The town of Sitges is on the cusp of one of its most emblematic weeks, leading up to the Major Festival in honor of Sant Bartomeu, celebrated on Monday, August 24th. This festival, which awaits full homologation with Santa Tecla in 2026, officially begins this week with the Opening Speech by Zoë Puighibet i Masó, scheduled for Wednesday at 10 PM in the Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
The Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla Major Festival Commission aims this year to highlight the "discreet but essential" figures who make the celebration possible, such as seamstresses, giant hairdressers, cooks, municipal brigades, health workers, and firefighters. This concept is reflected in the festival's poster.
In an effort to enhance accessibility, the festival introduces novelties such as a quiet zone for the Procession of Sant Bartomeu, vibrating vests for the deaf during the Entrada de grallers, simultaneous sign language translation, reserved spaces for wheelchair users, and specific hours at the amusement fair with no flashing lights or loud sounds. Notices will also be sent regarding events with pyrotechnics for sensitive individuals and pets.
The space known as La Plaça, located in La Torreta, will host new events including an adapted Ball de Panderetes, a Popular Dinner, and the presentation of the restored head of Patufet. In total, it will feature 17 activities over 8 days.
Participatory activities such as a mural focused on the "hidden gears" of the Festival, family theater, and workshops for young people, including the PAM program with sessions on devil's verses, hat customization, and t-shirt design, will continue.
Beyond La Plaça, a highlight is the Concert-dance with the orchestra La Principal de La Bisbal on August 20th at 9:30 PM at La Fragata, offering a repertoire of festival classics and contemporary hits in both concert and dance formats.
Another new addition is the talk "Major Festival in times of climate change" by meteorologist Gori Masip at the Casino Prado Suburense, which will address the challenges of extreme heat in celebrations.
The opening speaker, Zoë Puighibet Masó, will share her perspective on the festival, emphasizing the audience as an essential "gear." This year's standard-bearer is Joan Roca Pujadó, and the image of Sant Bartomeu will be moved to Passeig de la Ribera, 13-14.
This year's Poem of the Flag has been written by Noemí Milà. The Flag Handover ceremony and poem reading will take place on Saturday, August 22nd, at the parish of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, followed by a popular watermelon tasting.
Sitges' libraries will fire the 21 small mortars on August 23rd at La Fragata, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Biblioteca Santiago Rusiñol. Offerings for the co-patrons will be made by the Suburband (Sant Bartomeu) and the Gitanes de la Vila group (Santa Tecla), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The musical program includes the concert-dance by La Principal de La Bisbal, the Sitges rumba group La Caleta, the dance performance by esbart Rocasagna, and the cuplés of Glòria Ribera. The Sant Bartomeu vigil will feature performances by Caipirinyes and DJ Calamitat, followed on August 24th by Brou and DJ Trapella.
The lighting for the descent of the stairs after the fireworks display will be enhanced. The procession of the "Sortida de les Dues" will be led by the band, and the full Moixiganga dance will be performed at Cap de la Vila.
Giants, cabeçuts, and the Ball de Diables will perform at Hort de Can Falç and the Hospital on August 23rd. The Sant Bartomeu Morning Parade will start from Plaça de l’Ajuntament, concluding with breakfast for the participating groups.
For prevention and safety, access to Carrer Major and Baluard will be restricted during processions and entries. The importance of hydration is emphasized, with four public drinking water fountains available throughout the town.
