Discover Festa Major Sitges & Santa Tecla 2025: A Unique Celebration of Catalan Culture, Tradition, and Community

Festa Major Sitges is actually 2 festivals: Every summer Sitges bursts into vibrant life during its two iconic festivals: the Festa Major de Sant Bartomeu in August and the Festa de Santa Tecla in September. Declared a Heritage Festival of National Interest, these celebrations are much more than local holidays—they are a living, breathing expression of Catalan identity, combining centuries-old traditions, spiritual devotion, and joyful community spirit.

In 2025, Sitges invites locals and visitors alike to experience the full magic of Festa Major Sitges from August 19 to August 26, and Santa Tecla from September 15 to 24. With roots that trace back hundreds of years, both festivals revolve around the town’s patron saints—Sant Bartomeu (Saint Bartholomew) and Santa Tecla (Saint Thecla)—and feature an exhilarating mix of religious, musical, folkloric, and fire-filled events that take over the streets and squares of this Mediterranean gem.

At the heart of both celebrations are the Matinades (early morning wake-up parades with traditional gralles and timbals), processions of the saints’ relics, and the awe-inspiring “Entrada de Grallers”—a signature moment where local bands flood the streets with the stirring sounds of Catalan folk instruments. Also central are the vibrant castellers (human towers), the iconic Gegants (giants) and Bèsties de foc (fire beasts), and the Castell de Foc, a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Sitges skyline.

Unique to Sitges is the emphasis on sound and community participation—from the rhythmic echo of timbals to the crackle of firecrackers and the laughter of children in festive costumes. As the 2025 program states, this is a “festa sorollosa” (a noisy festival), where the sound is life, and where every beat, cheer, and musical note reinforces a shared cultural memory. With the launch of “La Plaça,” a new space for debate, music, and community gathering, the 2025 edition emphasizes both innovation and tradition, ensuring the festival grows with its people while staying true to its roots.

For families, Santa Tecla is especially beloved. It features more child-centric programming, including the Matinal Infantil, colorful parades, and friendly firework displays tailored for younger audiences. Yet both festivals promise rich experiences for all ages—from solemn religious services to rowdy street parties, from traditional sardanes to modern concerts at night.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time Sitgetà, Festa Major Sitges and Santa Tecla 2025 promise unforgettable memories. Join thousands of locals in celebrating faith, folklore, and fun, and discover why Sitges is one of Catalonia’s most celebrated cultural hotspots. Come for the fireworks, stay for the music—and leave with the echoes of a flabiol still dancing in your ears.

🎉 FESTA MAJOR SITGES 2025

Dates: August 19–26, 2025

Key Events:

• August 19 (Tuesday)

  • 20:00: Official opening with the Pregó Satíric (Satirical Opening Speech) at Palau del Rei Moro.

• August 20 (Wednesday)

  • Afternoon: Children’s events begin.

  • 19:00: Opening of the Festive Lighting in Carrer Jesús.

• August 21 (Thursday)

  • Daytime: Traditional dances, exhibitions, and activities.

• August 22 (Friday)

  • 12:00: Pregó Oficial (Official Opening Speech) from the Town Hall balcony.

  • 14:00: Firing of the 27 morterets (ceremonial firecrackers).

  • 19:00: Parade with Gegants, Bèsties de Foc, and traditional dances.

• August 23 (Saturday – Feast of Sant Bartomeu)

  • Main festival day.

  • 06:00: Traditional “Matinades” (dawn music).

  • 11:00: Mass in honor of Sant Bartomeu, followed by procession of the relic.

  • 14:00: Festa Castellera (human towers).

  • 21:00: Grand Fireworks display.

  • Night: Folk dancing and concerts.

• August 24–26

  • More traditional parades, concerts, children’s shows, and religious events.

  • August 26: End-of-festival celebrations and closing ceremony.

🌟 SANTA TECLA 2025

Dates: September 15–24, 2025

Key Events:

• September 15 (Monday)

  • Start of children’s festival activities.

• September 20 (Saturday)

  • 20:00: Pregó Oficial (Official Speech) at Town Hall.

• September 22 (Monday)

  • 14:00: Festive parade with traditional dances and cultural exhibitions.

• September 23 (Tuesday – Feast of Santa Tecla)

  • 06:00: Traditional Matinades.

  • 11:00: Mass and Procession with the relic of Santa Tecla.

  • 14:00: Castellers performance.

  • 21:00: Fireworks display.

  • Night: Dancing and final celebrations.

• September 24

  • Children’s parades and closing events.