Programme of festivities
Santa Tecla is the popular festival in honour of the patron saint of Sitges, Sant Bartomeu.
Santa Tecla is the “small” Fiesta Mayor, infused with more of a local flavour since by September many visitors are already back home. Children take the leading role during the Santa Tecla festivities, featuring the “Matinal” with exhibitions of popular dances as well as paper maché giants, “big-heads”, dragons and eagles made and paraded by the children. Fire goes mainstage with the celebration of the “Nit de Foc” held the weekend before, with fireworks, crackers and fire beasts in the old town quarter of Sitges.
Santa Tecla Sitges 2022 Schedule
15-25 September 2022. Programme of events, Santa Tecla, Sitges 2022
Friday 16th September
19:00h PRESENTATION OF THE BOOKLET “EL PATUFET, UN CABEÇUT AMB 100 ANYS D’HISTÒRIA”
Espai Cultural Pere Stämpfli (C. d’en Bosch,9)
Presentation of the booklet, “El Patufet, un cabeçut amb 100 anys d’història” (El Patufet, a bighead with 100 years of history), with Francesc Parra and Miquel Marzal, librarians.
Organized by: Grup d’Estudis Sitgetans.
21h NIT DE LES PUBILLES I ELS HEREUS
Location: Casino Prado Suburense
A traditional festive evening with the Pubilles and Hereus (traditional roles played by young ladies and men during the fiestas), entities and familities.
Organized by: Foment de Sitges and sponsored by Torres Winery
Saturday 17th September
EXHIBITION OF SANTA TECLA’S FLAG
During the hours of Parish celebrations
11:00h TROBADA DE GEGANTS, CABEÇUTS I DRACS PETITS (gathering of paper maché giants and bigheads, dragons and eagles – made by the children)
Location: Hort de Can Falç
Young children participate in the festivities with their endearing creations.
12:00h OPENING EXHIBITION OF THE 10TH FESTA MAJOR INSTAGRAM PHOTO COMPETITION
Santiago Rusiñol Library, from 17th to 30th September
OPENING DAY 17th September at 12:00h. To celebrate 10 years of the Festa Major photo contest on Instagram, the exhibition will also bring together some of the winners from previous editions. Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges with the collaboration of the Santiago Rusiñol Library.
19:00h NIT DE FOC (NIGHT OF FIRE ) PRESENTATION OF THE NEW ESPETEGAFOC DRESSES
La Fragata
From different points of La Fragata, representing fire, air and earth, the Espetegafoc group will present the new costumes, thus starting the commemorative events of its 20th anniversary that will culminate this change project in 2023.
19:30h TIMBALADA (Night of Fire Drums)
Featuring drums of groups participating in the “Nit de Foc” (Night of Fire) Route: Fragata, Passeig de la Ribera, Carrer Sant Pau, Cap de la Vila, Carrer Major and Plaça del Ajuntament.
20:30h ESPETEGAFOC
Overwhelming fire show through the streets of the town.
Route: Baluard, Mirador Miquel Utrillo, Racó de la Calma, Sant Joan, Davallada, Barcelona, Aigua, Sant Domenech, Major and plaça de l’Ajuntament.
21:30h CORREFOC
With the participation of: Drac de Sitges, Àliga de Sitges, Colla Jove de Diables de Sitges, Colla Vella de Diables de Sitges, Colla ABPS de Diables de Sitges, Ball de Diables de Ribes Colla Jove, Ball de Diables de Ribes, Diables de La Bisbal del Penedès, Diables de la colla El Tro de Falguera and Ferafoc de Sant Quintí de Mediona.
Route: Plaça Dr. Robert, Avinguda Balmins, Port Alegre, Fonollar, Sant Joan, Davallada, carrer d’en Bosch, plaça de l’Ajuntament and Baluard where a final Evil firework display of the participating groups in the Nit de Foc will take place.
NIT DE FOC CONCERTS
After the Correcfoc, concerts at La Fragata
With: Músicos de Calle (Tributo a Xarango) , Las que Faltaband + a band TBC
Organized by: : La Saca – Sitgetana de Cultura i Animació.
Sunday 18th September
EXHIBITION OF SANTA TECLA’S FLAG
During the hours of Parish celebrations
10:00h GATHERING AND PARADE OF CHILDREN’S “GEGANTS & CABEÇUTS” (paper maché giants and bigheads made by children)
From Plaza Ayuntamiento. After the gathering, the giants and bigheads parade along the streets and end with a dance all together.
Route: plaça de l’Ajuntament, Carrer Major, Cap de la Vila, Carrer Parellades, Carrer Sant Pere, Passeig de la Ribera y Fragata.
11:00h EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S WHITE DANCES (Popular dances that are not giants, bigheaded, or fire-related)
Once the parade is over, at La Fragata
With: Ball de Bastons, Panderetes, Pastorets, Cercolets, Cintes, Gitanes, Moixiganga and the children of Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
17:30h GATHERING AND PARADE OF “DRACS” AND GROUPS OF YOUNG “DIABLES”
Location: Pont d’en Domènech
Parade of “dracs” (paper maché dragons) made by children and young children dressed as “diables” (demons). The parade will end with a final firework display.
Route: Passeig de la Ribera to la Fragata.
“BALL PARLAT DE DIABLES INFANTIL” (the recitation of satirical verses by the various demon children groups about life in Sitges)
The recitation will take place after the firework display held at La Fragata
Location: La Fragata
Order of groups: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges, Colla Vella de Diables de Sitges and Colla Jove de Diables de Sitges.
Tuesday 20th September
20:30h PARADE OF THE IMAGE OF SANTA TECLA
Location: Parroquia de Sant Bartomeu y Santa Tecla
The icon of the Saint is moved from the church to an honorific location during Santa Tecla.
The Municipal Commission of the Festa Major de Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, representing the municipal authorities, will receive the icon of Santa Tecla from parish vicar Josep Pausas and will parade it to Carrer Sant Josep 19, address chosen by Pendonist, Dolors Ojeda
Route: Baluard, Ajuntament, Major, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Sant Josep.
Once the image arrives, PRAYER OF THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANTA TECLA
20:00h CONCERT OF “GRALLES” + LES GITANES D’ANTES
Location: Hort de Can Falç
Concert of grallas (traditional Catalonian wind instruments) and leaps and pirouettes by LES GITANES D’ANTES (satire)
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
Wednesday 21st September
10h-13:30h & 17h-21h EXHIBITION OF SANTA TECLA’S IMAGE
Exhibition of the image of Santa Tecla at the residence of the Pendonista, on Carrer Sant Josep, 19.
17:00h FIESTA INFANTIL (Children’s party) + VESTIM ALS GEGANTS MOROS
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Featuring original handicrafts, a children’s show and sponge fingers dipped in thick chocolate for everyone! At the end of the children’s party, the Moor Giants will be dressed.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges
20:00h SPECIAL REHERSAL OF CASTELLS (HUMAN TOWERS) FOR SANTA TECLA
Location: Palau del Rei Moro
Special Santa Tecla rehearsal by the Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges (Human Towers) followed by a light refreshment.
THURSDAY 22nd September- La Vigília (The Eve)
10h EXHIBITION OF SANTA TECLA’S IMAGE
Location: Calle Sant Josep, 19.
From 10.00h to till the evening Procession commences.
14:00h TWENTY-ONE MUSKETS ARE FIRED AND THE PARISH CHURCH BELLS ARE RUNG
Location: La Fragata
By the group Cabeçuts in honor of Patufet, a bighead that celebrates its centenary this year.
19h PROCESIÓN CÍVICA (Cívic Parade)
Location: Departure from Carrer Sant Josep 19.
The group of traditional dancers, musicians, authorities and the Agrupació Musical Suburband, will recover the shrine of Santa Tecla from its honorary temporary resting place and return it to the parish church. The parade follows the route indicated below.
Route: Sant Josep, Espalter, Pou Vedre, Bassa Rodona, Santa Tecla, Primer de Maig, plaça Indústria, Marqués de Montroig, Parellades, Cap de la Vila, Jesús, Rafael Llopart, Port Alegre, Davallada, carrer d’en Bosch, plaça de l’Ajuntament and Baluard.
Location: In front of the parish church.
The popular dances will receive the image of Santa Tecla and accompanied by authorities, the “Pendonista” and “Cordonistes”, will return it to the parish church, where it will be placed in the presbytery to preside over the liturgies of the festival.
23h FIREWORKS
From la Punta (Parish Church), La Fragata and the breakwaters
By Pirotècnia Igual S.A.
00:00h SARDANAS EVE
Location: Cap de la Vila
From midnight onwards. With the participation of the Cobla Sitgetana band.
00:00h SANTA TECLA’S CONCERTS
Location: La Fragata From midnight onwards with Ramón Mirabet and DUUET DJ’S.
Organized by: Comissió Municipal de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
FRIDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER – Diada Santa Tecla, protomártir, Patrona de Sitges
JOYFUL AND FESTIVE CHILDREN’S “MATINAL” PARADE
With the participation of children from Sitges, who will perform the popular dances. There are 3 routes and breakfast will be offered to the parading children when the route ends.
6:30h MATINAL FOC (Parade for child demons and dragons)
Location: Departing from Plaça de l’Ajuntament
Infant beasts will alternate among the groups of devils that will participate in the following order: Diables de l’Agrupació de Balls Populars, Colla Vella de Diables and Colla Jove de Diables.
Route: Davallada, Barcelona, Àngel Vidal, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Sant Josep, Espalter, plaça del Pou Vedre, Bassa Rodona, Santa Tecla, Primer de Maig, passeig de la Ribera (sea side) and Fragata
7h MATINAL GRANDE – GIGANTES Y BAILES BLANCOS (Early morning route for the children’s parade of popular dances (without fire) and giants made by children)
Route: Fonollar, Baluard, Baluard Vidal i Quadras, Port de n’Alegre, Rafel Llopart, Sant Damià, Sant Sebastià, Jesús, Sant Bartomeu, Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Sant Pere, passeig de la Ribera (mountain side) and Fragata.
8h MATINAL PEQUEÑA (Parade of the youngest children participating in the “Matinal”)
Location: Plaça de l’Ajuntament
Route: plaça de l’Ajuntament, carrer d’en Bosch, Davallada, Barcelona, Àngel Vidal, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Major, Nou, Paseo de la Ribera until la Fragata.
11:00h SOLEMN MASS IN HONOUR OF SANTA TECLA
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
Presided over by Father Josep Pausas, parish rector. This year, in celebration of their 125th anniversary, the Gegants Vells de Sitges will make the Offering to our patron saint on behalf of the whole town. The new chapel with the image of Santa Tecla will be blessed and Goigs (praises) will be sung by the Cor dels Amics de l’Orgue.
EXIT FROM MASS
After the celebration of mass, short procession from the Baluard to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Parade with Cobla Maricel and Suburband del Retiro to accompany the authorities to the Town Hall. There all the popular dances will be performed at once and will come together 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.
13h CASTELLS EXHIBITION (Human Towers)
Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Performed by Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
13:00h CONCERT- VERMOUTH OF FESTA MAJOR
Location: CASINO PRADO SUBURENSE: with live music by Cobla Maricel
Location: SOCIEDAD RECREATIVA EL RETIRO: with live music by Inxa Brass Band.
18h BAJADA DEL PILAR DE LA JOVE DE SITGES (a human tower walks up and down the stairs of La Punta)
Location: Baluard and the stairs of la Punta by the parish church.
Performed by la Colla Jove de Castellers de Siges
19h SANTA TECLA’S PROCESSION
Location: Departing from Baluard
Circuit around town with authorities, the Saint carried by “Pubilles” and “Hereus” and the folkloric dances and musicians, accompanied by townfolk who wish to participate. The rector of the parish, Mn. Josep Pausas i Mas will preside over the processional act joined by the Illustrious Town Hall dignitaries.
Popular dances, grallers and the Suburband del Retiro will precede the tabernacle. The tabernacle, with the image of the Saint, will be taken by the “Costaleros” of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla. The Flag of Sant Bartomeu shall be carried by the Santa Tecla’s Pendonista Dolors Ojeda who has named as Cordonistes, Carme Artigas Ojeda and Carla Artigas Ojeda.
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 religious procession advances along the Paseo de la Ribera, it will be saluted by firing 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 Santa Tecla”, composed by Antoni Català i Vidal.
SANTA TECLA RETURNS TO THE PARISH CHURCH
When the procession arrives at the Baluard square in front of the parish church, dancers and musicians will surround the image of the Saint, church bells shall be rung and fireworks and firecrackers will be lit in the last homage to the Patron Saint. Inside the church, closing prayer “Us he mirat Santa Tecla”.
As space on the Baluard is limited, if the maximum capacity is reached, 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, the gegants, drac and àliga (papier-mâché giants, dragons and eagle) dance their farewell at Plaça de l’Ajuntament
23:00h SANTA TECLA’S CONCERTS
Location: La Fragata
With THE PAPA’S & THE POPO’S and DUUET DJ’S.
Organized by: Comissió Municipal de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla.
Saturda 24th September
10-20h OPEN DOORS AT THE MUSEUMS
From 10.00h to 20.00h Museo Maricel and Museo Cau Ferrat
Free activity. Limited capacity
Organized by Consorci del Patrimoni de Sitges.
18:30h CASTELLES EXHIBITION OF SANTA TECLA (Human Towers)
Location: Cap de la Vila
Performed by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges and els Xicots de Vilafranca
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges
Sunday 25th September
18:00h ORGAN CONCERT OF SANTA TECLA
Location: Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
By Maria Nacy (Barcelona).
Entry: voluntary contribution.
ENLACE A LOS ÁLBUMS DE FOTOS DE SANTA TECLA SITGES 2021
