August 19-26, 2023. Firework display on August 23rd. Sitges Fiesta Mayor Programme 2023
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 in 1991. This is the popular festival in honor of Sant Bartomeu, patron saint of Sitges.
LINK TO SITGES FESTA MAJOR 2023 PHOTO GALLERY
Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2023 Programme
Programme of events for the Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2023, from the 19th to the 26th of August
actos previos
4th, 11th and 18th AUGUST
FESTA MAJOR SOCIAL DOMINO TOURNAMENT 2023 FOR COUPLES
Societat Recreativa El Retiro
On the 4th, 11th and18th of August, a social domino tournament for couples is held in the member’s lounge.
Free registration (members only).
Location: Societat Recreativa El Retiro
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro.
SATURDAY 5th AUGUST
12:00h TRIBUTE OFFERED BY THE CERCOLETS DANCE GROUP
Mass at 12 noon
Location: Santurari del Vinyet
Followed by a recital of the verses of the Ball of Cercolets by the Association of Popular Dances of Sitges.
SATURDAY 12th AUGUST
17:00h QUINTO DE FIESTA MAYOR
Hort de Can Falç
The “Quinto” is a local bingo, each number having a different name. It is played in Catalan, so difficult to understand if you don’t speak the language.
Location: Hort de Can Falç
Organized by: Colla Vella i Colla Jove de Diables de Sitges.
18:00h LET’S DECORATE THE STREET “CARRER D’EN BOSCH”
Children’s activity.
Location: Carrer d’en Bosch
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
20:00h BALL DE LA LIRA (dance of the Lyre)
Societat Recreativa El Retiro
Dinner dance with the Xarop de Nit Orchestra. A tribute to the loyalty of all members and especially to those who are 10, 25, 50 and 75 years old.
Location: Gardens of the Societat Recreativa El Retiro
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro
TUESDAY 15th AUGUST
18:00h y 19:30h “INTRÍNGULIS FESTIUS”: CUSTOMIZATION OF ESPADRILLES
Wear your espadrilles and decorate them how you like! Registration is required for each person who wants to participate in the workshop. Limited capacity. Recommended activity for ages 16 and up. Link available on the institution’s Instagram. With the collaboration of: Núria Baño from @petitimaginari.
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
WEDNESDAY 16th AUGUST
20:00h FESTA MAJOR CONCERT WITH RETRIO
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. With different rhythms ranging from jazz and swing to traditional music.
Price: €12
Booking: www.museusdesitges.cat
Location: Racó de la Calma
Organized by: Educational Department of the Sitges Museums.
THURSDAY 17th AUGUST
18:00h FIESTA MAYOR T-SHIRT
Racó de la Calma
Family Workshop (Bring a t-shirt to paint).
Price: €4 (Check discounts)
Reservations: www.museusdesitges.cat
Location: Racó de la Calma
Organized by: Educational Department of the Sitges Museums
From Friday August 18th to Sunday August 20th
BARRAQUES DE SITGES 2023
Outdoor concerts
Location: Fragata beach (below the church)
Check the LINK to view the programmed concerts Barraques Sitges 2023
FRIDAY 18th AUGUST
18:00h BARRAQUES 10TH ANNIVERSARY (10 YEARS, 10 ARTISTS)
From 6pm on the Fragata beach to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Barraques with performances by artists 9Zenit, Svetlana, Guillem Estadella, Maria Jacobs, Julieta, Ginestà, Smoking Souls, The Tyets, Figa Flawas and Dj Trapella.
Location: Fragata Beach
Organized by: Associació de Barraques de Sitges.
19:00h PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK “ELS GEGANTS VELLS DE SITGES. EVOLUCIÓ GRÀFICA I HISTÒRICA (1897-1955)”
Jardines del Casino Prado
Presentation of the book “Els Gegants Vells de Sitges. Evolució gràfica i històrica (1897-1955) “ by Eduard Tomàs Sanahuja. Jofre Vilà Folklore Award for Popular and Traditional Sitgetan Culture 2022.
Location: Casino Prado gardens
Organized by: Casino Prado Suburense.
SATURDAY 19th 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.
11º FIESTA MAYOR PHOTO CONTEST ON INSTAGRAM
19-26 August, 2023
In order to participate, upload an image to your Instagram account with the hashtag: #fmsitgesabps. The legal bases of the competition will be posted on the entity’s website. http://www.agrupasitges.cat/
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
18:30H BARRAQUES DE SITGES
Lali Begood concert
Location: Fragata beach
Organized by: Associació de Barraques de Sitges.
18:00h LECTURA DEL PREGÓ SATÍRIC SITGES 2023 (Reading of the Satirical Opening Speech)
By Josep Carbonell Gallego and Dani Martinez Berdala. At the end of the speech, announcement of the “Pubilla” and “Hereu” of the Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges 2023 and member’s awards.
Location: Opposite the Palau del Rei Moro (c/ d’en Bosch, 10-12)
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
En directo a través del Facebook de Visit Sitges
20:00h PREGÓ DE FESTA MAYOR SITGES 2023 – (Inaugural Proclamation of the Fiesta Mayor 2023)
By Marc Hill Gumà 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 will be announced on social media.
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
En directo a través del Facebook de Visit Sitges
21:30h BARRAQUES DE SITGES
Concerts by: Fescat Goes Punk, Xavi Sarrià, La Fúmiga, Les que Faltaband i els DJ Brendv Blu B2B and Santi Aranya.
Location: Fragata beach
Organized by: Associació de Barraques de Sitges.
SUNDAY 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.
12:30h FESTA MAJOR VERMOUTH
Hort de Can Falç. Doors open at 12 p.m.
Free event with a star guest, comedian Magí Garcia, better known as Modgi. To follow a performance by DJ Miku.
Location: Hort de Can Falç.
Organized by: Ateneu Popular
18:30h BARRAQUES DE SITGES
Concerts by: Colomet, Bulego, Pèl de Gall, Buhos, Doctor Prats, En tol Sarmiento and DJ Ceba.
Location: Fragata beach
Organized by: Associació de Barraques de Sitges.
MONDAY 21st AUGUST
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 of 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 Cobla Maricel, will parade it from the church to the Ermita (chapel) de Sant Sebastià, location chosen by this year’s flag bearers, the Colla de Ex-Geganters (parade veterans) of the paper mache Gegants Vells of Sitges.
Once the icon has arrived, there will be an opening PRAYER OF THE EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU.
Route: Baluard, Fonollar, Baluard Vidal i Quadras, Port de n’Alegre, Avinguda Balmins to the chapel, Ermita de Sant Sebastià.
21:00h CASTELLERS – FIESTA MAJOR REHEARSAL (open rehearsal of human towers)
Palau del Rei Moro
Special rehearsal for the Fiesta Mayor, followed by the serving of fortified muscat wine and a sweet pastry.
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
22:00h FIESTA MAYOR CONCERTS
Concert and dance by the MARAVELLA orchestra.
Location: Fragata
TUESDAY 22nd AUGUST
10-14h & 17-21h EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
The icon of Sant Bartomeu, patron saint of our Villa, will remain on display at the Ermita de Sant Sebastià.
18:30h LET’S DRESS THE “GEGANTS MOROS”
Palau del Rei Moro
We will dress Fa-Luch and La-hia (Gegants Moros) with the children.
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
21:30h DELIVERY OF THE FLAG
Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla.
Recital of allegorical poems in honour of the Flag of the Patron Saint and the singing of Praises (Goigs) to Sant Bartomeu by the Amics de l’Orgue choir. This year, the ode to the Flag is by Alba Gràcia Pañella.
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”, Marta Casterad Farreras, on Pintor Marià Carbonellopis 10, accompanied by Cobla Maricel.
Route: Parròquia, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Davallada, St. Sebastià, Ànimes, under the train tracks, Avinguda de les Flors, Carretera de les Costes, Plaça Hospital (Creu Roja), Carbonell Vidal i Barraquer, Josep Tarradellas, escaleras hasta Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, 22.
SINDRIADA POPULAR (watermelon for all)
Once the flag arrives in front of the President’s house, there will be watermelon for all those present.
Organized by: Comisión de Fiesta Mayor y Santa Tecla with the collaboration of the Mercat Municipal.
WEDNESDAY 23rd AUGUST – La Vigília (The Fiesta Mayor Eve)
10:00h- 19:00h EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
The icon of Sant Bartomeu, patron saint of our Villa, will remain on display at the Ermita de Sant Sebastià.
Schedule: Morning from 10am until the hour of celebration of the civic procession.
12:00h ENTRADA DE GRALLERS (Arrival of the “Grallers” playing the gralla – a typical catalán wind instrument)
Cap de la Vila
The different bands 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.
Route: Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Major and plaça del Ajuntament.
14:00h 21 MUSKETS ARE FIRED AND THE PARISH CHURCH BELLS ARE RUNG
By the dance group “Ball de Cercolets de la Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges” in commemoration of the 170th Anniversary of the first written reference to the Cercolets dance.
Location: Fragata beach
14:15h PARADE OF TRADITIONAL POPULAR DANCES
Route: Starting at Plaza Ayuntamiento, down Carrer Major until reaching the Cap de la Vila. With Gegants, Cabeçuts, Drac, Àliga, Diables, Bastons, Cercolets, Panderetes, Pastorets, Cintes, Gitanes and Moixiganga, accompanied by the musical group Suburband Retiro. Once all the parade of traditional popular dances has arrived at Cap de la Vila, the Moixiganga will perform the complete dance at Cap de la Vila.
14:00h SARDANAS (Traditional Catalonian dance and music)
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 la Cobla Sitgetana.
Location: Cap de la Vila
14:45h EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCE OF “BALLS PARLATS” (spoken dances)
In honor of authorities and citizens, all groups will perform their full dances and there will be “Balls Parlats” (speeches/recitation of verses) by Ball de Diables, Ball de Cercolets, Ball de Gitanes and Ball de Pastorets).
Location: Hort de Can Falç
Simultaneously some groups will visit the Sant Joan Baptista Hospital.
18:00h CASTELLERS EXHIBITION (Human Towers)
Performance on the eve of the Festa Major by Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
Location: Cap de la Vila
19:00h PROCESIÓN CÍVICA (Civic procession)
Departing from the home of the president of the Comisión de Fiesta Mayor, Marta Casterad Farreras (Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, 22.)
The group of traditional dancers, musicians and authorities, accompanied by the Agrupació Musical Suburband, will recover the shrine of Sant Bartomeu, and will return it to the parish church.
Route: Josep Tarradelles i Joan, Cardenal Vidal i Barraquer, Plaça Hospital, Camí dels Capellans, Carretera de les Costes, Aragó, Sant Honorat, Pont dels Ocells, Pompeu Fabra, Plaça Dr. Robert, Avinguda Balmins, Port Alegre, Davallada, Plaça del Ajuntament and Baluard.
In front of the doors of the parish church, the popular dances receive the shrine of Sant Bartomeu accompanied by authorities and the flag bearers, and it will be placed in the presbytery to preside over the liturgies of the festival.
23:00h FIREWORKS
From la Punta (Parish church), 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 Maria Casanovas Brut de Brut.
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€.
Sponsored by: Perbacco and cava Maria Casanovas.
THE DESCENT OF THE STEPS BY THE POPULAR DANCES
Location: Steps in front of the Parish Church to La Fragata beach.
Once the fireworks are over, the popular dances descend the “La Punta” stairs and then parade to El Greco Monument and back to Carrer Nou.
VERBENA SARDANISTA (Traditional Catalonian Dance and music)
Location: Cap de la Vila
From midnight with Cobla Sitgetana.
00:30h CONCERTS ON THE EVE OF THE FIESTA MAYOR
From 00:30h concert with the group Frik Rok and DJ Bulma.
Location: Passeig de la Ribera
THURSDAY 24th AUGUST – Fiesta Mayor, Festivity of Sant Bartomeu Apostle
Festivity of Sant Bartomeu, Patron of Sitges: It is the main day of the celebrations of the Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2023
6:00h 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 the brass band 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 and 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 Cabezudos of the Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges (bigheads), 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 mass, the celebrations will move from the Baluard in front of the Parish Church to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with a 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.
Location: From the Baluard in front of the Parish Church to the Plaça de l’Ajuntament (Town hall square).
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 2023 at the Palau del Rei Moro.
13:00h FIESTA MAYOR CONCERT & VERMOUTH
After the exit from mass.
There are two different locations:
Societat Recreativa El Retiro: with Suburband
Casino Prado: with Cobla Maricel
19:30h SANT BARTOMEU’S PROCESSION
The icon of Saint Bartomeu will be paraded on streets and squares, accompanied by all the villagers (“Sitgetanas” and “Sitgetans”) who wish to join in. The rector of the parish, Josep Pausas i 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 of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla.
The flag of Saint Bartomeu shall be borne by veteran Geganters of the Gegants Vells de Sitges.
Location: Starting from the Baluard in front of the Parish Church
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, plaça de l’Ajuntament and Baluard.
As the procession advances along the Paseo de la Ribera, the religious 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, firecrackers are lit, 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, the closing prayer.
Outdoor space in front of the church will be limited.
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.
00:30h CONCERTS OF FIESTA MAYOR
Location: Paseo de la Ribera
From 00:30h with the group Coco and The Papa’s & the Popo’s
FRIDAY 25th AUGUST
10h-19h OPEN DOORS AT THE MUSEUMS
Location: Museo del Cau Ferrat, Museo Maricel
Organized by: Educational Department of the Sitges Museums.
12:00h VERMUT DE SANT LLI
In the Jardins del Retiro with Vanilla Sound and Travelin Band.
Location: Gardens of El Retiro
Sponsored by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro.
19.30h MASS TO HONOR THE DEAD
Parroquia de Sant Bartomeu y Santa Tecla
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
We are invited to remember those who lived the Sitges Fiesta with joy.
21:00h CASTELLERS REHEARSAL OF FIESTA MAJOR (open rehearsal of human towers)
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Special rehearsal for the Fiesta Mayor
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
21:00h SANT BARTOMEU ORGAN CONCERT
Location: the Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla.
Voluntary entrance fee.
Organ concert of Sant Bartomeu, by Maria Nacy (Barcelona).
SATURDAY 26th AUGUST
18:00h CASTELLS EXHIBITION OF FIESTA MAYOR (human towers)
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Castells exhibition with Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges and Nens del Vendrell.
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges
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 2023.
Organized by: Casino Prado Suburense
22:15h SARDANA CLOSING EVE
Playa de San Sebastián
Location: Playa de Sant Sebastià
With Cobla Maricel. We will say goodbye to the Fiesta Mayor with a typical sweet pastry and muscatel (fortified sweet muscat wine).
