This year, Carnival arrives with significant changes, especially in the schedule of parades. The new format is conceived to promote a better development of the festivity, so everybody will be able to enjoy the party more than ever. The new schedule will avoid situations like the meeting of the head and tail of the parade at Cap de la Vila, or that the last groups end past 3 am.
The good work carried out by the Carnival Commission and representatives of organizations have made possible that this festivity, despite the inevitable budget constraints, maintains its splendor and the spirit that have made this event into a manifestation of extraordinary participation. In such a magnificent event, we must highlight the collaboration of law enforcement and safety prevention agencies (Municipal Police, Mossos d'Esquadra, Fire Department, SEM, Red Cross ...) as well as volunteers coordinated by the Department of Customs and Festivals. I want to make a special mention to the sensitivity shown by the Catalan Minister of Interior, Felip Puig. He provided all the security measures needed by the Carnival.
It's Carnival time. This means it is time of Xató. In fact, Xató prepared in Sitges. Today, 13 February, we celebrate the International Day of Xató, a commemoration established by Mayor Pere Junyent in 1996 to celebrate the centenary of the oldest known documented mention of the word Xató. The quote appeared in L'Eco de Sitges referring to a Fat Thursday dinner where there was, among others, Rusiñol, which, according to research, seeing the wonderful plate of salad with cod, tuna and the pumpkin colored sauce said: "it looks like a château!". Good Xató and good Carnival!
Carnival Proclamation
To all people living in Sitges,
The Carnival has arrived, the most crowded festivity of our calendar.
All the inhabitants of Sitges are eagerly waiting for the festival of debauchery. For seven days, we will experience all the fun and festive ambience that conveys the annual Carnival celebration. On 16 February, the arrival of His Majesty Carnival or "Sa Majestat Carnestoltes" in Catalan, accompanied by all his retinue and, together with the Carnival Queen and her entourage, will spread fun to every corner of the town.
Without prejudice to the law regarding opening hours of establishments, the City Council strongly recommends to all the nightlife industry to respect the regulations set forth by the Generalitat (Autonomous Government of Catalonia) in Order 358/2011 governing opening and closing hours. Such a regulation stipulates that all businesses must abide closing times, so that everyone can enjoy the festivity.
From the City Council, we ask not to park any vehicle outside properly marked spaces, to avoid obstructing the course of the Debauchery and Extermination parades. In accordance with regulations related to illegal parking, the City Council will not be liable for any material damage that may occur as a result of Carnival events.
We also recommend that all residents living on the streets following the course of parades (both children and the evening parades), must avoid taking out the garbage Sunday and Tuesday, in order to facilitate the movement of floats. The garbage can also be deposited in waste containers, most of which will be remain open. A recommendation that we extend to all restaurants: they should refrain from removing glass during Sunday and Tuesday of Carnival.
I would like to exhort to all participants to celebrate a civil and respectful Carnival. This year, the Carnival arrives manned by a brand new Commission headed by Isaac Bielsa. I want to thank him and all the people that have helped him in this difficult task. I would like to thank them for all their efforts and dedication dealing with the organization of a festivity, an event that has also suffered the frail economic situation and that will also experience some changes in order to enhance their development.
And I also want to express my gratitude to Sociedad Recreativa El Retiro, Casino Prado Suburense, Grup dels Independents del Carnaval, and to the groups of Poble Sec, Cases Noves and Club Natació for their altruistic efforts that they develop every year just for their love of tradition. I want to thank them for their expertise and for their efforts to maintain and expand a festivity that goes beyond our frontiers.
This year, the main characters of our Carnival, His Majesty Carnival and Her Majesty the Queen of the Carnival, will arrive accompanied by the groups XisPun! and Carnivàlia, and the Queen of the Children will be escorted by the group Fantastik Show. I want to express my deepest thanks to all three.
But the Carnival would not be what it is today without each of the volunteers that help to contribute to make the Carnival one of our main hallmarks, maintaining the uniqueness and quality that has always been a trademark for our Carnival.
Finally, I just want to wish you a happy Carnival, and I also want to encourage all residents and visitors who will gather in Sitges to enjoy all the activities prepared by the Commission. Happy Carnival to all!
