The plenary hall of the Ibiza Council has today hosted the presentation of the fifth edition of the Tanit Ibiza Congress & Awards, the gala for which will be held on October 24 at the Jesús Cultural Center. The event revealed the names of the women who will be honored at the 2026 Tanit Ibiza Awards, brought together winners from different generations to discuss the second volume of Mujeres Tanit Ibiza, and presented the main themes of EQUILIBRIA, a research project that expands the initiative’s scope beyond the awards.
Presented by journalist and Tanit Inspiradora 2025, Montse Monsalve, the event was attended by the founders of Tanit Ibiza Conexion, Alicia Reina and Eva Ballarin; the Director of Tourism for the island at the Council of Ibiza, Juan Miguel Costa; the councilor for Historical Heritage, Culture, Education, and Youth of Santa Eulària des Riu, Marisol Ferrer; and the councilor for Children, Equality, and the Elderly of Ibiza, Sara Barbado.
Sponsored by the Council of Ibiza, the Ibiza Travel tourism brand, and the Town Hall of Santa Eulària des Riu, Tanit offers a way to showcase Ibiza that goes beyond its tourist appeal to highlight the talent, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and social commitment of the women who have helped build the island and continue to transform it.
Alicia Reina has highlighted the power of personal stories to forge connections and give visibility to female talent. “We’ve realized that it all comes down to something as basic as perseverance and to being absolutely clear that we’re here to shine a light on all those women who work behind the scenes and who aren’t aware of the value they bring to society and to our community,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ibiza Council, Juan Miguel Costa emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to consolidate projects designed to be sustainable. He also highlighted the determination shown by the award winners in forging their own path, emphasizing the need to move toward a more just and balanced society. “Any important and interesting project that is here to stay deserves this public-private support.”
For her part, Marisol Ferrer emphasized the role of education as a driver for equality, and stressed that “we are moving away from a sexist society, but there is still work to be done, and that is why it is important to advocate for an education based on real equality and to remember that we all have to row in the same direction in this regard.” Finally, Sara Barbado recalled the historical contribution of women to the development of Ibiza. For the councilor, initiatives like Tanit “are essential for recovering these stories, putting a name to them, and turning them into role models for our girls and young women.”
Ten women, ten life stories, and a shared legacy
In this fifth edition, the Tanit Ibiza Awards will recognize ten women for their contribution to various areas of Ibizan society. Among the winners are chef Catalina Riera Marí, who receives the Tanit Gastrónoma award; painter Marta Torres Marí, who receives the Tanit Creadora award; businesswoman Ana Bigas Saltó, who receives the Tanit Hotelera award; and journalist Sonia Ribas Torres, who receives the Tanit Comunicadora award.
The Tanit Solidarity Award will be awarded to Belén Alvite Gregori; the Tanit Pioneer Award to Dr. Montse Viñals Gigena; and the Tanit Entrepreneur Award to Lina Tur Bonet. This year’s awards will also pay a posthumous tribute to Lina Bufí Juan and Vicky Ferrazzano, two figures closely linked to the island’s collective memory. The name of the tenth honoree will be announced during the gala on October 24.
Regardless of their professions and generations, the women being honored share a deep connection to Ibiza and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. Their life stories reflect an island capable of preserving its roots while fostering new forms of entrepreneurship, communication, care, and leadership.
Now in its fifth year, the Tanit Ibiza Congress & Awards thus reinforces its mission: to make female talent a driving force for social transformation and to help build a more visible, inclusive Ibiza connected with the women who are shaping its future.
