The eve of Sant Bartomeu has launched the Sitges 2026 Festival. The inaugural event, the 'Entrada de Grallers', took place at 12 PM and this year introduced vibrating vests for deaf individuals, allowing about ten participants to experience the music more intensely.
The 21 small mortars fired at 2 PM were set off by local authorities and the Sitges Libraries, which are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Santiago Rusiñol Library. Following this, the 'Sortida de les Dues' brought the giants, the Dragon, and the Eagle, along with popular dances, to the Cap de la Vila, where the sardanas 'La Processó de Santa Bartomeu' and 'La Festa Major' were performed by the Cobla Sitgetana.
Members of the popular procession proceeded to the Hort de can Falç and the Hospital de Sant Joan to perform their full display dances. The three 'colles de Diables' (devil groups) presented their verses at both locations, while the Dragon only did so at Hort de can Falç. To ensure safety, access to Carrer Major from the Passeig was restricted during the 'Sortida de les Dues'.
The Civic Procession in the afternoon will depart from the residence of the Commission President, at Cases Noves, to collect the image of Sant Bartomeu from Can Falç, concluding at the parish church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. The vigil night will feature a fireworks display at 11 PM followed by the 'Baixada de balls populars' (Descent of popular dances) down the Punta steps, with music as the connecting thread along the Passeig de la Ribera.
The day of Sant Bartomeu, August 24th, will begin with the 'Matinal' at 6 AM from the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, featuring traditional 'faixes' dances and decorated floats. The religious service is scheduled for 10:30 AM, followed by the 'Sortida d'Ofici' (Exit from Service). In the afternoon, the Procession of Sant Bartomeu will start at 7 PM from the Baluard, with the Entrance of Sant Bartomeu into the Parish Church and the final dances of the festive elements in the Plaça de l'Ajuntament.
Among the pre-festival events, highlights include the first Popular Festival Dinner this Friday at 9 PM in La Plaça (La Torreta) and the presentation of the restored 'cabeçut' (large head figure) of Patufet on Saturday at 7 PM, also at La Plaça.
The organization has implemented safety and comfort measures, including the installation of public hydration fountains at key points such as Passeig Vilafranca, passatge d’en Tasis, Passeig de la Ribera, and Plaça dels Pescadors. Access to the Baluard will also be restricted during the 'Entrada de Sant Bartomeu' and the Civic Procession to prevent overcrowding.
As a new feature, 'Calm Zones' are being introduced during the Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla processions. These 120-meter segments along Carrer Sant Bartomeu, Sant Gaudenci, and Sant Francesc will reduce music volume and eliminate firecrackers to facilitate participation for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
