August 19-26, 2022. Firework display on August 23rd. Sitges Fiesta Mayor Programme 2022
The Sitges Festa Major was declared “Fiesta Patrimonial de Interés Nacional” (Heritage Festival of National Interest) by the Generalitat de Catalunya (autonomous government of Catalonia) in 2016 and declared “Fiesta Tradicional de Interés Nacional” (Traditional/cultural event of National Interest) by the Generalitat de Catalunya (autonomous government of Catalonia) in 1991 This is the popular festival in honour of Sant Bartomeu, patron saint of Sitges.
LINK TO FESTA MAJOR DE SITGES 2022 PHOTO GALLERY
Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2022 Programme
Programme of events for the Fiesta Mayor of Sitges 2022, from the 19th to the 26th of August
Dissabte 6 d’agost
17:30h XI COLLES DE FESTA MAJOR FUTSAL TOURNAMENT
Location: Institut Joan Ramon Benaprès
Organitzed by: LA SACA – Sitgetana de Cultura i Animació.
From Friday 12th to Monday 15th August
BARRAQUES DE SITGES 2022 (Music Concerts)
Outdoor concerts in the La Plana neighbourhood. Tickets for sale.
Check the LINK to view the programmed concerts Barraques Sitges 2022
Wednesday 17th August
21:00h FESTA MAJOR CONCERT WITH RETRIO
Location: Racó de la Calma
Òscar Ferret, piano; Josep “Pinyu” Martí, drums; Joan Pinós, double bass. A very particular vision of the musical compositions that are part of the popular culture of Sitges, such as the Festa Major dances and the works of composers such as Enric Morera, Gabriel Pallarès or Manel Torrens. All with different rhythms ranging from jazz and swing to traditional music.
Price: €12
Organized by: Museus de Sitges.
Thursday 18th August
18:00 TIMBAL DE GRALLA WORKSHOP – LEARN TO PLAY THE MUSIC OF THE FESTA MAJOR – A PERCUSSION WORKSHOP FOR THE FAMILY
Location: Palacio de Maricel
An inseparable companion of the gralla at Festas Majors, the “timbal de gralla” (a percussion instrument), beats to the rhythm of popular songs in every town in Catalonia. In this workshop you will learn to hold the drumsticks properly and drum the rhythm of songs that you probably already know. Will we be able to make a good drumroll?
If you have a timbal instrument, bring it along!
Price: €4
Organized by: Museus de Sitges
19:30h 125th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLD GIANTS OF SITGES (1897- 2022). BACK TO THE ORIGINS: RECOVERY OF THE ORIGINAL IMAGE OF THE COUPLE
Location: Plaza Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square)
Premiered at the Festa Major in 1897, this year the Old Giants of Sitges have been restored to their original state. In the hands of the Casserras Sculpture Workshop of Solsona, and as a result of an exhaustive and rigorous research and analysis of more than three years, the Gegants Vells have recovered their initial aspect as they were conceived by their designer, the nationally renowned sculptor Lluís Labarta.
Friday 19th August
X FIESTA MAYOR PHOTO CONTEST ON INSTAGRAM
19-26 August, 2022
The Agrupació de Balls Populars’ Festa Major Photo Contest on Instagram reaches its tenth edition! In order to participate, upload an image to your Instagram account with the hashtag: #fmsitgesabps. The legal bases will be posted on the entity’s website.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
17:45h LECTURA DEL PREGÓ SATÍRIC SITGES 2022 (Reading of the Satirical Opening Speech)
Opposite the Palau del Rei Moro (c/ d’en Bosch, 10-12)
The chosen person to be this years’ satirical Crier, will be somebody who is committed to the culture of the town in all its aspects. At the end of the speech, announcement of the “Pubilla” and “Hereu” of the Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges 2022 and member’s awards.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
20:00h PREGÓ DE FESTA MAYOR SITGES 2022 – (Inaugural Fiesta Mayor Proclamation 2022)
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square)
Opening speech by Jordi Martí Camps with simultaneous interpretation in Catalan sign language. In the case of rain or bad weather, the proclamation will take place elsewhere and the new location announced on social networks.
22:00h FIESTA MAYOR CONCERTS
Location: La Plana neighbourhood
Groups: Els Amics de Manel, Buhos and DJ Bulma Beat.
Organized by: Comisión de Fiesta Mayor y Santa Tecla.
Saturday 20th August
EXHIBITION OF THE FLAG OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
Open during the hours of the parish church liturgical celebrations
21:00h DEL 22 AL 22. 100 ANYS DE LA FERA FOGUERA
Around the Town Hall Square and designed for all audiences and ages.
A journey through the long life of our Fera Foguera (Drac) explained in a way never seen before
22:00h FIESTA MAYOR CONCERTS
Location: La Plana neighbourhood
Groups: Portobello, Dalton Band y Philantropic
Organized by: Comisión de Fiesta Mayor y Santa Tecla
Sunday 21st August
EXHIBITION OF THE FLAG OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
Open during the hours of the parish church liturgical celebrations
12:45h FESTA MAJOR VERMOUTH
At Hort de Can Falç with the musical group La Fera
Organized by: Ateneu Popular de Sitges
18:00h PATUFESTA
Location: Palau del Rei Moro (c/ d’En Bosch 10-12)
To celebrate the Patufet bighead’s centenary, a birthday party will be held. The guests will be the children of Sitges. You are all invited!
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
19:00h FIESTA MAYOR CONCERTS
Location: In front of the Hermitage of Sant Sebastià
Habaneras performed by the group MESTRE D’AIXA. Traditional ”ron cremat” (spiced flambé rum) will be served.
21:00h TRANSFER OF THE ICON OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: Parish Church of St. Bartomeu and Sta. Tecla
The Municipal Commission of the Festa Major de Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, representing the municipal authorities, will receive the icon of Sant Bartomeu from parish vicar Josep Pausas and to the sound of the Inxa Brass Band, will parade it from the church to the Casal d’ Avis Municipal (calle Pau Casals, 17), location chosen by Pendonist, Toni Muñoz Suárez.
Once the icon has arrived, there will be an opening PRAYER OF THE EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU.
Route: Baluard, Ajuntament, c/ Major, Cap de la Vila, c/ Sant Francesc, Passeig Vilafranca, Avinguda de les Flors, c/ Pau Casals num. 17.
22:00h CINEMA A LA FRESCA (Open air cinema)
Location: Hort de Can Falç
Screening of Dirty Dancing Sing Along enlived by the Carrousel of the Casino Prado Suburense.
Come sing, dance and enjoy this great classic!
Price €5
Tickets on the cineclubsitges.com website and at the Cinema Prado box office in Sitges
Organized by: Cineclub Sitges
22:00h FIESTA MAYOR CONCERTS
Location: Fragata
Concert and dance by the METROPOL orchestra
Monday 22nd August
10-14h & 17-21h EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: calle Pau Casals, 17 (Casal d’Avis)
The icon of Sant Bartomeu, patron saint of our Villa, will remain on display at c/ Pau Casals, 17 (Casal d’Avis)
Hours: Morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Afternoon from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
18:30h OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE DRAC DE SITGES GARDENSInaugural event of the Drac de Sitges gardens, on the occasion of the Centenary of the Fera Foguera (Drac), in the garden space between Passeig de Vilafranca and Carrer de Jacint Picas i Carbó.
18:30h LET’S DRESS THE “GEGANTS MOROS”
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Come and watch how the paper maché “Gegants Moros” are being dressed.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
20:00h CASTELLERS REHEARSAL OF FIESTA MAJOR (open rehearsal of human towers)
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Special rehearsal for the Fiesta Mayor, followed by the serving of fortified muscat wine and pastry.
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
21:30h DELIVERY OF THE FLAG
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
Recital of allegorical poems in honour of Flag of the Patron Saint and the singing of Praises (Goigs) to Sant Bartomeu by the Amics de l’Orgue choir. This year, the poem on the flag titled “A la Bandera més bonica” is the work of Pere-Juventí Balcells i Recha and illustrated by himself.
Next:
PARADING THE FLAG
After the act in the Parish Church, the Flag is paraded to the home of the President of the “Commissió de Festa Major”, Agustí Marcet García, on Pintor Marià Carbonellopis 10, accompanied by the Inxa Brass Band.
Route: Parish Church, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Davallada, St. Sebastià, Animes, under the brige, Avinguda de les Flors, Carretera de les Costes, Plaça Hospital (Creu Roja), Carbonell Vidal i Barraquer, Josep Tarradellas, steps up to Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, 10.
SINDRIADA POPULAR (watermelon for all)+ CONCERT
Once the flag arrives in front of the President’s house, a concert by the group Northern Chellos will take place.
Organized by: Comisión de Fiesta Mayor y Santa Tecla with the collaboration of the Mercat Municipal.
Tuesday 23rd August – La Vigília (The Fiesta Mayor Eve)
EXHIBITION OF THE ICON OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: Pau Casals, 17 (Casal d’Avis)
From 10.00h until the Civic Procession begins
12:00h ENTRADA DE GRALLERS ( Arrival of the “Grallers” )
Location: carrer Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Major and plaça de l’Ajuntament
The different groups offer their inaugural concert in tribute to the founders of the Festa Major. Participation of “grallers” of Escola de Grallers de Sitges, Marcets, La Sitja, Colla Maricel, and the groups of “sacaires”, Joan Olarte, Víctor Berbegal and Miquel Acunya.
14:00h 21 MUSKETS ARE FIRED AND THE PARISH CHURCH BELLS ARE RUNG
Location: Playa de la Fragata
By the dance group “Cintas de la Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges” in commemoration of its 40th Anniversary.
14:00h SARDANAS
Location: Cap de la Vila
Two emblematic Sitges sardanas are danced: “La processó de Sant Bartomeu” (The Procession of Sant Bartomeu) by the maestro Antoni Català and “La Festa Major”, by Enric Morera, played by Cobla Maricel.
14:00h PARADE OF TRADITIONAL POPULAR DANCES
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Starting at Plaza Ayuntamiento: Gegants, Cabeçuts, Drac, Àliga, Diables, Bastons, Cercolets, Panderetes, Pastorets, Cintes, Gitanes and Moixiganga, accompanied by the musical group Suburband Retiro.
The Moixiganga will perform the complete the full dance at Cap de la Vila.
14:30h EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCE OF “BALLS PARLATS” (the “balls parlats” are the recitation of verses of some of the popular dances)
Location: Hort de Can Falç
In honor of authorities and citizens, all groups will perform their full dances and there will be “Balls Parlats” (speeches/recitation of verses): Ball de diables, Ball de Cercolets, Ball de Gitanes and Ball de Pastorets).
Simultaneously some groups will visit the Sant Joan Baptista Hospital.
18h CASTELLES EXHIBITION (Human Towers)
Location: Cap de la Vila
By Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
19:00h PROCESIÓN CÍVICA (Civic procession)
Location: Departing from the home of the president of the Comisión de Fiesta Mayor, Agustí Marcet García (Carrer Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, 10)
The group of traditional dancers, musicians and authorities will recover the shrine of Sant Bartomeu and will return it to the parish church.
Route: Carrer Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, Carrer Torrent de la Pastera, Cami de la Fita, Carrer Del Sol, Avinguda de les Flors, Carrer Escoles Pies, Avinguda Cami Capellans, Carrer Pau Casals, Avinguda de les Flors, Passeig Vilafranca, Carrer Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Carrer Major, Plaça del Ajuntament, Baluard.
In front of the doors of the parish church, the popular dances receive the shrine of Sant Bartomeu accompanied by authorities, the “Pendonista” and “Cordonistes”, and it will be placed in the presbytery to preside over the liturgies of the festival
23:00h FIREWORKS
From la Punta (Parish), La Fragata and the breakwaters
By Pirotècnia Igual S.A.
23:00h FUEGOS ARTIFICIALES EN CALMA (Fireworks viewed from a calm spot)
Location: Paseo de la Ribera in front of restaurant Pic-Nic.
During the pyrotechnic show, the fireworks may be viewed from a private seating area, where attendees will be offered a glass of cava.
As space is limited, is it advised to purchase tickets in advance from the Commission stand or at Quiosc de l’Alba. People with reduced mobility must also formalize their reservation in advance at the aforementioned points.
Price 5€.
THE DESCENT OF THE STAIRS BY THE POPULAR DANCES
Location: Stairs from the Parish Church to La Fragata beach.
Once the fireworks are over, the popular dances descend the “La Punta” stairs Parade to El Greco Monument and back to Carrer Nou
SARDANAS (Traditional Catalonian Dance)
Location: Cap de la Vila
From midnight with Cobla Sitgetana.
00:00h CONCERTS OF THE FIESTA MAYOR EVE
Groups: Tapeo Sound System & la Orquesta Maribel.
Location: La Plana neighbourhood
Organized by: Comisión de Fiesta Mayor y Santa Tecla.
Wednesday 24th August
Festivity of Sant Bartomeu Apóstol, Patron of Sitges: It is the main day of the celebrations of the Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2022
6:00h JOYFUL AND FESTIVE “MATINAL”
Location: Starts from El Baluard Miquel Utrillo i Morlius
The “matinal” procession has an early start. Folkloric dances and musicians with the “charanga” Buskant el To, follow an itinerary through the streets of town while flowers are handed out to lady spectators by “la Comissió de Festa Major”. People can join in the “ball de faixes” (one must be dressed in white and wear “espardenyes de betes” (espadrilles with ribbons) and a “faixa” (waistband in the fashion of the castellers).
Following tradition, municipal officials, the Commission and their guests, and others linked to the festivities, will present fragrant flowers.
Route: Baluard, Fonollar, Baluard Vidal i Quadras, Port de n’Alegre, Rafel Llopart, Sant Damià, Sant Sebastià, Jesús, Sant Bartomeu, Sant Gaudenci, Sant Josep, Espalter, plaça del Pou Vedre, Parellades, Cap de la Vila, Major y Ajuntament.
10: 30h SOLEMN MASS IN HONOUR OF SANT BARTOUMEU
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
Presided over by Father Josep Pausas, rector. The group Colla del Drac de Sitges, in commemoration of its 100th anniversary, will make the offering to Sant Bartomeu in name of the town. At the end of the celebration, the“ Goigs” (praises) of the Saint shall be sung by the Choir of the Amics del Orgue.
EXIT FROM MASS
After the celebration of mass, the celebrations will pass from the Baluard in front of the Parish Church to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Musical parade of the Band, which will accompany the authorities to the Town Hall. Then, all the dances and their respective musicians will perform, together with the Cobla Maricel and the Suburband del Retiro Music Group, in one of the most magical moments of the festivities.
After the performance of the popular dances, the band will perform “Els Segadors”, the national hymn of Catalonia.
12:30h EXHIBICIÓN CASTELLERA (Human tower exhibition)
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Performed by Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
After the exhibition, presentation of the Pubilla and Hereu of the Colla Jove de Castellers 2022 at Palau del Rei Moro.
13h CONCERT-VERMOUTH OF FIESTA MAYOR
There are two different locations:
Sociedad Recreativa El Retiro: with la Cobla Maricel
Casino Prado: with Inxa Brass Band from Vilanova i la Geltrú.
19:30h SANT BARTOMEU’S PROCESSION
Location: Starting from El Baluard in front of the Parish Church
The icon of Saint Bartomeu will be paraded on streets and squares, accompanied by all the Sitgetanas and Sitgetans who wish to join in. The rector of the parish, Mn. Josep Pausas y Mas will preside over the processional act joined by Illustrious Town Hall dignataries. Folkloric dances, grallers and the Suburband del Retiro will precede the image of the saint. The tabernacle, with the image of the Saint, will be carried by the “Costaleros de Sant Bartomeu y Santa Tecla”.
The Flag of Sant Bartomeu shall be carried by the pendonista Sr. Toni Muñoz Suárez, who has named as Cordonistes: Sr. David Muñoz Berdala and Sr. Jordi Muñoz Berdala.
Route: Baluard, Fonollar, Sant Joan, Davallada, Barcelona, Santiago Rusiñol, Jesús, Sant Bartomeu, Sant Gaudenci, Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Bonaire, passeig de la Ribera, Nou, Major, plaza de Ayuntamiento y Baluard.
As the procession advances along the Paseo de la Ribera, the religous procession will be saluted by the firing of mortars and the ringing of bells, La Cobla Sitgetana will interpret the sardanas “Els Gegants de Sitges” composed by Tomàs Gil i Membrado and “La Processó de Sant Bartomeu”, composed by Antoni Català i Vidal.
SANT BARTOMEU RETURNS TO THE PARISH CHURCH
Upon the Saint being returned to the parish church, in the plaza del Baluard in front of the church, fire crackers shall be lit, the dances are performed to their respective music and a small firework display takes place. It is, in all probability, one of the most emotional and awe-inspiring moments of the fiesta.
Then, inside the church, closing prayer. Outdoor space in front of the church will be limited.
For security reasons, in case of reaching the maximum capacity allowed, only those who participate in the procession will be allowed access to the square.
LAST DANCE OF THE “BÈSTIES DE FOC” AND GEGANTS (Beasts of fire and giants)
With the Saint restored to the parish church and after the closing prayer, the gegants, drac and àliga (papier-mâché giants, dragons and eagle) dance their farewell at Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
00:00h CONCERTS OF FIESTA MAYOR
Location La Plana neighbourhood
Groups: Hotel Cochambre and Disco Cochambre.
Organized by: Comisión de Fiesta Mayor y Santa Tecla.
Thursday 25th August
OPEN DOORS AT THE MUSEUMS
Location: Museo del Cau Ferrat, Museo Maricel: from 10h to 20 h
Organized by Museus de Sitges
12:30h VERMUT DE SANT LLI
Location: Jardines del Retiro.
The event will include a performance and the traditional Sant Lli vermouth will be served
Sponsored by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro, and Jardins d’El Retiro que ara ho porten els del Cable.
19.30 h MASS TO HONOR THE DEAD
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
We are invited to remember those who, with us, lived the Sitges Fiesta with joy.
21:00h TENORA AND ORGAN CONCERT
Location: the Parish of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla.
Voluntary entrance fee.
Concert for tenora and organ of Sant Bartomey, by Marià Franco (tenora) and Francesc Pi (organ).
Friday 26th August
22:15h SARDANA CLOSING EVE
Location: Playa de Sant Sebastià
With Cobla Maricel. We will say goodbye to the Fiesta Mayor with a typical pastry and muscatel (sweet wine).
Saturday 27th August
21:00h SOPAR D’ESTIU del Casino Prado
Location: Casino Prado Suburense
Summer dinner with the presentation of the Pubilles and the Hereus of the Casino Prado and Carrusel. With Duet Dj’s.
Organized by: Casino Prado Suburense
Sunday 28th August
18:00h “CASTELLS” EXHIBITION OF FIESTA MAYOR
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
With Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges, Minyons de Terrassa and Xiquets de Tarragona.
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges
