory in Orson Welles' docudrama "F for Fake".

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1981: Population in 1981

In 1981, Ibiza had 64,000 inhabitants.

1983: Indirect Election of Councilors

From 1983 to 2007, councilors were indirectly elected based on the results of the election to the Parliament of the Balearic Islands for Ibiza and Formentera constituencies.

1983: Filming of "Club Tropicana" Music Video

In 1983, Wham's hit single "Club Tropicana" music video was filmed in Ibiza, marking the first time George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley left the UK.

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1990: 'Machine Gun Ibiza' song

In 1990, Prefab Sprout's album Jordan: The Comeback featured the song 'Machine Gun Ibiza'.

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1991: Population in 1991

In 1991, Ibiza had 76,000 inhabitants.

October 1992: Death of Denholm Elliott

On October 6, 1992, English actor Denholm Elliott died at his home in Santa Eulària des Riu on Ibiza at the age of 70.

1996: Island Residents Origin

In 1996, it was reported that about 55 percent of island residents were born in Ibiza.

1999: Release of "We're Going to Ibiza"

In 1999, Vengaboys' single "We're Going to Ibiza" reached number one on the singles chart in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

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1999: Debut of Circoloco Parties

In 1999, the Circoloco parties made their debut at DC10, marking the rise of after-hour parties on the island.

1999: UNESCO World Heritage Status

In 1999, the Renaissance walls of the old town of Ibiza City were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.

2000: Release of Kevin and Perry Go Large

In 2000, the UK comedy film Kevin and Perry Go Large, about two teenagers trying to become DJs, was set in Ibiza.

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2001: National Census

According to the 2001 national census, Ibiza had 88,076 inhabitants.

2005: Ibiza Rocks Event

Since 2005, the live music event Ibiza Rocks has changed perceptions of the Ibiza party landscape.

2007: Split of Formentera from Ibiza Island Council

Prior to its split in 2007, Formentera was part of the Ibiza Island Council.

2007: Separate Direct Elections

Since 2007, separate direct elections are held to elect the Island Council of Ibiza.

2007: International Music Summit

The International Music Summit (IMS) has taken place on the island annually since 2007.

2009: Increase in Tourists

Since 2009, Ibiza has experienced an increase in the number of tourists each year.

2011: National Census

By the 2011 national census, Ibiza's population had grown to 133,594.

2012: Increase in Tourists

In 2012, nearly 6 million people traveled through Ibiza Airport, marking an increase in the number of tourists every year since 2009.

2013: Ibiza Property Prices

In 2013, Ibiza property prices remained generally above market value, and many development projects were completed or continued, with new projects announced at the end of 2012.

April 2015: Release of "I Took a Pill in Ibiza"

In April 2015, Mike Posner released the song "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" as a single on his Vevo account and in The Truth EP.

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July 2015: Digital Release of "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" Remix

On July 24, 2015, the SeeB remix of Mike Posner's "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" was released digitally as a single in the United States.

May 2016: Release of "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" on At Night, Alone

In May 2016, Mike Posner's song "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" was released on At Night, Alone.

July 2016: Implementation of Sustainable Tourism Tax

On July 1, 2016, Ibiza implemented a Sustainable Tourism Tax due to potable water shortages and overrun infrastructure. In 2016, the Minister of Tourism Vincente Torres announced a building moratorium in certain areas.