Every September, Sitges fills its streets with fireworks, tradition, and folk dances to celebrate the Santa Tecla Festival. Alongside Sant Bartomeu, Santa Tecla is the co-patron saint of Sitges. Her feast day is affectionately known as the Festa Major petita (the “small” main festival). Furthermore, it offers a local atmosphere where children take center stage.
From September 19th to 23rd, the town transforms completely. Therefore, it is one of the most cherished cultural events of the year on the Catalan coast.
Saturday, September 19th: The Great “Nit de Foc” (Night of Fire)
One of the most thrilling prelude events is the Nit de Foc. This celebration fills the old town with sparklers, drums, and fire-running:
- 7:30 PM – Timbalada (Drum Parade): Starts at La Fragata, marching through Passeig de la Ribera, Sant Pau, Parellades, Cap de la Vila, Major, and Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
- 8:30 PM – Espetegafoc: Departs from Plaça de l’Ajuntament, passing through Baluard, Fonollar, Sant Joan, Davallada, Barcelona, Aigua, Sant Domènech, and Major.
- 9:30 PM – Correfoc (Fire-run): Begins at Port de n’Alegre featuring local devil groups (Colla Vella, Colla Jove, and Agrupació de Balls Populars) alongside guest groups. Additionally, it ends with a joint fire display at Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
- 11:00 PM – Concerts: Live music for the Nit de Foc at La Fragata beach.
Sunday, September 20th: Children’s Parades and Satirical Verses
Sunday is entirely dedicated to young participants and traditional children’s groups:
- 10:00 AM – Children’s Parade: Leaves Plaça de l’Ajuntament toward La Fragata with giants, cabeçuts, and folk dances. Afterwards, dance performances take place.
- 11:30 AM – Junior Fire Parade: Children’s dragons and junior devil groups parade from Pont d’en Domènech to La Fragata.
- 12:30 PM (approx.) – Children’s Devil Verses (“Versos infantiles”): Young members of the devil groups recite satirical poems at La Fragata. As a result, they review local current events with humor.
Main Festival Days: September 22nd & 23rd
On September 22nd (Eve of Santa Tecla), the traditional 21 mortar shots set off at 2:00 PM. Later, the Civic Procession starts at 7:00 PM from the Ermita de Sant Sebastià. Finally, at 11:00 PM, a fireworks display lights up the sea at La Fragata beach.
On September 23rd (Santa Tecla Feast Day), festivities begin early at 6:30 AM with the Children’s Matinal parade. In the evening, at 7:30 PM, the solemn Santa Tecla Procession takes place.
Procession Route & Quiet Zone (Tram en Calma)
The main procession on the 23rd moves through the historic center. It starts at Baluard and continues along 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, and Major.
In order to make the festival inclusive for everyone, Carrer de Sant Gaudenci is designated as a Quiet Zone (Tram en Calma). This adapted street features reduced sound levels and no loud fireworks. Consequently, it offers a comfortable space for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
