Sitges Main Festival – Spain 2025

Background & History

The Festa Major de Sitges is a vibrant Catalan celebration honoring the co-patrons Sant Bartomeu (Saint Bartholomew) and Santa Tecla, recognized as a patrimonial festival of national interest by the Generalitat de Catalunya. Its roots trace back to the 12th century when Saint Tecla was the sole patron, with Saint Bartholomew’s co-patronage established in the 16th century. The earliest documented reference to the festival dates to 1353, found in the account books of Pia Almoina, noting the vigil and feast day as a solemn event in Sitges.

By the 16th century, the Brotherhood of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla organized the festivities, transitioning to municipal oversight in the 19th century. The modern structure, with distinct recreational elements for each saint, was formalized in the 1792 custom, and full folkloric participation, including women in dances, stabilized in the 1980s. The festival blends religious, folkloric, and communal events, reflecting Sitges’ cultural identity and fostering deep community bonds. For historical videos and images, visit sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Event Highlights

• Traditional Folk Dances: Iconic performances like Ball de Diables (Devils Dance with fireworks), Ball de Gitanes (Gypsy Dance), Ball de Bastons (Stick Dance), Ball de Cercolets (Hoop Dance), Ball de Pastorets (Shepherds Dance), and Moixiganga (acrobatic formations).
• Processions and Imagery: Features vibrant processions with Gegants (Giants), Cabeçuts (Big Heads), Àliga (Eagle), and Fera Foguera (fire-breathing beast), accompanied by musicians playing gralles (traditional Catalan shawms) and drums.
• Religious Ceremonies: Includes the solemn Office in honor of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, panegyrics, and civic processions, with key events on August 23-24.
• Fireworks Spectacle: A highlight on August 24, with premium balcony seating available at local establishments for optimal viewing.
• Inclusivity Initiatives: A 120m Tram en Calma (Quiet Section) in processions for sensory-sensitive attendees, and fair days with no music, reduced noise, and dimmed lights for accessibility.
• Cultural Proclamation: The Pregó by the musical group Retrio, with Joan Pros Borràs as the pendonista (flag bearer) for Sant Bartomeu and Vinyet Caballé Artigas for Santa Tecla.
• Workshops and Exhibitions: Held at cultural venues like Racó de la Calma and Museu Maricel, offering hands-on experiences in Catalan traditions. A pocket-sized program pays homage to the festival’s sounds. Explore more at sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Date & Duration

Dates: August 19 – August 26, 2025
Duration: 8 days

Venue / Location

City: Sitges, Spain
Main Venue: Events are held across Sitges, with processions winding through the historic old town, and workshops at cultural landmarks like Racó de la Calma (Passeig de la Ribera, 08870 Sitges) and Museu Maricel (Carrer de Fonollar, 7, 08870 Sitges). The Department of Traditions and Festivities is located at C/ Sant Joan, s/n, 08870 Sitges, Spain. Public squares like Plaça del Baluard host major dances and ceremonies.

Contact Information

Organizer: Municipal Commission of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, in coordination with the Department of Traditions and Festivities
Address: C/ Sant Joan, s/n, 08870 Sitges, Spain
Phone: +34 93 811 76 47
Email: tradicionsifestes@sitges.cat; info@sitgesfestamajor.cat
Website: sitgesfestamajor.cat

Ticket Information

Most core events, including street processions, dances, and ceremonies, are free and open to the public. Workshops at venues like Racó de la Calma or Museu Maricel require pre-booking via the Sitges tourism website (visitsitges.com) or on-site purchase if seats remain, with prices typically ranging from $5–$15. Private evening events, such as gala dinners or dances organized by local cultural associations, have tickets sold through organizers or festival information points, costing approximately $10–$30.

Premium viewing spots for the August 24 fireworks, like balcony seats at hotels or restaurants, range from $20–$60. Children under 12 may attend workshops free when accompanied by a paying adult. For booking details and updates, visit sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Cultural Experience

The Festa Major immerses visitors in Catalan heritage through a blend of religious solemnity and exuberant folkloric displays. Expect colorful processions with participants in traditional attire, performing dances like the Ball de Diables, where performers wield fire-sparking pitchforks, or the elegant Moixiganga with human towers. The festival’s soundtrack of gralles and drums creates a rhythmic backdrop, celebrated in the 2025 program’s focus on sound. The Pregó by Retrio sets an emotional tone, while the Temple ceremonies evoke reflection.

Since the 1980s, women’s inclusion in dances has enriched the festive entourage, supported by groups like the Agrupació de Balls Populars (founded 1978). The festival’s national recognition stems from its deep cultural roots and appeal to artists and scholars. Pedagogic videos, historical images, and the Grallers School’s contributions are showcased at sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Food & Drinks

Attendees can savor authentic Catalan cuisine at street stalls, local restaurants, and temporary festival bars, including:

• Xató: A traditional Sitges salad with endive, cod, tuna, anchovies, and romesco sauce.
• Fideuà: A noodle-based paella with seafood, reflecting Sitges’ coastal heritage.
• Crema Catalana: A creamy custard dessert with caramelized sugar.
• Cava: Sparkling wine from the nearby Penedès region, a festival staple.
• Calamars a la romana: Fried squid rings, often served as tapas.
  Local associations may gift snacks or drinks during events, enhancing the communal spirit. Temporary food stands offer grilled meats, churros, and refreshing drinks like horchata. For dining recommendations, visit sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Family & Accessibility

The festival is family-friendly, with children actively participating in dances like Ball de Pastorets and Gegants parades. Workshops at cultural venues are free for children under 12 when accompanied by a paying adult. Accessibility is prioritized with the Tram en Calma, a 120m quiet zone during processions for those with sensory sensitivities, and fair days with no music, reduced noise, and dimmed lights to accommodate high-sensitivity attendees.

Wheelchair-accessible paths are available in main venues like Plaça del Baluard, and the festival collaborates with local entities to ensure inclusivity. For accessibility details, visit sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Getting There

• By Air: Fly to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), 35 km from Sitges. Take a taxi (30-40 minutes, ~$40) or Renfe train to Sitges station.
• By Train: Renfe Cercanías from Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia (40 minutes, ~$5) offers frequent service to Sitges during festival season.
• By Bus: MonBus connects Barcelona and nearby towns to Sitges center (~45 minutes, ~$4).
• By Car: Take the C-32 motorway from Barcelona (30 minutes). Parking is limited due to street closures; use public lots like Parking Oasis or Parking Plaça Pou Vedre.
• Bike/Walking: Sitges’ compact old town is walkable, with bike rentals available for exploring. For parking and transport updates during street closures, visit sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Historical Significance

Since the 14th century, the Festa Major has been a cornerstone of Sitges’ identity, with documented celebrations from 1353. The festival’s evolution reflects shifts in the town’s economic and social fabric, from wine production in the 19th century to tourism in the 20th century. Key historical moments include the 1595 Office for Sant Bartomeu and the 1792 custom separating recreational elements.

The 19th-century decline of Santa Tecla’s festivities due to harvest season gave way to its revival in 1948, with full folkloric integration by the 1980s. The festival’s national recognition grew through scholarly interest and the establishment of the Grallers School, ensuring the preservation of its musical traditions. Historical documents and chronicles are accessible at sitgesfestamajor.cat.

Community Involvement

The festival is a collaborative effort led by the Municipal Commission of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, working with the Department of Traditions and Festivities, the Parish of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, and local entities like the Agrupació de Balls Populars. Community participation is central, with residents performing in dances, carrying imagery, or volunteering as organizers. The festival historically coincided with major public works inaugurations, underscoring its civic importance.

Modern initiatives, like the 1979 Municipal Board of Celebrations, ensure broad involvement, with roles like pendonista and pregoners highlighting local figures. To get involved, contact tradicionsifestes@sitges.cat or visit sitgesfestamajor.cat.