The town of Sitges is ready for its Festa Major of Sant Bartomeu, commencing with the Transfer of the saint's image from the parish to the residence of this year's flag bearer, Joan Roca Pujadó, at can Falç (Passeig de la Ribera, 13-14). The image will be displayed until the civic procession on August 23rd. Tomorrow, Saturday, the Flag Transfer will take place from the parish at 9 PM, featuring the reading of the Flag Poem written by Noemí Milà. The flag will be taken to the home of the president of the Commission of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, Xavier Salmerón Carbonell, at Carrer de les Illes Balears, 9.
The start of the 36 most intense hours of the festival will occur on Sunday from 12 PM with the 'Entrada de Grallers' (arrival of the Grallers) at Cap de la Vila. This year, vibrating vests will be used for deaf individuals, allowing them to experience the event more intensely. At 2 PM, 21 firecrackers will be set off, presented by representatives of the Biblioteques de Sitges, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Biblioteca Santiago Rusiñol. Simultaneously, the 'gegants' (giants) will begin the 'Sortida de les Dues' at 2:05 PM from Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
For the 'Sortida de les Dues', access to Carrer Major from the Passeig will be closed to prevent crowds. The three 'colles de Diables' (devil groups) and the 'Drac' (dragon) will perform at the Hort de can Falç and the Hospital. At Cap de la Vila, the Cobla Sitgetana will perform the sardanas La Processó de Santa Bartomeu and La Festa Major. The afternoon Civic Procession will collect the image of Sant Bartomeu from Can Falç to take it to the parish.
The eve of the festival will feature a fireworks display (11 PM) followed by the 'Baixada de balls populars' (descent of popular dances) down the Punta stairs. Music will be a central theme during the 'revetlla' (vigil) at Passeig de la Ribera, with sardanas at Cap de la Vila.
On Sant Bartomeu's day, August 24th, the day will begin with the 'Matinal' (early morning event) at 6 AM from Plaça de l’Ajuntament, featuring traditional 'balls de faixes' (sash dances) and flower-adorned carts. The official service will be at 10:30 AM, followed by the 'Sortida d’Ofici'. In the afternoon, the Procession of Sant Bartomeu will start at 7 PM from the Baluard. The 'Entrada de Sant Bartomeu' into the Parish and the final dances by the Drac, l’Àliga, and the three pairs of giants in Plaça de l’Ajuntament will conclude the main events.
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 del Patufet' (Patufet's large head figure) on Saturday at 7 PM, also in La Plaça.
The organization has implemented safety measures, such as closing access to Carrer Major during the 'Sortida de les Dues' and installing public fountains for hydration at Passeig Vilafranca, passatge d’en Tasis, Passeig de la Ribera, and Plaça dels Pescadors.
For the 'Entrada de Sant Bartomeu' (August 24th) and the 'Entrada de Santa Tecla' (September 23rd), access to the Baluard Miquel Utrillo will be restricted once the 'Bastons' (batons) have passed, to prevent overcrowding.
The festival also incorporates 'Calm Zones' for individuals with special needs, where music volume is reduced and firecrackers are eliminated. These zones, spanning 120 meters, will be located on Carrer Sant Bartomeu, Sant Gaudenci, and Sant Francesc.
Full information about the Festa Major is available at www.sitgesfestamajor.cat, and official event images can be downloaded from the City Council's Flickr channel.
