A Celebration of Tradition and Childhood Wonder
Sitges, a picturesque coastal town in Spain, is known for its vibrant festivals, and one of the most enchanting among them is Santa Tecla. Often referred to as the “small” festa major, Santa Tecla has a unique charm that sets it apart from the bustling tourist season.
Embracing Local Character
Santa Tecla is celebrated in September, a time when many tourists have bid adieu to the coastal town, and schools have commenced their academic year. This timing infuses the festival with a distinct local character, making it a treasured experience for both residents and the remaining visitors.
Children as Protagonists
What truly distinguishes Santa Tecla is its focus on children as the main protagonists. The festival features morning shows that showcase the incredible talent and creativity of young performers. Dance exhibitions by children add a delightful touch, and the parades of giants and dragons, crafted and carried by kids, are a sight to behold. It’s a celebration that brings out the inner child in everyone.
The Main Events
The heart of Santa Tecla unfolds on September 22nd and 23rd. These days are marked by lively processions of popular dances that fill the streets with music and rhythm. The highlight of the festival is the mesmerizing fireworks display that lights up the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colors. This awe-inspiring spectacle takes place on September 22nd at 23:00, drawing locals and visitors alike to witness its splendor.
More Than Just Processions
Santa Tecla is not limited to a couple of days. In the lead-up to the main events, various acts related to Santa Tecla grace the town. Families can enjoy workshops, concerts, and a myriad of other activities that add depth and diversity to the celebration.
In conclusion, Santa Tecla Sitges 2023 is not just a festival; it’s a testament to the town’s unique spirit and its dedication to preserving tradition while celebrating the creativity and energy of its youngest residents. If you’re fortunate enough to be in Sitges in September, don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this enchanting experience.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
10am-7pm Exhibition of the image of Santa Tecla
Palau del Rei Moro
Starting at 10 a.m. and until the start time of the afternoon procession, the image of Santa Tecla will be displayed on En Bosch Street, at the headquarters of the Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges.
2:00 p.m. Lighting of the 21 morterets and ringing of bells
Fragata beach
Lighting of 21 morterets by the Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges, which this year celebrates its 30th Anniversary.
7:00 p.m. Civic Procession – Follow-up of the Santa Tecla tabernacle
Departure from En Bosch street
The dances, grallers and the Band will gather on Bosch Street at the headquarters of the Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges, from where they will collect the Tabernacle of Santa Tecla and head to the Parish Church.
Route: C/ D’en Bosch, Davallada, Port Alegre, Rafel Llopart, Sant Damià, Sant Sebastià, Ànimes, Hort Gran, Francesc Gumà, Sant Isidre, Sant Gaudenci, Sant Francesc, Espalter, Plaça Pou Vedre, Bassa Rodona, Sta Tecla, Primer de Maig, Passeig de la Ribera, Nou, Major, Ajuntament and Baluard.
Upon arriving at the parish temple, the dances will receive the image of Saint Tecla which, accompanied by the authorities, the pendonista and the cordonistas, will be placed in the presbytery to preside over the liturgical acts of the day.
11:00 p.m. Fireworks
From Punta, La Fragata and the breakwaters
Spectacular Fireworks by Pirotecnia Igual, S.A.
00:00h Sardanista Verbena
Starting at midnight, in Cap de la Vila
With the Cobla Sitgetana.
00:00h Santa Tecla Concerts
Starting at midnight | Riverside Walk
Concert with local groups Roka Curtiada, SR. Fong and DJ GWARE.
Organized by: Municipal Commission of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – FESTIVITY OF SANTA TECLA, Santa Tecla Day, protomartyr, Patroness of Sitges
JOYFUL CHILDREN’S MORNING
There will be three parallel tours and breakfast for the participating children when they finish the tour
6:30 a.m. FOC MORNING (Children’s morning tour that includes fire)
From the Town Hall Square
Children’s beasts will alternate between the groups of devils that will participate in this order: Colla Vella de Diables, Colla Jove de Diables and Diables Agrupació de Balls Populars.
Route: Davallada, Barcelona, Àngel Vidal, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Sant Josep, Espalter, Plaça del Pou Vedre, Bassa Rodona, Santa Tecla, Primer de Maig, passeig de la Ribera (sea side) and Fragata
7:00 a.m. BIG MORNING – GIANTS AND WHITE DANCES (Morning tour of dances without fire and children’s giants)
Route: Fonollar, Baluard, Baluard Vidal i Quadras, Port de n’Alegre, Rafel Llopart, Sant Damià, Sant Sebastià, Jesús, Sant Bartomeu, Sant Francesc, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Sant Pere, passeig de la Ribera (side mountain) and Frigate.
8:00h SMALL MORNING (Tour of the youngest children participating in the morning)
Town Hall Square
Route: Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Carrer d’en Bosch, Davallada, Barcelona, Àngel Vidal, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Major, Nou, Paseo de la Ribera to the Fragata.
Entrance of Santa Tecla in the parish church
When the tabernacle arrives at the Baluard, the dances and music will receive the image of the companion and pay tribute to her when she enters the church, amidst fireworks and bell ringing.
Inside the temple, reading of the prayer “Us he mirat Santa Tecla”.
Final dance of the «Bèsties de foc» (Drac and Àliga) and the Gegants
Immediately following the closing prayer, before the Town Hall, the final dance of the fire beasts and the giants, saying goodbye to the events until the next Festival.
11:00 p.m. Santa Tecla Concerts
Riverside Walk
Concert with the group Waikiki, DJ Jordi Sebastian and Dj Arzzett.
Organized by: Municipal Commission of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
0h-19h Open Day at Museums
Open day at the Cau Ferrat Museum and Maricel Museum from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open day at the Stämpfli Foundation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (guided tour in Catalan at 11 a.m. and in Spanish at 12 p.m.).
Organized by the Educational Department of the Sitges Museums.
18:00h 33rd National Competition of Colles Sardanistes Trofeu ‘Vila de Sitges’
Frigate Square
The 33rd National Colles Sardanistes competition will take place, the Catalonia Youth and Territorial Championship of the Barcelonines regions with the Cobla Maricel.
Organized by: Els Amics de la Sardana.
6:00 p.m. Santa Tecla organ concert
Parish Church of San Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
By Jonatan Carbó (Vilafranca)
Entry: Voluntary financial contribution
7:00 p.m. Holi Party
Can Robert
Organized by: Department of Childhood and Youth in collaboration with the Commissió de Festa Major i Sant Tecla.
6:30 p.m. Santa Tecla castle exhibition Cap de la Vila
Casteller day of Santa Tecla with the Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges, the Xicots de Vilafranca and the Castellers de Mediona.
Organized by: Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges
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