The exhibition ‘Del garatge al carrer’ (From the Garage to the Street) has kicked off Santa Tecla 2026 in Sitges. This exhibition, which pays tribute to children, can be visited at the Mercat Vell until September 19. Opening hours are weekdays from 6 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday, September 19, also from 11 AM to 2 PM.
This weekend sees an intensification of events. On Friday night, at the Casino Prado, the new Pubilla and Hereu (traditional festival representatives) of Sitges will be proclaimed. Saturday is the Nit de Foc (Night of Fire), featuring the Timbalada, Espetegafoc, and Correfoc (fire run), with the participation of Sitges' three devil troupes and invited troupes.
On Sunday, children's performances of white dances and children's devil dances will take place at La Fragata. In the afternoon, the Trasllat de Santa Tecla (Transfer of SaintTecla) will occur from 6 PM, from the church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla to the hermitage of Sant Sebastià. This year's 'pendonista' (flag bearer), Maria Dolors Carbonell Tutusaus, has invited everyone to experience the festival and accompany the co-patron saint in the procession on September 23.
The Councilor for Festivals, Eva Martín Martínez, highlighted the importance of the children's exhibition as the "seedbed of the festival" and stated that "we wish to have a great Santa Tecla, civic, respectful, and that serves to exalt our tradition."
The 'Tram en calma' (Calm Tram) will return on September 23 for the Santa Tecla Procession, on Sant Gaudenci street, with reduced music volume and no fireworks. Spaces for wheelchair users will also be provided on the corner of Francesc Gumà and Jesús streets, and on the Passeig de la Ribera. Pre-registration is required at [www.sitgesfestamajor.cat](http://www.sitgesfestamajor.cat).
As a novelty, the dances will move to the Passeig de la Ribera on the nights of September 22 and 23, near La Fragata. The 'Ball de la Gent gran' (Seniors' Dance) is also being revived, on Monday at 6 PM in the Hort de Can Falç.
The 21 'morterets' (small fireworks) on September 22 will be set off by representatives of Sitges' primary schools to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Escola Miquel Utrillo and the 25th of Escola Maria Ossó. The offering during the Office of Santa Tecla will be led by the 'colla' of the Gitanes de la Vila, marking their 50th anniversary.
On Santa Tecla day, September 23, access to El Baluard from the Plaça de l’Ajuntament will be closed once the first 'ball de bastons' (stick dance) troupe arrives. Access via Bernat de Fonollar street will remain open.
The current Commission concludes its term with this festival and has announced a pilot test for the final dance. The full program can be consulted at [www.sitgesfestamajor.cat](http://www.sitgesfestamajor.cat).
