Sitges Tourism

5 tips to experience the Festa Major of Sitges to the fullest

The Festa Major of Sant Bartomeu is celebrated between the 17th and 27th of August, although the main days are the 23rd and the 24th. Days of smell of basil and gunpowder, straw hats, music, painted T-shirts, "sardanes", human towers, heat and above all a lot of emotions.

If you are lucky enough to be here at this time of year you must be prepared for the festival of the Sant Patró de Sitges, a religious festival declared a Heritage Festival of National Interest, where up to 6 dance outings, hors d'oeuvres, giants, big heads, devils and bonfires are held. The agenda is very busy so we leave you below the essentials of our party to live it properly!

 

1. The days leading up: 

Stroll through the old town and especially along Carrer de'n Bosch and Plaça de l'Ajuntament. You will see the people of the popular dances that enter and leave the Palau del Rei Moro, they rehearse, they wear dresses up and down, you will hear the first chirps and probably also some drum beats.

 

2. T-shirt:

During the Festa Major it is traditional for the people of Sitges to wear T-shirts painted with reference to the groups, dances and bonfires. Some make them themselves and others buy them already painted. If you have small children, remember that you can do one at the Sitges Museums workshop on August 17 at Racó de la Calma (prior reservation is required here). And for those who do not feel like it, or don't have time, you can buy yours at Cap de la Vila the days before at the stalls of the "colles", a memory to take to your heart and your suitcase.

 

3. The entrance of the "grallers":

First of all, the "gralla" is a wind instrument with a very characteristic sound that accompanies popular dances, figures and human towers. On the 23rd at 12 noon, the groups of "gralles" get together and go through making small concerts from Sant Francesc Street to the Plaça de l'Ajuntament. It is a very exciting time that concentrates a lot of people, so if you want to see it better go to the Plaça de l'Ajuntament where there is usually a bit more space.

 

4. Fireworks:

The fireworks display of Sitges is always on August 23rd at 11pm, that never changes. To see it you can go to the seafront, to viewpoints such as La Llevantina; to high-rise terraces of hotels or even go out by boat. Attention! Just after the fireworks, if you approach the stairs of La Punta you will see how all the dances and figures descend, a unique moment!

 

5. The Morning:

As the name suggests, it will make you wake up very early. At 6 in the morning in the Plaça de l'Ajuntament everything is ready. A good reason to get up early is to see carriages closing the procession from where nards are distributed to people. Music, flowers and good coffee, what else could you ask for?

 

Other important tips: on the days of the Festa Major there is a lot of pyrotechnics in the streets of Sitges, be aware if you come with children or pets. Also think about booking your table for lunch or dinner in advance because most restaurants are full! And from here on we can only tell you... HAPPY FESTA MAJOR!!

 

 (Tsss... don't you believe us?? Well, we leave you a sample of our Party! )