August 19-26, 2024. Firework display on August 23rd. Sitges Fiesta Mayor Programme 2024
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 2024 PHOTO GALLERY
Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2024 Programme
Programme of events for the Sitges Festa Major 2024, from August 19 to 26, 2024, plus preliminary events.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
20:00h CENA BAILE DE LA LIRA 2024
Location: Jardines del Retiro.
Dinner, surprises, and dance with the Voralmar orchestra. Tribute to members who have been loyal to the association for 75, 50, 25, 15, and 10 years. Presentation of the Lira d’Or to member Elena Ferré Ràfols.
Price: €45 (members €35).
Reservations at the association’s secretariat.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
17:00h QUINTO DE FIESTA MAYOR
Location: Jardines del Retiro
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.
Organized by: Colla Vella i Colla Jove de Diables de Sitges.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
18:00h FAMILY WORKSHOP: CUT-OUTS OF THE GIANT COSTUMES
Location: Racó de la Calma
Family Workshop
We will be nearing the Festa Major by this date, and we love all the dances, especially those performed by the three giant troupes, whether they dance or walk!
In this workshop, children will be able to experiment with the colours and textures of each giant’s costume, using paper cut-out figures and watercolours.
Price: €4
Tickets available at: Museus de Sitges. www.museusdesitges.cat
Organized by: Educational Department of Museus de Sitges.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
20:30h BARRAQUES DE SITGES 2024
Location: La Fragata.
Outdoor concerts with the bands Lágrimas de Sangre, El Pony Pisador, Masta Quba, Sr. Fong and DJ Marla.
Free entry.
Check schedules and programme Barraques Sitges 2024
22:00h 40ª NOCHE DE LA SARDANA (40th Sardana Night)
Location: Jardines de la Sociedad Recreativa El Retiro
With performances by Cobles Maricel and Jovenívola de Sabadell.
Free entry.
Organized by: Amics de la Sardana de Sitges
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
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.
19:00h BARRAQUES DE SITGES 2024
Location: La Fragata.
Outdoor concerts with the bands Auxili, O-Erra, Esther, Greska, Els Atrapasomnis, and Mon DJ.
Free entry.
Check schedules and programme at Barraques Sitges 2024
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
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.
12-14:30h FIESTA MAYOR VERMOUTH
Location: Hort de Can Falç
Performance by Tecla Massapoc, Gloria Gluten Free, and ending with DJ music.
Free event.
Organized by: Ateneu Popular
19:00h CONCERT ” LA PROCESSÓ, EL SO DE LA FESTA!”
Location: Casino Prado Suburense. Carrer de Francesc Gumà, 6-14, Sitges
Cobla Maricel, the Grallers Els Marcets, and the Camerata Eduard Toldrà will perform the concert “La Processó, El So de la Festa!”, directed by composer and conductor Xavier Pagès-Corella,
Idea: Cobla Maricel de Sitges. Produced by Camerata Eduard Toldrà and Cobla Marice. Directed by Xavier Pagès-Corella
20:30h BARRAQUES DE SITGES 2024
Location: La Fragata.
Outdoor concerts with bands Josetxu Piperrak, Ebri Knight, Miquel del Roig, Alidé Sans, and DJ Ceba.
Free entry.
Check schedules and programme at Barraques Sitges 2024
MONDAY, AUGUST 19
12º FIESTA MAYOR PHOTO CONTEST ON INSTAGRAM
From19/08 to 26/08.
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 website: http://www.agrupasitges.cat/
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
19:00h LECTURA DEL PREGÓN SATÍRICO (Reading of the Satirical Opening Speech)
Location: In front of the Palau del Rei Moro (c/ D’en Bosch, 10-12)
Read by Adaia Matas. Followed by the farewell of the ABPS 2023 Pubilla & Hereu, the presentation of the ABPS Pubilla and Hereu 2024 and the public recognition of a person associated with the organization.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges
22:00h PREGÓN DE FIESTA MAYOR (Inaugural Proclamation of the Fiesta Mayor 2024)
Location: Plaça de l’Ajuntament
Read by Alba Gràcia Pañella with simultaneous interpretation in Catalan sign language. In the event of rain or bad weather, the new location will be announced on official social media.
To follow and in the same Plaça de l’Ajuntament, concert “Que Soni la Festa” with the musical formation INXA BASS BRAND.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
20:00h GUITARREJANT LA FESTA
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
The public will enjoy guitar and percussion adaptations of the most emblematic Festa Major songs.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitg
20:00h HAVANERES
Location: Jardines del Hospital Sant Joan Baptista
Havaneres are popular songs composed by Spanish seafarers who in the 19th century sailed to Cuba in seek of economic fortunes and trade.
Havaneres performance by the Xarxa group.
Traditional ron cremat (burnt rum) will be served.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
19:00h L’ALEGRIA DE FESTA MAJOR
Location: Jardines del Retiro
Musical performance by the group L’Alegria de Sitges. Interpretation of the best songs of yesterday, today, and always.
Free entry.
Organized by: Societat Recreativa El Retiro
20:00h JAZZ AT RACÓ. FESTA MAJOR CONCERT
Location: Racó de la Calma (next to Palau Maricel)
Festa Major concert with Retrio: Òscar Ferret, Josep “Pinyu” Martí and Joan Pinós.
Price: €12 (Check for discounts)
Reservations: Museus de Sitges www.museusdesitges.cat
Organized by:Museus de Sitges.
20:00h TRANSFER OF THE ICON OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: Parish church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
The Municipal Festa Major Commission of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, representing municipal authorities, will receive the icon of the Patron Saint from Rafael Vilaplana, rector of the parish. Subsequently, with musical accompaniment by Cobla Maricel, it will be transferred to the chapel of the ’Hospital Sant Joan Baptista, the place designated by this year’s Pendonista, Josep Maria Rosés i Castro.
Upon arrival at the chapel of the Hospital, INAUGURAL PRAYER OF THE EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW.
Route: Parish, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Major, Cap de la Vila, Jesús, Francesc Gumà, Hort Gran, under the railway bridge, Avinguda de les Flors, Carretera de les Costes, Plaça Hospital (Creu Roja), Cardenal Vidal i Barraquer, entrance to the Hospital grounds up to the Chapel.
21:00hCASTELLERS – FIESTA MAJOR REHEARSAL (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 a sweet pastry.
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
22:00hFIESTA MAYOR CONCERTS
Location: Fragata
Concert and dance by the MARAVELLA orchestra.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
11-14h y de 17:30h-21:00h EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: Chapel of the Hospital of Sant Joan Baptista.
The image of Sant Bartomeu, patron of our town, will be on display at the chapel of the Hospital of Sant Joan Baptista.
18:30h LET’S DRESS THE “GEGANTS MOROS”
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
We will dress Fa-Luch and La-Hia (papier-mâché Moorish giants) with the children.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
21:30h DELIVERY OF THE FLAG
Parish church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla.
With 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 Cèlia Sànchez-Mústich.
PASACALLE DE TRASLADO DE LA BANDERA (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 22, accompanied by music performed by Cobla Maricel.
Route: Parròquia, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, carrer Davallada, St. Sebastià, carrer Ànimes, under the train tracks, Avinguda de les Flors, Carretera de les Costes, Plaça Hospital (Red Cross), carrer Carbonell Vidal i Barraquer, carrer Josep Tarradellas, escaleras hasta Pintor Marià Carbonellopis, carrer 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.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 – La Vigília (The Fiesta Mayor Eve)
11:00h- 19:00h EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
Location: Chapel of the Hospital de Sant Joan Baptista.
The image of Sant Bartomeu, patron of our town, will be on display at the chapel of the Hospital de Sant Joan Baptista. Morning from 11am until the hour of celebration of the civic procession.
12:00h ENTRADA DE GRALLERS (Arrival of the “Grallers” playing the gralla – a typical Catalan wind instrument)
Location: Cap de la Vila
The various 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, Filibusters and Miquel Acunya.
Route: Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, carrer Major and plaça del Ajuntament.
14:00h 21 MUSKETS ARE FIRED AND THE PARISH CHURCH BELLS ARE RUNG
With the participation of residents, workers and volunteers of the Sitges Hospital, in commemoration of the 700th anniversary of the institution.
14:15h PARADE OF TRADITIONAL POPULAR DANCES
Route: Starting at Plaza Ayuntamiento, down Carrer Major to 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 their full dance.
14:00h SARDANAS (Traditional Catalonian dance and music)
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 la Cobla Sitgetana.
14:45h EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCE OF “BALLS PARLATS” (spoken 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) 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)
Location: Cap de la Vila
Performance on the eve of the Festa Major by Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
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 collect the tabernacle of Sant Bartomeu, from the place designated by Josep Maria Rosés i Castro, Pendonista of Sant Bartomeu 2024, and accompany it to the parish church.
Route: Josep Tarradelles i Joan, Cardenal Vidal i Barraquer, Carrer de Rita Benaprès i Mestre, Carrer Joan Ramon Benaprès (calm stretch), Carrer Hospital (entrance to the Hospital through the mortuary and exit through the door leading to Plaça del Hospital), Plaça del Hospital (Creu Roja), Camí dels Capellans, Carretera de les Costes, under the railway bridge, Carrer Hort Gran, Carrer Animes, Carrer Sant Sebastià, 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
Location: 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)
Passeig de la Ribera in front of the Pic-Nic restaurant, by the sea.
During the fireworks display, a seating area will be set up where attendees can enjoy a glass of Maria Casanovas Brut de Brut cava.
Seating is limited. It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance at the Comissió stand, Llibreria Universal (Passeig Vilanova, 19), and Papereria La Tribu (c/ Sant Bartomeu, 1).
People with reduced mobility should also make an advance reservation at the indicated points. Contribution: €5.
Sponsored by: 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
Location: Passeig de la Ribera
From 00:30h concert with the group BIG MOUTHERS and DJ ARZZET.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 – 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 2024
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 parish rector, Rafael Vilaplana Moltó. This year, the Colla de l’Àliga, in honor of its 40th anniversary, will make the offering on behalf of the entire town to our Holy Patron.
After the celebration, singing of the “goigs” (praises) to the Saint and veneration of the relic.
EXIT FROM MASS
Location: From the Baluard in front of the Parish Church to the Plaça de l’Ajuntament (Town hall square).
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.
EXHIBICIÓN CASTELLERA (Human tower exhibition)
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Performed by Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
13:00h FIESTA MAYOR CONCERT & VERMOUTH
After the exit from mass.
There are two different locations:
Societat Recreativa El Retiro: with Cobla Maricel.
Casino Prado: with Banda Suburband.
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, Mn. Rafael Vilaplana Moltó 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 Mr. Josep Maria Rosés i Castro, who has appointed Mr. Marc Rosés i Bartés, Gerard Rosés i Bartés, and Ms. Laia Rosés i Bartés and Marta Vidal i Blay as cordonistas.
Location: Starting from the Baluard in front of the Parish Church
Route: carrer Baluard, carrer Fonollar, carrer Sant Joan, carrer Davallada, carrer Barcelona, carrer Santiago Rusiñol, carrer Jesús, carrer Sant Bartomeu, carrer Sant Gaudenci, carrer Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, carrer Parellades, carrer Bonaire, Passeig de la Ribera, carrer Nou, carrer Major, plaça de l’Ajuntament and carrer 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 GERTRUDIS and DJ ENKA.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
10:00h OPEN DOORS AT THE MUSEUMS
Open day at the Cau Ferrat Museum and Maricel Museum.
10h -19h: Cau Ferrat Museum and Maricel Museum
10h -14h: Fundació Stämpfli
10h -19h: Sala Vaixells, Palau Maricel. Exhibition“La figura emmarcada. Works from the Casacuberta Marsans Collection.”
Organized by: Museus de Sitges.
12:00h VERMUT DE SANT LLI
Location: Jardines del Retiro
With musical performance by ATOMIK FUNK.
In collaboration with Societat Recreativa El Retiro.
18:00h CASTELLS EXHIBITION OF FIESTA MAYOR (human towers)
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Castells exhibition with Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges, Minyons de Terrassa and Xiquets del Serrallo.
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
19.30h REQUIEM MASS
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
We are invited to remember those who lived the Sitges Fiesta with joy.
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 Marcel Martínez (Tübingen, Alemania).
21:00h SOPAR D’ESTIU (Summer Dinner)
Location: Jardines del Casino Prado
Dinner-show with the presentation of the Pubillaje 2024 of the entity.
Tickets can be purchased at www.casinoprado.cat or at the entity’s secretariat.
Organized by: Casino Prado Suburense.
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
22:15h SARDANA CLOSING EVE
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). There will be a small firework display.
