The Sitges Major Festival will feature several logistical modifications this year to enhance safety, minimize conflicts, and ensure attendees enjoy the Sant Bartomeu festivities with greater comfort. The high turnout at various events has prompted the implementation of new measures for managing public circulation.
On August 23rd, following the traditional 21 mortar shots (at 2 PM), access from Passeig de la Ribera to Carrer Major will be restricted. This measure, previously implemented, aims to prevent overcrowding on this street and facilitate better viewing of the dances and the 'Sortida de les Dues'. During this period, entry to Carrer Major from Carrer Nou, Carrer d'en Tacó, and Carrer Carreta will be prohibited, redirecting pedestrians towards Carrer de Sant Pau.
Crowd flow management will continue throughout the afternoon and evening of August 23rd. Pedestrian traffic towards the fireworks display area will be diverted when the Civic Procession moves through Carrer Jesús, Cap de la Vila, and Parellades. It is recommended to use Carrer Sant Gaudenci, Carrer Sant Josep, and Carrer Bonaire to access Passeig de la Ribera and find a spot for the fireworks, thus avoiding congestion with the procession.
Finally, on the evening of August 23rd, the saint's arrival at the parish church, at the end of the Civic Procession, will take place via Racó de la Calma (Carrer de Bernat de Fonollar). To prevent overcrowding, access to Racó de la Calma and Baluard will be cut off from the arrival of the giants.
To carry out these security and organizational tasks, the City Council has hired private security, which will complement the security forces, the Festival Commission, and volunteers at events with large crowds, such as the fireworks display, activities at La Plaça (in La Torreta), and the street parties on Passeig de la Ribera.
The Councilor for Traditions and Festivals, Eva Martín Martínez, emphasized the importance of controlling security and logistical aspects to fully enjoy the Major Festival. She highlighted the coordination between the Commission, the City Council, and the police and health services as fundamental for improving the development of the events.
The logistical operation includes a permanent communication channel between the Red Cross, SEM (Emergency Medical Service), Firefighters (including volunteers), Mossos d'Esquadra, Local Police, and Civil Protection. This system will debut for Sant Bartomeu (August 23rd and 24th) and will also be used for the Nit de Foc (September 19th) and Santa Tecla (September 22nd and 23rd).
The Primary Care Center (CAP) in Sitges, located on Camí dels Capellans, will extend its opening hours during the Major Festival. On Saturday, August 22nd, it will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM, and on Sunday, August 23rd, it will offer continuous service from 8 AM until Monday, August 24th, at 8 PM. The base of the Emergency Medical Service (SEM) is planned to be located at the CAP to centralize health resources.
The Commission and health services remind attendees of the importance of staying hydrated, drinking water, and protecting themselves from the sun with hats, prioritizing shade and rest.
The City Council has also installed four additional water points at Passeig Vilafranca (corner of Espalter), Carrer d'Àngel Vidal with Carrer Tasis, Passeig de la Ribera, and Plaça dels Pescadors, supplementing the existing fountains.
