Sitges is a town about 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, in Catalonia, that is well-known for its Fiesta Mayor or Festa Major. This festival is all about traditions, customs, and dances. The holiday celebrates the patron saints of the town—Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla. Big representational figures of the saints dance and parade the streets. In addition to traditional dances and songs, firework displays are a major feature of the holiday. Protecting their faces from the sparks with hats and sunglasses, people party with fire-breathing dragons and join the traditional folklore dances.
Festa Major Schedule
The celebration usually begins on August 21 with the official kick-off ceremony or “pregón.” On the next day, the President of the Committee for the Festa Major receives the flag of Sant Bartomeu.
August 23
Festivities get more intense on August 23, when the traditional grallero flute players enter the town via Sant Francesc street. The noisy festive procession proceeds through the streets of Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Major and, finally, Plaça del Ajuntament, where it ends in front of the Town Hall. The celebration continues during the Parade of Traditional Popular Dances at 2 pm. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display in front of La Fragata Beach at 11 pm. Thousands of people gather on Paseo Marítimo and Passeig de la Ribera. Revelers enjoy music and traditional folkloric dances, which last long after midnight. Bars stay open until 4 am.
August 24
The culmination of festivities occurs on August 24. The day starts with the 6 am dance performance, called “la matinal,” which occurs on the streets of the town. The dances are followed by the mass to honor Sant Bartomeu. When the mass ends, the dancers perform the “Sortida d’ofici.” The performance covers the entire way from the parish to the Town Hall. The Castellers (human towers) make an appearance as well.
In the afternoon, at about 6:30 pm, another parade walks to Església de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. Launching fireworks in the Plaza del Baluard in front of the church, revelers celebrate with music and dances. The procession marks one of the most emotional moments of the fiesta. The day ends with the Last Dance of Besties and Gegantes (giant papier-mâché statues), which say their goodbyes to the fiesta.
Bright and breathtaking fire shows of Stiges Festa Major attract visitors from all over Spain. Everything burns and is covered with sparkles. The whole city is like a theatre performance or a movie scene!
