Carnival ban

To all the inhabitants of Sitges.

The countdown has begun and we are expecting the start of Carnival. Although we must wait until the 12th of February, Maundy Thursday, for the beginning of the official program of events for the oldest and most massive celebration of our calendar - appearing in fifteenth century documents, Carnival is already manifesting around town. From the incessant work at the "Carrossòdrom" (Floatdrome) to the endless meetings of those who work selflessly for the festivity. An individual task with a collective result, which we will see in the parades of Debauchery and Extermination and also at the Children's Parade.

This year, we have a novelty: the steps of "La Fragata", which will be one of the top exhibition points for the gangs. At the command of His Majesty the King of Carnival and the Queen of the Carnival, the inhabitants of Sitges will live an intense week of magic, color and festivity. We wish luck to "Erem Pocs" and "Carrusel Carnaval" in this adventure. The village is waiting to share with you the result of months of work.

Notwithstanding the law regarding opening hours of shops, the Council recommends to all business sectors related to nightlife, to respect the regulations enacted by the Government of Catalonia regarding opening hours, which this year have been extended at the request of the hostelry industry so that everyone can enjoy the party.

From the City Hall, we ask not to park any vehicle outside spaces clearly marked to avoid obstructing the path of the parades of Debauchery and Extermination. According to the regulations related to unlawful parking, this City Council cannot be held liable for material damage that may arise as a result of the development of the Carnival.

We also recommend to all residents living in the streets where parades go through (both at the Children's Parade and Evening Parade) to avoid taking out garbage on Sunday and Tuesday, in order to facilitate the passage of floats. Waste can also be deposited in the waste containers, most of which will remain open. A recommendation that we extend to restaurants is that they should refrain from removing the glass Sunday and Tuesday of Carnival.

Carnival is party, but not a wild orgy. I ask all those who participate in one way or another to celebrate the festivity with civility and respect. Two fundamental aspects of coexistence that will allow that nothing interferes with the atmosphere and joy of this festivity.

I would also like to congratulate the Carnival Committee, headed by Carles Garcia, all adjustments implemented to enhance the development of the celebration. This year, we will maintain the schedule of children's parades, Sunday at 12 and Tuesdays at 15, and we will start Debauchery and Extermination at 20 hours, half an hour later than the previous year.

I'm also obliged to thank Societat Recreativa El Retiro, Casino Prado Suburense, Grup dels Independents del Carnaval, and gangs of Poble Sec, Cases Noves and Club Natació, their essential function and role so that everything works to make this Carnival an even greater festivity. 

I can only encourage you to participate and enjoy this festival that enhances values ​​such as teamwork, collective spirit and contributes to make a better town. Share all the joys of the Carnival, and do not forget to be part of all the acts prepared by the Commission and organizations to celebrate one of the best Carnivals in the world.

Long live Sitges and enjoy the Carnival!

Preservation over new constructions: our heritage as a value and a need

On Monday, February 2, we will make the presentation of the refurbishment and adaptation project of Can Falç, one of the most emblematic buildings in Sitges, located on Passeig de la Ribera. The City Hall of Sitges and the Barcelona Provincial Council have been working together during recent months to promote a plan that will allow Can Falç to become a new museum which reproduces the seafaring and farming town of a period between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. The expected recovery of Can Falç for public use is the culmination of a heritage refurbishment project promoted by the Governing Body during the current legislature. The efforts were centered on Museums, Library, the building of Prado and the catalog of architectural protection.

One of the cornerstones of our project for the 2011-15 legislatures had a self-explanatory title: "Preservation over new constructions”. It was one of the points of our election campaign for 2011 later reflected on our Governance Plan. After years of abusive and disproportionate urban growth, with more than a few urban blights along the way, Sitges needed to highlight our rich architectural, artistic and natural heritage inherited from our elders. For this reason, the City Hall became an active player in the defense of our culture through specific actions, and at the same time as the test of a policy that will ensure that in the future no historical building will be tore down as in the past.

This is the essence of the Special Plan for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Sitges, known as Catalogue, that were are carrying out currently. This new plan will double the number of listed buildings, which cannot be tore down in any way, and also include other specific elements such as sets of buildings or natural areas. The catalog is the basic tool that ensures the preservation of our heritage. The last revision was 1991, and even considering that the General Plan was updated about ten years ago, that was not the case of the Catalogue that already has nearly 25 years and that needs to include more items to avoid inappropriate actions. 

The wording of the new Catalog symbolizes the essence of our commitment to protect our heritage. Meanwhile, the refurbishment of Museums, the Library, “el Prado” or Can Falç constitutes the practice of this culture that allows developing specific actions.

In the reform of Cau Ferrat and Maricel Museum, we prepared a project that avoided architectural aggressions and that overcame space limitations with imaginative solutions, but that any case always respected our heritage. The result, as you can see, has been very satisfactory and the general feeling of the 16,000 people who have visited the museums after the reopening has been remarkably positive.

It is also the case of the Santiago Rusiñol Library that we are currently refurbishing, keeping its heritage value as the structure was in a dire condition. The project will allow us to enjoy a library with better services for users, and especially to ensure the continuity of a building with a high value.

We will also intervene in the building of Casino Prado, an important part of our heritage, thanks to the collaboration of the Barcelona Provincial Council. We will carry a necessary reform to further the general interest of the municipality, which will ensure the restoration of a landmark building. While in the project of Can Falç, in addition to the refurbishment, we will gain a new museum which will enrich the quality of our cultural and tourist offer.