Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2018 - Schedule
SCHEDULE
From 19th to 26th August, 2018
The Sitges Festa Major has been declared "Fiesta Patrimonial de Interés Nacional " (Heritage Festival of National Interest) by the Generalitat de Catalunya (autonomous government of Catalonia), 2016
The Sitges Festa Major has been declared "Fiesta Tradicional de Interés Nacional" (Traditional/cultural event of National Interest) by the Generalitat de Catalunya (autonomous governement of Catalonia), 1991
Se trata de la fiesta popular en honor al patrón de Sitges, Sant Bartomeu.
Fiesta Mayor Sitges 2018 (Festa Major)
Thursday 26th July
PRESENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE SITGES FESTA MAJOR & SANTA TECLA 2018
19h Casino Prado Suburense
Wednesday 1st August
LA FESTA MAJOR EN DANSA (Festa Major in Dance)
18h Racó de la Calma
Also on August 8th and 15th
Family workshop to make puppets inspired by the Fiesta Mayor's popular dances, such as “Bastoners”, gypsies and devils. The workshop will be complemented with an optional visit to the Maricel Museum to contemplate the oil painting of Felip Masó, “La processó de Sant Bartomeu” (The San Bartolomé procession), 1884, as well as other paintings of the Luminist’s room.
Price: € 4.
Organized by: Museus de Sitges
Sunday 5th August
REPRESENTACIÓN DEL “BALL DE NOSTRA SENYORA DEL VINYET” (Dance of Our Lady of the Vinyet)
12h Next to the Sanctuary of the Vinyet
Organized by the theatre group La Palmera
Saturday 11th August
IX TORNEIG DE FUTBOL SALA DE COLLES DE FESTA MAJOR (Hard Court Soccer Tournament) by “colles de Festa Major”.)
16h Escola Esteve Barrachina
Organized by: La Saca - Sitgetana de Cultura i Animació.
Friday 17th August
Inauguración de BARRAQUES (Music Concerts)
La Fragata
With the concerts by :
19.30h El niño de la hipoteca
21.10h Marinah (Ojos de Brujo)
23.05h Huntza
01.00h Ebri Knight
03.05h Pupil·les
The “Barraques” group is formed by Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges, Ateneu Popular, Colla Jove de Castells de Sitges, La SACA (Sitgetana de Cultura i Animació, el Casino Prado Suburense and la Societat Recreativa El Retiro .
Organized by: Barraques in collaboration with Comissió de Festa Major
Saturday 18th August
EXHIBITION OF THE FLAG OF SANT BARTOMEU
Open during the hours of parish church celebrations
BARRAQUES (music concerts)
La Fragata
With the concerts BY:
19.30h Marcel Lázara i Júlia Arrey
21.00h Porto Bello
22.40h Roba Estesa
00.35h Xavi Sarrià
01.45h Dalton Bang
Entertainment between performances by Dj Send0.
Organized by: Barraques in collaboration with Comissió de Festa Major
PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK “Les subhastes dels balls de la Festa Major de Sitges” (The auctions of the dances of the Fiesta Mayor in Sitges)
19h Espai Cultural Pere Stämpfli
The work of Blanca Planella i Rocha has been awarded with the Carbonell i Gener Award for high school students and is part of the “Col·lecció Quaderns, 66”. The presentation is given by Jordi Milà i Franco, member of the Board of the G.E.S.
Organized by: Grup d’Estudis Sitgetans
SOPAR-BALL DE CASATS (Dinner-Ball of Married Couples)
22.00h Societat Recreativa El Retiro
With musical performance by Andreu’s Quartet & Disco Marin.
The Pubilla and Hereu del Retiro 2018 / 2019 will be announced that evening.
There will be a gift for all ladies and gift draws during the evening.
Menu price: € 45 (Retiro members € 35).
Information and reservations until August 15th in the Retiro’s secretariat, Cable Jardines or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Act organized by the Societat Recreativa El Retiro.
Domingo 19 de agosto
EXHIBITION OF THE FLAG OF SANT BARTOMEU
Open during the hours of parish church celebrations
LECTURA DEL PREGÓN SATÍRICO (Reading of Satirical Opening Speech)
19.00h Opposite the Palau del Rei Moro (Street d’en Bosch, 10-12)
By Mercè Garcia Campillo. At the end, announcement of the “Pubilla” and “Hereu” of Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges 2018 and member’s awards. The party will conclude with a glass of cava and refreshments.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges
BARRAQUES (Music concerts)
20.00h La Fragata
Concert by Núria Graham
Organized by: Barraques in collaboration with Comissió de Festa Major
PREGÓN DE FIESTA MAYOR (Fiesta Mayor Street Cry)
21.30h On the "Plaça de l’Ajuntament "
Opening speech by Talino Plana, with simultaneous interpretation in Catalan sign language. The Pregó (Festa Major Street Cry) will be broadcasted live at the Fragata. In the case of rain or bad weather, the proclamation will take place elsewhere to that be announced through the social networks.
Once the speech is concluded, on the Baluard Square celebration of the beginning of the Fiesta Mayor with a glass of Cava, courtesy of Perbacco and a glass of beer courtesy of La Sitgetana Craftbeer
BARRAQUES (Music concerts)
La Fragata
With concerts by :
22.45h Mishima
00.35h Buhos
02.10h Dj Send0
Organized by: Barraques in collaboration with Comissió de Festa Major
Monday 20th August
CINEMA A LA FRESCA (Outdoor cinema)
22.00h Hort de Can Falç
"Aida" opera by Giuseppe Verdi live from the Sydney Bay.
Admission price: € 10. Tickets on sale at www.cineclubsitges.com and at the Cinema Prado box office.
Organized by: Cineclub Sitges
MÚSICA EN LA CALLE (Music on the streets)
From 19.00h, in different establishments
Pique Nique, Hotel Sitges 1883, Cafè Bar Roy, Janio’s Bar, La Cava del Retiro, La Guineu and Jardins del Retiro
The music groups and artists, Justo, Raül Bonilla, Oshun, Ramzéh, Sergi Ramírez, Sergi Estella and Xarim Aresté, will act as a final party in the Retiro gardens, at 22.00h.
Tuesday 21st August
TRANSFER OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
20.30h From Parroquia de Sant Bartomeu y Santa Tecla
The Municipal Commission of the Festa Major de Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, representing the municipal authorities, will recieve the icon of Sant Bartomeu from parish vicar Josep Pausas and to the sound of the Agrupació Musical Suburband of El Retiro, will parade it this year to Casino Prado Suburense (c/ Francesc Gumà, 6-14), place designated by the Pendonist, Tony Tudela Pérez.
The route will follow the streets of Baluard, plaça de l’Ajuntament, Major, Cap de la Vila, Jesús, Francesc Gumà.
To follow, inauguration of the exhibition of the image of Sant Bartomeu open until 21:00h.
CONCERT OF “HAVANERES”
19.30h Paseo de la Ribera
By Havaneres Xarxa. The typical "rom cremat" (burned rum) will be offered.
EL BALL (The Dance – Fiesta Mayor concerts)
MARIA ARNAL I MARCEL BAGÉS
22.30h Baluard
Recognized with all the possible prizes within the panorama of Catalan independent music, the Badalona vocalist and the guitarist of Flix continue the chain of popular music transmission with their own songs.
Price: € 9 Limited capacity.
Tickets for sale at the Commission stand and at the Tourist Office.
LA PALMERA TORTA SELECTORS (Dj’s selected by the La Palmera Torta organization)
00.00h Baluard de Santa Caterina
Wednesday 22nd August
EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
10.30h to 13.00h and from 17.00h to 21.00h at Casino Prado Suburense
FESTA MAJOR VERMOUTH
13.00h Ateneu Popular de Sitges
(c/ del Sol, 2)
Ateneu invites all Sitgetans and Sitgetanas to share this moment and celebrate the arrival of the Fiesta with live music by the group Sidral Brass Band.
Organized by: Ateneu Popular de Sitges
VESTIMOS A LOS GEGANTS MOROS (Let us dress the "Gegants Moros")
18.30h Opposite the Palau del Rei Moro
We will dress La-hia and Fa-luch with the company of the children.
Organized by: Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges
“CASTELLS” POPULAR REHEARSAL OF FIESTA MAJOR (open rehearsal of human towers)
After the rehearsal, presentation of the Pubilla and Hereu of the Colla Jove de Castellers 2018. Snack and glass of cava
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges
DELIVERY OF THE FLAG
21.30h Parish of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
with poems and singing of Sant Bartomeu "Goigs" (praises) by the “Amics de l’Orgue” chorus . This year, the author of the Poem of the Flag titled "Bon Viatge!" (Nice trip!) is the writing group “ Talleres de Texto” and the illustration that accompanies it is made by Iris Salamé.
PARADING OF THE TRANSFER OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
After the act in the Parish Church
Followed by the musical group "Agrupació Musical Suburband del Retiro" parading to the home of the President of the "Commissió", Maica Díez-Alcón, on Santa Bárbara, 26.
Route: Baluard, plaça de l’Ajuntament, Major, Parellades, plaça del Pou Vedre, Santa Bàrbara.
SINDRIADA POPULAR (watermelon for all)
When the flag is arrived arrives at Parc de Can Bóta
The event will be livened up by the music of the group Retrio.
Organized by: Comissió de Festa Major with the collaboration of frutería Albert i Anna.
Thursday 23rd August
La Vigília (The Eve)
EXHIBITION OF THE IMAGE OF SANT BARTOMEU
From 11.00h to till the start of the Civic Procession, Casino Prado Suburense
ENTRADA DE GRALLERS ( Arrival of the "Grallers" )
12.00h Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Major and plaça de l’Ajuntament
The different groups offer their inaugural concert in tribute to the founders of the Festa Major. Participation of “grallers” of Escola de Grallers de Sitges, Marcets, La Sitja, Colla Maricel, Santa Madrona i Montònec (because of their 40th anniversary), and the groups of “sacaires”, Joan Olarte, Víctor Berbegal and Miquel Acunya.
21 MUSKETS ARE FIRED AND THE PARISH CHURCH BELLS ARE RUNG
14.00h Playa de la Fragata
By Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges in commemoration of their 25th anniversary.
SARDANAS
14.00h Cap de la Vila
Two emblematic Sitges sardanas are danced: “La processó de Sant Bartomeu” (The Procession of Sant Bartomeu) by the maestro Antoni Català and “La Festa Major”, by Enric Morera, played by La Cobla Sitgetana
PARADE OF TRADITIONAL POPULAR DANCES
14.00h Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Starting at Plaza Ayuntamiento: Gegants, Cabeçuts, Drac, Àliga, Diables, Bastons, Cercolets, Panderetes, Pastorets, Cintes, Gitanes and Moixiganga, accompanied by the musical group Suburband Retiro.
At the Cap de la Vila, the Moixiganga will perform the complete dance.
EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCE OF “BALLS PARLATS” (the "balls parlats" are the recitation of verses of some of the popular dances)
14.30h Hort de Can Falç
Arriving at Hort Can Falç, In honor of the authorities and the citizens, all the groups will perform the full dances and there will be “Balls Parlats” (speeches/recitation of verses): Ball de diables, Ball de Cercolets, Ball de Gitanes and Ball de Pastorets).
Simultaneously some groups will visit the Sant Joan Baptista Hospital
CASTELLES EXHIBITION (Human Towers)
18.00h Cap de la Vila
By Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
CIVIC PROCESSION
19.00h From the home of the president of Comisión de Fiesta Mayor, Maica Díez-Alcón
(Santa Bárbara, 26)
The group of traditional dancers and musicians and the authorities, will recover the shrine of Sant Bartomeu from the place designated by the “pendonista” of the Festa Major 2018, Mr. Tony Tudela Pérez, and and they will accompany it to the parish church.
Route: Santa Bárbara, plaza del Pozo Vedre, Parellades, Cap de la Vila, Sant Francesc, Sant Gaudenci, Francesc Gumà, Jesús, Santiago Rusiñol, Barcelona, Davallada, carrer d'en Bosch, plaça del Ayuntamiento and Baluard.
In front of the doors of the parish church, the popular dances receive the image of Sant Bartomeu which, accompanied by the authorities, the “Pendonista” and “Cordonistes” will be placed in the presbytery to preside over the liturgies of the festival.
FIREWORKS
23.00h From la Punta (Parish), La Fragata and the breakwaters
By Pirotècnia Igual S.A. and artistic design by Isidre Pañella i Virella. Honorary Citizen of Sitges.
CASTELL DE FOC EN CALMA (Fireworks in calm)
23.00h Passeig de la Ribera
(in front of Pic-Nic Restaurant, on the sea side)
During the pyrotechnic show, a seating area will be set up, where attendees will enjoy a tasting of a glass of cava Maria Casanovas Brut de Brut.
Price: 5 euros. Tickets for sale at the Commission stand and at the Sitges Tourist Office.
Disabled people free.
Collaboration: Perbacco and cava Maria Casanovas.
THE DESCENT OF THE STAIRS BY THE POPULAR DANCES
Once the fireworks are over, the popular dances descend the “La Punta” stairs
Parade to El Greco Monument and back to Carrer Nou.
SARDANAS Eve
From midnight at Cap de la Vila
With Cobla Sitgetana.
EL BALL (The Dance – Fiesta Mayor concerts)
From midnight, on La Fragata beach
With Orquesta Taxman, guaranteeing a night of rhythm and “sabor”, and the internationally recognized, Sitges DJ, Nuria Scarp.
Friday 24th August
Diada de Sant Bartomeu Apóstol, Patron Saint of Sitges
JOYFUL AND FESTIVE “MATINAL”
6h Desdel Baluard Miquel Utrillo i Morlius
6h From Baluard Miquel Utrillo i Morlius
The "matinal" begins early in the morning, and the folkloric dances and musicians with the “charanga” Buskant el To, follow an itinerary through the streets of town while flowers are handed out to lady spectators by "la Comissió de Festa Major". People can join in the "ball de faixes" (one must be dressed in white and wear "espardenyes de betes" (espadrilles with ribbons) and a "faixa" (waistband in the fashion of the castellers).
Route: Baluard, Fonollar, Baluard Vidal i Quadras, Port de n’Alegre, Rafel Llopart, Sant Damià, Sant Sebastià, Jesús, Sant Bartomeu, Sant Gaudenci, Sant Josep, Espalter, plaça del Pou Vedre, Parellades, Cap de la Vila, Major and Ajuntament.
SOLEMN MASS IN HONOUR OF SANT BARTOUMEU
10.30h Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
Presided over by Father Josep Pausas, rector. This year, the group Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges, will make the offering to Sant Bartomeu commemorating its 25th anniversary. At the end of the celebration, song of the “Goigs” (praises) of the Saint in charge of the Choir of the Amics del Orgue and veneration of the relic.
EXIT FROM MASS
After the celebration of mass, from the Baluard to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Musical parade of the Band, which will accompany the authorities to the Town Hall. Then, all the dances and their respective musicians will perform, together with the Cobla Maricel and the Suburband del Retiro Music Group, they will come together in one of the most magical moments of the festivities.
After the performance of the popular dances, the band will perform "Els Segadors", the national hymn of Catalonia.
CASTELLS EXHIBITION (Human Towers)
13.00h Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Performed by Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
CONCERT- VERMOUTH OF FESTA MAJOR
13.00h After the exit of mass
Casino Prado Suburense, Cobla Maricel will perform “Concert per cobla & gralles”.
Sociedad Recreativa El Retiro with the performance of Agrupación Musical Suburband del Retiro.
SANT BARTOMEU’S PROCESSION
19.30h From Baluard
Circuit around town with the authorities, the Saint and the folkloric dances and musicians, accompanied by all the Sitgetanas and Sitgetans who wish it. The rector of the parish, Mn. Josep Pausas y Mas will preside over the processional act joined by the Illustrious Town Hall dignataries.
The popular dances, grallers and the Suburband del Retiro will precede the tabernacle. The tabernacle, with the image of the Saint, will be taken by the “Costaleros” of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla. The Flag of Sant Bartomeu shall be carried by the pendonista Tony Tudela Pérez, who has named as Cordonistes Vinyet Tudela Aledo, Gerard Ferrer Cuellar, Isaac Bielsa Tutusaus and Josep M. Marrades Puig.
Route: Baluard, Fonollar, Sant Joan, Davallada, Barcelona, Santiago Rusiñol, Jesús, Sant Bartomeu, Sant Gaudenci, Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Bonaire, passeig de la Ribera, Nou, Major, plaza de Ayuntamiento and Baluard.
As the procession advances along the Paseo de la Ribera, the religous procession will be saluted by firing mortars and the ringing of bells, La Cobla Sitgetana will interpret the sardanas “Els Gegants de Sitges” composed by Tomàs Gil i Membrado and “La Processó de Sant Bartomeu”, composed by Antoni Català i Vidal.
SANT BARTOMEU RETURNS TO THE PARISH CHURCH
When the Saint is being returned to the parish church, in the plaza del Baluard in front of the church all the fires and crackers are lit, the dances are carried out to their respective music and a small firework display takes place. It is, in all probability, one of the most emotional and awe inspiring moments of the fiesta.
Then, inside the temple, closing prayer.
LAST DANCE OF THE “BÈSTIES DE FOC” AND GEGANTS (Beasts of fire and giants)
With the Saint restored to the parish church, the gegants, drac and àliga (papier-mâché giants, dragons and eagle) dance their farewell at Plaça de l'Ajuntament.
EL BALL (The Dance – Fiesta Mayor concerts)
23h La Fragata Beach
With Falciots Ninja, Ramon Mirabet and dj’s Kimberly i Clark.
Saturday 25th August
Vot de Vila a Sant Lli (Vow of the town to Saint Lli)
VERMUT DE SANT LLI
12.30h El Vall, in front of Bar La Guineu
The event will feature a performance of group “Les Guineus del Dixie”. A new vermouth "India", will be served.
Organized in collaboration with Bar Restaurant La Guineu .
MASS IN HONOR OF THE DEAD OF SITGES
19.30h Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
We are invited to remember those who, with us, lived the Sitges Fiesta with joy.
SANT BARTOMEU CONCERT
21.30h Parish of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
By Marià Franco (tenor) and Francesc Pi (organ)
Voluntary entrance fee.
Organized by: Amics de l’Orgue de Sitges
DINNER LUNCH CABARET
22h Casino Prado Suburense
With the introduction of “Pubilles” of Casino Prado and Carrusel and the “Hereu” of Carrusel.
More information at www.casinoprado.cat
EL BALL (The Dance – Fiesta Mayor concerts)
23h La Fragata Beach
With Momo (Queen Tribute), Coldday (Coldplay Tribute) and Dj Coco.
Sunday 26th August
OPEN DOORS AT THE MUSEUMS
From 10.00h to 20.00h Museo Maricel and Museo Cau Ferrat
From 11.00h to 14.00h and from 17.00h to 20.00h Fundación Stämpfli
In honour of the festivity of Sant Bartomeu
“CASTELLS” EXHIBITION OF FIESTA MAYOR
18.30h Plaza del Ayuntamiento
With the groups of Minyons de Terrassa, els Xicots de Vilafranca and Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges.
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges
DANCE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE
19.30 h Hort de Can Falç
By Josep Delgado.
A cargo de Josep Delgado.
SARDANA CLOSING EVE
22.15h Sant Sebastià Beach
With Cobla Maricel. We will say goodbye to the Fiesta Mayor with cake and sweet wine.
EL BALL (The Dance – Fiesta Mayor concerts)
22.00h La Fragata Beach
Sabor de Gràcia with the show “Sabor a Peret”, and la Welcome Band Orquestra.
Friday 31st August
“LA PEÇA DEL MES” ( The piece of the month of Museus de Sitges)
20.00h Saló d’Or del Palau Maricel (Golden Hall of Maricel Palace)
The piece of the mont is “El Ball de Gitanes de Sitges” (Ball parlat). By JM. Esteban.
Organized by: Museus de Sitges
