Every August, Sitges throws itself into its most beloved celebration: the Festa Major de Sitges 2026. From 19 to 26 August, giants, devils and traditional music take over the old town in honour of Sant Bartomeu.
This celebration is officially recognised as a festival of national cultural interest by the Generalitat de Catalunya. That’s why, year after year, it draws both locals and visitors keen to experience the town’s most authentic tradition.
When is the Festa Major de Sitges 2026?
The Sant Bartomeu Festa Major runs from 19 to 26 August 2026 in the historic centre of Sitges. Events are mostly concentrated around Carrer Major, Cap de la Vila, Passeig de la Ribera and Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
This year also brings a brand-new venue called La Plaça, next to the Miramar Centre Cultural (Torreta-Baluard Vidal Quadras). It hosts 17 cultural and leisure activities across the festival’s 8 days.
The 2026 theme: honouring “the seams of the festival”
This year’s programme pays tribute to the anonymous people who make the Festa Major possible: seamstresses, giant-costume hairdressers, cooks, municipal crews and medical staff. Local artist Kàtia Plana Salesas created the official artwork together with 36 groups of local seamstresses.
In doing so, the 2026 edition puts the spotlight on the invisible work behind one of Catalonia’s liveliest festivals.
Who’s who in the Festa Major 2026
- Sant Bartomeu’s standard-bearer: Joan Roca Pujadó, linked to l’Agrupació de Balls Populars since 1989.
- Opening speaker (pregonera): Zoë Puighibet Masó, in charge of the festival’s official kick-off.
- Poem to the Flag: written this year by Noemí Milà.
- Sant Bartomeu offering: performed by the Suburband.
Day-by-day programme: what not to miss
- 19 August: Opening concert with local rumba band La Caleta, at La Plaça.
- 20 August: Adapted tambourine dance (6pm) and concert-dance with La Principal de la Bisbal (9.30pm, La Fragata).
- 21 August: Procession carrying the image of Sant Bartomeu (8.15pm) and the Popular Dinner at La Plaça (9pm, €5 ticket).
- 22 August: Flag ceremony and reading of the Poem (9pm, parish church), followed by the traditional watermelon party.
- 23 August: Sortida de les Dues, the festival’s big midday parade, and an evening street party on Passeig de la Ribera with live music and DJs.
- 24 August: Morning parade from Plaça de l’Ajuntament and the Entrada de Sant Bartomeu, one of the festival’s most emotional moments.
Procession routes: the two key days
The Festa Major’s two main processions carry the image of Sant Bartomeu through the old town. Here are this year’s official routes:
23 August — Processó Cívica (7pm)
The procession sets off from the standard-bearer’s home, at Carrer Illes Balears, 9, and collects the tabernacle of Sant Bartomeu to accompany it to the parish church.
Route: Carrer Illes Balears, Aragó, corraló de Can Pau Xic, Sant Honorat, Emili Picó, Jesús, Cap de la Vila, Parellades, Sant Pau, Passeig de la Ribera, Carreta, Major, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Davallada, Sant Joan, Fonollar and Baluard.
24 August — Processó en honor a Sant Bartomeu (7.30pm)
On the festival’s main day, the tabernacle winds through the town’s streets and squares before returning to the parish church, accompanied by gralla players, traditional dance troupes and fireworks.
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, Plaça de l’Ajuntament and Baluard.
