With only one week to go until Sitges Carnival, we want to dive deep into the roots of this unique celebration. For the locals, this is not just a costume party; it is a deeply rooted tradition that reflects the open and joyful spirit of Sitges society.
A Century of “Disbauxa”: The Origins of Carnival
The term “Carnestoltes” comes from the Vulgar Latin carne tollendas (meaning “to remove the meat”). However, in Sitges, we prefer our own local legend. It is said that in the 15th century, a local jester named Carles de Can Torras passed away. Due to a spelling error in his funeral notice, his name was written as “Calrestorles,” eventually giving birth to the name of our mythical King of revelry.
Nevertheless, the Carnival we know today truly took off in the late 19th century. We owe the current grandeur of the event to a historic rivalry between two iconic institutions:
- Societat Recreativa El Retiro (founded in 1870)
- Casino Prado Suburense (founded in 1877)
This “healthy” competition to see who could organize the most elegant balls and the most spectacular floats raised the bar for the entire town. As a result, Sitges became the gold standard for Carnival in Catalonia.
Overcoming Censorship: The “Winter Festivals”
Not even the most difficult times could extinguish the town’s spirit. During the dictatorship, when Carnival was officially banned throughout Spain, Sitges kept the flame alive under the pseudonym “Winter Festivals” (Fiestas de Invierno).
While silence reigned elsewhere, clandestine masked balls were held behind the closed doors of El Retiro and El Prado. The bravest locals would cross the streets connecting the two clubs in full costume, defying the restrictions of the era.
Finally, in February 1976, Carnival fully reclaimed the streets. Since then, it has evolved into a massive spectacle of feathers and music that attracts over 250,000 visitors every year.
Traditions You Can’t Miss
If you are visiting our town during these dates, these are the essential events on the calendar:
1. L’Arribo (Fat Thursday)
His Majesty Carnestoltes arrives in Sitges to proclaim his reign of excess. It is tradition to celebrate this day with Xatonades—communal dinners featuring Xató, a local salad served with a rich almond and nyora pepper sauce.
2. Bed Race (Saturday)
This is one of the craziest activities of the week. Groups of friends compete by pushing decorated beds at full speed through the narrow, hilly streets of the old town.
3. Rua de la Disbauxa (Sunday Night)
The “Debauchery Parade” is pure glitter and creativity. It is the perfect time to enjoy the choreographed dances of the “colles” (local troupes) in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
4. Rua de l’Extermini (Tuesday Night)
The “Extermination Parade” is the grand finale. It is the most crowded parade, where participants give every last ounce of energy before Lent begins.
5. Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday)
A satirical farewell to King Carnestoltes. After the reading of his funny last will and testament and the symbolic burning of the character, the town returns to its peaceful state until next year.
