2017: the year of cultural facilities

Authorities, creators, cultural managers, scholars, representatives of associations and groups, ladies and gentlemen, good evening everyone.

First of all, let me congratulate the winners of the various awards, recognitions and prizes received. The faces of satisfaction clearly expose your joy, absolutely justified:

• To journalist Joan Sella, for his documented and tasty reports that he publishes regularly at L'Eco.
• To painter Carles Castellvi and sculptor Jordi Gich for the magic show of his works,  exhibited in Miramar along with other selected pieces from Sanvisens and Pere Jou competitions.
• To Natalia Carmona for his willingness to research and study.
• To Francesc Barnés, posthumously, for his kindness, service capacity and intuitive and privileged view through the eye of the camera.
• To the photography section of the Grup d'Estudis (Study Group) for the enthusiastic efforts to spread the value of the photographic image to the public.
• And to the musician Ramon Mirabet for taking the name of Sitges everywhere he goes, accompanied by a career that achieves a success after the other.

To all: congratulations!

I would also like to thank the people who made these awards possible. To all the people that make up institutions, associations and other groups of different sign that among their purposes is the noble and necessary task to recognize good work, talent and careers. Congratulations, because you are a driving engine. And the driving engine is an essential part of any dynamic operation: from a vehicle to a collective organization or community. No project works without a driving force. It is not possible to start up. Congratulations and thanks you for your work.

Note that I referred to two of the major pillars of the basic structure of a cultural system: creators and organizers or promoters of political and cultural action. The first (the creators) are the talent and the basis of any cultural event. They make art. Either with a brush, a keyboard, a guitar, a camera or their hands. Art as a form of expression, knowledge or evasion.

But if alongside creators or behind them there were no agents promoting the pipeline, dissemination or funding, no matter how limited, art, creation would be doomed. Associations, institutions, foundations or other groups increase the dimension and body size of culture and are as essential as are the creators themselves.

Santiago Rusiñol arrived in Sitges and transformed the town in one of the most important stages and showcases of the arts in the late nineteenth century. But if Rusiñol had not found an active society in movement, he could hardly have articulated his Temple of Modernism and transform Sitges into a cultural capital. The town of Sitges found by Rusiñol was a very active town. El Retiro and El Prado were just born, and more recently, L'Eco de Sitges.

And while talking about Santiago Rusiñol and L'Eco, let me add a few words in memory of two sitgetans with a long, strong and noble trajectory who have died in recent days: Genis Muntané and Josep Manuel Soler, "en Josep de L'Eco. Genis and Josep represented throughout their life this Sitges that today we are recognizing and rewarding. They were an example of dedication, service and "sitgetanisme."

Creators and associations are the two pillars that sustain culture. And the third are facilities. The expression of culture needs platforms and scenarios to channel their journey, and those platforms must be at the service of creators and dinamizers. And this is one of the challenges of the roadmap of our  Municipal Government regarding cultural facilities.

In this regard, I wish to emphasize that 2017 will be the year of cultural facilities in Sitges. Our culture went through dire straits due to the crisis and budget cuts, but the new environment will generate renewed optimism. Recent years brough about sacrifices, probably in some cases quite excessive, but the good economic management and institutional understanding now allow us to promote projects and facilities are of paramount importance.

• A few days ago, the Councillor for Culture, Traditions and Celebrations, Rosa Tubau, agreed with the President of El Retiro, Elena Farré, the use of the facility that the City-Hall has in this building for cultural uses. It is a hall that the City-Hall acquired at the end of the 90 but has not had a specific use since. Now the aim is to put this space at the service of cultural institutions and thus respond to a demand that we have received from several associations.

• Just two weeks ago, I announced accompanied by the Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Council of Barcelona, Jaume Ciurana, the transfer of the Miramar building and its annexes to the City-Hall of Sitges for 20 years, renewable for 30 years; ie up to 50 years of assignment. El Miramar is owned by the Provincial Council of Barcelona and now, thanks to this agreement, will continue under municipal management, with the commitment to extend its use as a cultural space. 

• During the summer of 2017 will open the Romantic Museum - Can Llopis - once again, once they have completed the work of reform, adaptation and internal reorganization of collections.

• Also in 2017, we will be about to finish the work of refurbishment of Can Falç. Last spring ended the adaptation of part of ground floor. In 2018 Can Falç is expected to open as a new museum and a center for cultural heritage.

• And more museums. Because this is the condition that will have the Stämpfli Foundation, once finished the work of expansion of the facilities that the Stämpflis are carrying out a new act of infinite generosity to Sitges and art. With the extension that they will make at the street d'en Bosc, The Foundation will have more than 1,300 square meters dedicated to contemporary art. With Can Falç and extended Stämpfli Foundation, Sitges will have five museums.

• During 2017, the refurbishment works of Palau Maricel are planned to start. We have already received a grant from the Provincial Government of Barcelona. The reform will be a structural reform and will increase the levels of protection and conservation of one of the most emblematic buildings in Sitges.

• As previously stated by Councillor Rosa Tubau, during 2017 we will open the Library Santiago Rusiñol, once reformed and refurbished; we will finish the much expected roof works of the theater hall of the Casino Prado and we will continue the struggle to acquire the building of the former Patronato at Parellades street.

• Heritage conservation will also be the basis a project of recuperation that today we will anounce here, the chapel and the masia (Catalan rural house) of Santa Barbara, also scheduled for action in 2017. We want to allocate the chapel and the house for public use.

The municipal facility at El Retiro, Miramar, museums, the library, Can Falç, the chapel of Santa Barbara ... As you can see, next year comes loaded with remarkable projects to draw a map of cultural facilities with more consistency and more protection. Most of these areas have a precious heritage value for us, their conservation and protection are a priority. But also their access and adaptation to the cultural needs of Sitges today.

Two weeks ago, the president of the Generalitat, Carles Puigdemont, inaugurated the central exhibition of the Year Ramon Casas. The fact that Sitges organizes, promotes and exports an event of this type, which next year will travel Madrid and Palma de Majorca,is the recognition of the strong commitment of Sitges as cultural capital.

The exhibition Ramon Casas puts us in the center of the cultural universe of Catalonia, the same feat achieved by some of our festivals and other cultural events organized from Sitges that are national or even international. Right now, the Department of Culture is working on a new festival to expand our event map: Music Festival to celebrate the Gardens of Terramar next summer.

Great exhibitions, festivals and events that focus attention in Sitges and transform Sitges in stage, generator and projector of culture. But at the same time, our cultural system requires local culture and fostering local talent. And this is one of pillars in which works the Department of Culture, through its stable exhibition program, regular editions and activities of organizations of different format. But also accompanying organizations and artists in their projects to the maximum extent of our ability.

Culture is active and generates return when is bidirectional. That is, when all parties contribute with their effort. The City Hall -and all the organizations in which we participate, such as the Heritage Consortium and the Film Festival, among others, are there to promote large projects and tune facilities and renovation of buildings. And you, creators and associations, are here to promote your projects, which are also major projects for Sitges that we all feel as our own projects. Because a Sitges that would only live out of  major cultural events would be a lame Sitges, a boring Sitges. For this reason, your contribution is not only useful and necessary, but it is essential.

Culture is a pillar of the welfare state, as are education, health, housing and social services. And so, we must provide the content, funding, dialogue and two-way action. And 2017 is destined to be a particularly important year in which we will strenghten our map of cultural facilities. And, therefore, continue weaving our status as a cultural capital.

Thank you and good evening to everyone.

Opening ceremony of the exhibition of Ramon Casas

Almost two years ago, we gathered right in this same spot,  "Racó de la Calma" or “Quiet Corner”,  to inaugurate the reopening of the Cau Ferrat and Maricel Museum after an intense and thorough reform process. Already at that time, just on the threshold of Christmas. we recited a good verse J.V Foix I am exalted by everything new, I'm in love with everything old to define what we were offered by some museums that were able to recover the essence of their legacy adapting it to current needs and future.

Today -in the opening of this wonderful exhibition about Ramon Casas, his world and his time- we will reaffirm the commitment of our museums as an excellent showcase of all the heritage contained in their collections. But at the same time, just for being an active dynamizer of the vibrant cultural life of Sitges nowadays.

This exhibition that opened today confirms it clearly. Ramon Casas, a much longed modernity is the desired central exhibition of the Year Ramon Casas, a rich and suggestive walk through the work of the genius of modernism which interacts with other artists who influenced him or whom he influenced. An exhibition of first level, which allowed taking to Sitges paintings from some of the most prestigious European galleries.

The fact that the main event of the Year Ramon Casas takes place in Sitges is no accident. 

• First, because our museums accumulate a complete collection of his work: Cau Ferrat and Maricel Museum have 100 pieces of Ramon Casas, including oil paintings, drawings and posters. Undoubtedly, this is a significant collection, which offers a full scale of art from the turn of the century in our country.

• Second point, because Ramon Casas played a role in the cultural history of Sitges, near Santiago Rusiñol and Charles Deering. Casas was the owner of Can Rocamora, the building now integrated in the ensemble of Cau Ferrat and Maricel Museum, and made continuous trips to our town, more or less regularly.

• But in addition to historical coherence reasons, the central exhibition of the Year Ramon Casas in Sitges is possible because our town now has a museum displaying the artistic past as it was, but doing so in the most demanding conditions of rigor, quality and positioning.

The organization of an exhibition of this magnitude would not have been possible without the strategic vision and work capacity of the Heritage Consortium of Sitges. Neither would have been possible without some installations perfectly equipped from a point of view of conservation, security and accessibility. We are referring to Cau Ferrat and Maricel Museum.

Almost two years since reopening, Cau Ferrat and Maricel Museum have more than fulfilled its main mission as art museums that hold collections of significant heritage value. But at the same time, they have also become a channel of cultural revitalization of Sitges of extraordinary value ... quantitative but especially qualitative.

In a town like ours that lives on tourism statistics are important. And for this reason, during the last 22 and half months, the Cau Ferrat and the Maricel Museum have received 68,000 visitors and 1,500 groups. A matter of satisfaction that illustrates attraction capacity.

At the same time, in a town like ours, who actually lives from tourism but which boasts its status as capital of the arts, statistics are not all. The organization of this exhibition allows us to locate Sitges at the forefront of the national cultural scene. We do it with satisfaction and enthusiasm, but also with the conviction that culture is the best face that Sitges has offer to the world. We did it over a hundred years at the time of Casas and Rusiñol, and we make it now with the legacy that we inherited for the service of the city and the arts.

Tribute to President Lluis Companys 2016

We gather another year in front of the monolith erected in memory of President Lluís Companys i Jover, on the anniversary of his execution by Franco's fascist regime. We want to praise the memory of our President that suffered a martyr's death. I want to pay homage to President Companys, but also to all the victims of the Spanish Civil War and Franco's repression. A year ago, on 8 September 2015, the Catalonian Self-Government  (Generalitat of Catalonia) proclaimed October 15 as National Day in memory of the victims of the Civil War and the repression of Franco’s dictatorship.

The date coincided with the 75th anniversary of the execution of President Companys, maximum institutional representative of the citizens of this country and the only democratically elected president of Western Europe that has been executed by fascism. This National Day, and this act held in Sitges, takes into account the existence of a plurality of memories that we want to be recognized with no hard feelings and in a constructive manner, and the various initiatives that have been launched for the clarification of truth and moral and symbolic reparation for all victims and survivors.

We can all contribute. Also from the municipal world.

Therefore, we are pleased to assist in the recovery of historical memory. As is the case being investigated by Jordi Milà, a historian from Sitges, on the brutal murder of seven young militiamen from Sitges the morning of 11 October 1936 (80 years ago) on the Aragon front during Civil war. A tragic event that will be part of the work being prepared by Jordi Milà titled "Stories of a quiet village," published by the City Hall of Sitges to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. 

Individual stories of Sitges, private memories of many Catalans... Probably everyone in Catalonia could explain stories related to the Civil War and Franco's repression. Family stories that are part of our collective history, our collective memory as a people, as a nation. This is the memory that we remember and render tribute. The memory of the President that died as a Martyr, but we also render homage to a silenced town that never bent his head in front of those who wanted to snatch its dignity, rights and freedom.

Therefore, we cannot shut up and do as if nothing happened when faced with those that even today deny or trivialize Fascism and all that it meant. Whether they do it as casual talk, on social networks or using a microphone at the plenary hall. To the memory of many people who suffered repression, persecution, imprisonment, concentration camps, torture and death during the worst crimes against humanity committed in the twentieth century... Trivializing Nazism and Fascism cannot be tolerated!

And even more. It is insulting to trivialize Nazism and Fascism and to try to demonize the sovereign process going on in Catalonia. Because the process of national emancipation of Catalonia is a peaceful, democratic, tolerant and civil process. And so it will remain. The men and women of this country will freely decide what should be their political future. They will do it from the noble conviction of democracy and plurality of ideas, backgrounds, languages... Because this has always been a country of inclusion, diversity, tolerance and respect. The Catalonia in 2016 is just like that. And the Catalonia of new generations will also be like that, possibly better, with more equality and social justice.

Let's consider then the republican values ​​of a just and egalitarian society without discrimination, the backbone of the new Catalonian State. Values defended by our great-grandparents, grandparents and parents. But, let's do it thinking about us and our children and grandchildren.

Honor and glory to President Companys. Honor to all democrats of all time. Without forgetting the words of Lluís Companys before being killed barefoot on Catalan soil: "I will die for Catalonia and the Republic. I am happy to die for Catalonia and what I regret the most is that I will not be able to do anything more for my ideals. Those remaining must preserve their courage, hope and strength. Long live Catalonia! ".

Welcome to the world’s fantastic film festival

Feature films, shorts, filmgoers, fans, directors, actors and actresses, producers, industry, sponsors, institutions, organizers, volunteers, businesses, schools, zombies… The Sitges-International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is a face with many expressions, where everyone plays a key role to finally put together a unique and special Festival. At the threshold of its 50th anniversary, taking place next year, the Festival maintains its genuine character as a true manifestation of genre cinema –with a very relevant role on behalf of the fans– while at the same time making a commitment to the most innovative tendencies from the audiovisual world.

Sitges 2016 opens the doors to virtual reality, making it possible to show the new productions in this format, which are here to stay. This year’s Festival confirms last year’s commitment to becoming an industry magnet: the Sitges Pitchbox piques the interest of both talents and industry, the Blood Red Carpet attracts promising actors and actresses who see Sitges as an excellent platform, and this year the village created to complement the activities offered to the general public is expanding its benefits, services and interest on behalf of different companies to be present there. All of this data confirms that the Sitges Film Festival –along with the growing attendance of genre movie producers to screen their films and see presentations of new movies– is prepared to be a magnet for the film industry, allowing the Festival to grow.

Sitges is a town that’s especially festival-oriented. We have them of all different types, profiles and content and recently added an advertising and new communication festival. And all of them with the Film Festival as the undisputed benchmark and model to follow. Since 1968 when Sitges created what was then the International Fantastic Film Week, which soon afterwards would focus a large part of its attention on the field of horror (in Sitges there are still people who call it the “Horror Movie” Festival), the Festival has played a crucial role in the town’s dynamics. For a long time, the Festival closed out the tourist season and now it is the most outstanding repercussive manifestation the town has. Businesses, restaurants, hotels and the entire town experience the Festival as ten intense days when everything takes place differently, authentically and genuinely, as is fitting for the number one fantastic film festival in the world.

Welcome one and all to Sitges: enjoy our town and its services and, especially, everything the Festival has to offer you, which is more and more year after year.

Speech of September 11

Councilors of the City of Sitges; Mayor Jordi Serra, Mayor Pere Junyent; Director General of Police

Inspector and local police; Sub Inspector and Catalan Autonomous Police; Organizations, associations and local sport clubs of Sitges, Garraf and Les Botigues; Political parties in the municipality; Youth Group (Colla Jove) of Human Castle Builders from Sitges, School of Grallers (Gralla is a Catalan woodwind instrument); Inhabitants of Sitges.  Good morning and good National Day!

Once again we find ourselves at the Sitges Town Hall Square, at the foot of our illustrious son Dr. Bartomeu Robert to commemorate the September 11, 2016 National Day of Catalonia. Year after year, and all around the Principality, we do it with civility, respect for difference and with a sense of respect for democracy, for social diversity and political plurality. It’s an act very much from Sitges, very much Catalan, very much ours.

As Mayor of the town, let me begin by expressing that in this act shared by public institutions and civil society, I am especially proud to belong to Sitges and Catalonia. We must commemorate and remember the identity of a people and not forget it is our duty as a nation, but also our role as representatives of civil society and institutions.

Catalonia is going through a fascinating period, a quite commendable one. Why commendable? Because after 300 years we are still in revolt as a people vindicating our rights and, most importantly, doing it with respect to freedom, embracing coexistence and peace and convinced of the richness of the diversity of opinions. 

Catalonia is not owned by anyone. There are no good and bad Catalans. We are all Catalans, but as Catalans we can decide what and how we want to be! Not long ago, considering that time flies, when the country began to discuss the fiscal pact, the Catalan Self-Government Law or the economic agreement, when the political debate was already beyond the range of the self-government in which we have lived for more than 30 years, some voices were heard (fortunately not many) in which we were qualified as selfish or people that wanted to have privileges that others did not have. 

Nothing further than that. We have not been understood or we have not explained it well enough. 

Catalonia is one of the most supportive people in the world and we have shown it. Solidarity is part of our essence and therefore we claim for it, more so on a day like today where all words carry accents. Also the solidarity of the Catalan people! This is an important accent.

Solidarity with disadvantaged Catalans. This is our primary mission in our day to day existence as a country and as a City Hall, our primary mission. Solidarity with the people of Spain. Solidarity with our European partners. And solidarity also from Sitges as a shelter town to all those fleeing war or hunger for a better life and a better chance at our home. A fact not be overlooked on a day like today is what happened 300 years ago in our country. Reviewing history makes us improve it or at least try. This is another important focus. 

As you know, this year marks 300 years of the promulgation and publication of the Decree of New Plant 16 January 1716. The New Plant of the Royal Court of the Principality of Catalonia following the model of Castile. A decree that ended the institutions of Catalonia as a state. A decree dissolving their political, economic and cultural structures. 

Philip V, with the support of Spanish and French troops, occupied the Principality and imposed this new political order that meant the elimination of our institutions and the subordination to a new system of absolutist government. The New Plant of Felipe V led to the imposition of a political model, the imposition of a language and the subordinations to institutions of Castile. The political centralization, standardization and territorial application of a single common law were the points of the Decree that contributed more to silence what today is more alive than ever: the yearning for freedom of the Catalan people.

Despite attempts to make us believe that the loss of national rights in 1716 was false,  the voluntary oblivion during the hard years of repression of Primo de Rivera and Franco's fascist dictatorship, or other dark moments in our history... Our national roots and sense of belonging are strong. Death, war, the courts, the grayness of some acts have not killed Catalonia and its reason for being in this world. It will not happen. This long journey that Catalonia has experienced should be remembered and honored just for the memory of those who are no longer there. But, above all, for the future to come. 

It is time for a New Plant. But, not an imposed absolutist and centralist New Plant. 300 years later, it is time for a New Plant in the 21th century. A radically democratic, open, tolerant and plural New Plant. A new plant voted by the people. We must place Democracy as the supreme value of decision making with the participation of everybody.

Everybody, because this country has been able to convey our sense of belonging to everyone who lives in Catalonia. Everybody, because this country belongs to all. Men and women, young and old.

Those who think red or blue, or in yellow, green, orange, purple. All the shades of grey... even those that are not attracted by any color. Of those who were born here and those who have come and will come from outside. Those who speak Catalan and Spanish, English, French, Gaelic, Dutch, Chinese, Arabic... any of the 200 languages ​​of communication in the Principality. Those who believe in a transcendent religion, any, and those who do not believe or even deny. As a European politician recently said... Also boys who love boys, girls who love girls and to men and women who love each other.

This country that belongs to all. And the New Plant must be decided and built between all. 

Let's build among all a prosperous country ruled by social justice where no one is left behind. 

Committed to people and Democracy. Let's show to the world that we are ready for the new challenge: to decide freely, and for all those who believe so: the freedom to choose! 

Sitges, patriots, we are an in country in which fear is called judgment. I wish that our judgment, which is an intrinsic part of our nature, will take us very far. As far as the people want.

Long live Catalonia!

Proclamation of City Festival of Sant Bartomeu 2016

To all residents and visitors,

To describe with words the emotions and the magic of living through the festival of Sant Bartomeu in Sitges is very difficult. A mix of collective and immaterial with human aspects, and some aspects that are more material, and all combined with the unique and personal sensations and experiences of each member, each character of all the modern and traditional events that make us live the celebration; and make it become something almost impossible to describe. Our festivals are a mixture of emotions, joy, devotion, effort, suffering and perseverance. Surely we could add a handful of adjectives that could better express the personal feelings of each of the people who live an active Sant Bartomeu.

Summer brings us insistent trials of different dances, castles and music. In every corner of the city we hear from time to time, and somewhat hidden, as one who does not dares, the sounds of coming giants, the melody of all the popular dances or the beat to ignite the fire of our beasts and devils. Walking through the village you can spy trials of human towers, any dance or how fashion designers prepare costumes that will be applauded very soon. There are a good handful of citizens who work very hard to offer the best moments of the year, the best of our celebrations. 

As I am convinced that the best festivities in the world are those enjoyed, watched and experienced at home, only someone who puts passion can understand the great honor implied by being part of the popular dances and musicians of Sitges. Being a member of one of them or one of the elements of our popular procession is an honor, pride and passion. The same honor, pride and passion that we feel both dancing and enjoying, being on the sidewalk and clapping. Being part of the public is also being hundred percent of the party.

This year we celebrate the nomination of Heritage festival of National Interest. The distinction will officially arrive on the day of Sant Bartomeu from the Government of Catalonia itself. It is a distinction that recognizes a fact that for the inhabitants of Sitges is a reality since the fourteenth century: we experience and enjoy one of the most beautiful traditions that exists in Catalonia and now is the time for the rest of the Catalans to know. We do not need anyone to tell us how we deeply feel our festivals, but we would like people to spread the word around the world. This is the true heritage: dance, music and audience are all the same feeling of the festival.

Let locals, residents and visitors from out of town become fervent followers of Sant Bartomeu. That's why we will hear the Proclamation with utmost care. We will dance to the music of the shacks with all groups formed with people from home. We will follow the civic procession using a very innovative route, as the tradition marks every time there is a change of presidency of the Commission. We will look for places to see street parades and processions from which we have never seen them before. We will be awed again by fireworks and we will dance Sardana. We will go to new events, such as the homage to our centennial palm that broke down recently. We will discover the magic corners of the city full of music and burning gunpowder. We will pay attention to news, as the carriage of the Saint to the house of Pendonista or banner carrier. We can see all the news in the official program or web www.sitgesfestamajor.cat

We will live the Festival with civility and taking all due protections against pyrotechnical elements. Therefore, it is recommended that you follow all safety advice, and please, do not park on the routes of the processions and parades. All establishments and shops should remain closed on the 24th of August, local festivity. We also recommend taking the necessary measures of personal prevention and self-protection (especially in children), vehicles, awnings, windows, shops and private homes to prevent any possible damage caused by pyrotechnics and other elements. 

The stars of the festival are all of us, the whole town: locals and visitors, dances, human towers and traditional music, the Commission and all the organizations, companies and associations collaborating in organizing barracks, devotees of Saint Bartomeu, the town crier and the pendonista and cordonista, "the new favorite son of Sitges", that during these days will enjoy from head to foot all our traditions and festivals. 

We are the Heritage Festival of National Interest because we are the best Festival. We will make that our acts in honor of our patron are heard throughout Catalonia. 

Glorious St. Bartholomew,

which is the Patron of Sitges,

long live Sitges City Festival!

Intervention during the 25th edition of ADPG's Business Night

Honourable president; Mayors, authorities; ADEPG president; ladies and gentleman. Good evening. We welcome to Sitges all those coming from all over Penedès counties, those that we want to be part of the future Vegueria del Penedès.

I want to specially greet the President of the Catalan Government on his first official visit to Sitges. Thanks President, it is an honor to have you with us. Welcome to your home. I also want to thank the Association of Employers of Garraf, Alt Penedès and Baix Penedès for choosing Sitges to hold the current edition of Business Night. Our main revenue comes from tourism; most of our entrepreneurs work in this sector and the service sector. So if I may, I will focus my words in this sector. I will step ahead of events to congratulate all those companies that today receive an award for their business career. Congratulations to everyone! 

Our country has a diverse and heterogeneous industrial fabric. Agriculture, fishing, food industry and traditional industry. A wide range of services and small businesses ... and many, many freelancers.

President, I think you must know that some counties are making great efforts to achieve the economic recovery of the area, while at the same time making an extraordinary contribution to the recovery of Catalonia. According to the 2015 index of competitiveness of the association, we are in the twelfth place and climbed steadily since 2003 ... we are one of the leaders in business and employment recovery with increases above 4% on average year.

Garraf, in particular, ranks as the second county with people holding degrees and the third with highest proportion of people working in highly skilled professions. Our clear commitment should be the sector of vocational training. President, we are deeply committed with the governance plan that we presented recently... Therefore, we are at your disposal to expand vocational training in our county.

Despite the difficulties of recent years, we have more good economic news. In one year, the number of freelancers has increased by 3%. We are therefore an enterprising county that is growing in all areas. The county showed an unemployment rate of 17% in March, more than two points below last year. I must stress that in Sitges we are just over 12%.

I have another example of improved economic activity. Sitges granted in 2014 a total of 545 business licenses and in just a year we climbed to 713.  Nearly 200 more in just one year. These recovery figures are the result of our common effort. But special efforts made by the businessmen and businesswomen in the region. We are referring to small and medium enterprises that have suffered greatly in the worst time of our economic recession, and that have survived thanks to their effort and tenacity.  

During these years, and still today, municipalities and local authorities tried to take steps to further business activity and modernization, while being well aware of the situation, and, above all, to generate and maintain employment.  In short, to create wealth for our people.

However, despite initial positive data, we know that we continue to go together in everything that affects us all. We must continue to go together in one of the most important claims of the Great Penedès: infrastructures... The toll of the C-32, essential for our competitiveness and for our everyday living.

Garraf and Penedès claim for a free motorway. We have no direct access to the metropolitan area other than windy curves along Garraf's coasts. Territorial rebalancing goes through all this process. 

As we are aware that it will not be immediate, we believe that it will be an outrage not to obtain a significant reduction. 

I'm not making an isolated claim, is a vindication of all the counties beyond political options; as is the improvement of rail services, bearing in mind that only in the Garraf county, 50% of the population needs to leave the county for work.

The municipalities can establish tax incentives to create programs to support entrepreneurship, employment plans, aid for self-employed.. (that we do and we will do, to help create wealth and welfare)... but there are issues that escape us such as infrastructure and cost. Authorities are working to serve citizens and we try to interiorize the claims that come from different sectors. It is increasingly evident that we must network and also ... that society works best when networking. 

Therefore, social return is very important for our business world. The world changes, and if companies do not give back to society what society gives them, we will break the fabric. The concept leading to the social return on investment is now spread throughout the world and must not be an alien idea in our environment. Companies have to be competitive, but also socially competitive... There are already many business schools that abound in the social return concept as key to obtain benefits. Therefore, I ask you to be innovative and commit yourself for social return.

I will put an example of a subject on everyone's lips. The Government of Catalonia and municipalities prepare a list of what citizens, businesses and organizations can offer to Syrian refugees. Because the drama of the refugees does not leave anyone indifferent, moves you and you become enraged with this Europe. City Halls are preparing themselves to receive refugees, but all of us can offer our help in different ways. We already did that? We will do it? This is also social responsibility. As is the everyday life in our country, our villages, towns and cities.

The adaptation of the company to social environment is paramount in the tourist industry. Sitges is a tourist town but we are also very concerned about our environment. We have sixteen kilometers of coastline and a mountain range that is one of the most outstanding natural areas of the country. So we decided to make a clear commitment and ask for a Biosphere certification backed by Unesco ... that means: environmentally friendly tourism and sustainable tourism. 

This we have to do it necessarily with the help of the business sector of the city. The City Hall alone is not enough. Are we interested? Yes, absolutely. Yes, for the preservation of the town, but also because all of you are interested... And they are interested because we need a qualitative leap to remain a town known worldwide as a tourist destination, respecting the environment and the people.

We must therefore be jointly responsible for all. I ask you to make a clear commitment for social responsibility in our counties.

And finally, one last thought - a personal request. We must also be jointly responsible with our country. Policymakers are often urged to become involved, to defend the interests of society, to become involved in decisions even if they are daring. Nothing to say, it is our responsibility.

 Many Mayors like me are doing it from their City Halls. Also President Puigdemont, our government and parliament. But we are in dire straits. That is why I ask you to watch everything from a national perspective. We are a great nation with a historical significance. So help us enlarge our history and our great country.

Many thanks to all, congratulations to the winners again and enjoy dinner. Good night. 

Fairs and events intended to extend tourist season

Closed in March and but open in April. We changed month, but kept the calendar of socioeconomic and cultural fairs and events. Such events act as catalyzer to attract visitors tby generating a wide range of activities. In March we held Fair Scrap+, International Patchwork Festival and Art Fair, in addition to Easter (which recorded an occupancy of 90% on average). April started with  Vintage Jazz Festival, Vintage Cars Rally and will continue with Tapa a Tapa, the acts to celebrate Sant Jordi and Sitges Next - festival of innovation in communication and new media. That is, it means than during two months Sitges weekends will be filled with different events that provide content and at the same time, generate traffic and public projection.

The calendar of fairs and events in late March and early spring allowed to transform a low season period into a highlight in our cultural and tourist calendar. At the beginning of March we installed the tents in Ribera, weekends held a continuum of events that filled streets, restaurants and hotels.

Three years ago, the City Council set a timetable to implement a stable and orderly calendar of fairs and events during the months of March and April, with the aim to avoid competition between some of these activities and to extend the season to periods that had traditionally been low season. Earlier, Carnival was an isolated event in the vast winter season. Now, there are years that depending on the calendar, such event could trigger tourist pre.season, as subsequent events link togeteher.

The calendar of events in March and April also includes events with diverse profiles that attract different audiences. In all cases, however, we are referring to a public that are also decision makers and that represent relevant cultural leisure interests. In addition to the direct impact they have on local economy thanks to their participation or presence, the calendar provides additional exposure to Sitges as events generate  pages and minutes of media communication and, therefore, direct promotion. Meanwhile, some of the festivals held during low season allow to further the role of Sitges as a land of festivals, a city capable of generating and attracting famous events that enhance our status as a cultural capital.

Neighbourhood Plan: proximity actions

A few days ago we started to meet with the residents of Vallpineda, Garraf and Botigues to set goals and work dynamics that will mark the Neighbourhood Plan, that we are already implementing in the City Council. The Neighbourhood Plan is one of the actions included in the Governance Plan designed by our City Council. The Governance Plans details all the strategies and actions that will be carried out by the City Council during this term.

The Neighbourhood Plan aims to satisfy the most important needs and demands expressed by residents from the various areas and sectors of the municipality, in case such demands can be implemented. The Plan will detail the actions that will be carried out in various fields such as urban improvements, utilities, green areas, playgrounds or road planning, among other areas. 

The actions contained the Neighbourhood Plan are the result of proposals made by the Government, added resident proposals made through Municipal Councils composed by residents. It is a formula for direct participation in which citizens can express their opinions and preferences and at the same time, recognizes and supports the role of Councils as representative bodies in their respective fields and as direct partners of our city council. During the first meetings held with the Municipal Councils, we were able to communicate to them the formula that will characterize the Neighbourhood Plan. We shared shared structural needs and objectives of a tool that is intended to entice the full participation of all residents.

At the same time and in parallel to such meetings, we opened a permanent cooperation path with the City of Castelldefels to address all the needs in services and improvements in Botigues de Sitges. The unique location of this area and the determination to correct some deficiencies in the provision of services require a stable cooperative action with the city of Castelldefels, allowing to expedite and complete services. A few days ago I met with Candela López, Mayor of Castelldefels, and other councilors of the municipality. I was accompanied by Aurora Carbonell, Deputy Mayor, and the Councillor for Public Roads, Carmen Almirall, also representing Sitges. We laid the the groundwork for joint actions which will improve services to Botigues de Sitges.

Carnival: necessary debate

Carnival 2016 has been intense. In many senses of the word. As usual in this festivity, we experienced all the passion and and brilliance embodied in the event, but also with an undercurrent of anxiety and controversy over the new route of the parades of Debauchery and Extermination. The debate gave rise to initiate an urgent debate: which model of Carnival we want? 

The controversy over the route of the parades is urging us to study and analyze the best circuits. But at the same time, also on other issues related with Carnival that might need a thourough analysis in search of new approaches. This year 2016, in which the Councillor for Culture and Celebrations, Rosa Tubau and the President of the Commission, Carlos Garcia, were able to manage the Carnival in a brilliant manner despite evident and unrealized difficulties, has helped us to put on the table a series of aspects that need to be analyzed.

The current Carnival is a model developed 40 years ago. At the end of the dictatorship, Sitges showed its passion for Carnivals by launching the first street  floats in 1976. Floats were forbidden by Franco, but were tolerated inside our social organizations, were residents lived a Carnival that they refused to forget). During this time, the Carnival has grown significantly, has added new events and, above all, has added more people, both in the organization and participation, making it a highly popular festival driven by groups and organizations. But, however, the framework of Carnival has not changed since our democratic transition. It has become bigger, much bigger, but on the same model. We must analyze and discuss over the whole issue, we must take the right decisions together.

We must ask ourselves about the route of the parades -but assuming an essential and unavoidable element which is the prevention and security, we can not put it into risk. We must discuss and analyze the number of floats on the streets, the maximum duration of the parade,  limits to participation and behaviours during parades, we must also discuss about the constant presence of alcohol on the parades, television coverage and we must also examine what is the real sense of the existance of our Carnival. The debate on the Carnival is necessary and ugent.

For this reason, as I promised at the Ash Wednesday's "Xatonada" at El Retiro, in a short time we will open a discussion with organizations, groups, security forces and all the agents directly involved in the festivity to analyze and tackle all the necessary changes. Humbly but resolutely. We love the Carnival and we can not look the other way when there are issues that we must face with determination.

Debauchery and "festa", but safety above all

We are ready. With the much awaited "Arribo", tomorrow will mark the beginning of Carnival, one of the most magical moments of our calendar of festivities. Carnival 2016 comes with the usual expectation, which is to add almost unprecedented spring weather and the introduction of necessary prevention measures for a safer holiday.

The most discussed measure, as you know, has been the change of the route of the parades of Debauchery and Extermination. Parades maintain their route through the streets of the town center, but with a modified route for safety reasons. The various security forces involved in the prevention and security of our Carnival, repeatedly warned about of the risks posed by maintaining regular routes, a very wise warning. This change was necessary but now is essential to maintain basic measures of prevention and safety. The new protocols on prevention, added to common sense and safety policies, advised the organization to fully implement this modification change.

All changes in our festivities have to be "cooked over low heat" but without any pause. Three years have passed since it was decided to advance the schedule of parades, including the Children's Parade, Debauchery Parade and Extermination Parade. The first change generated certain rejection among some of the most directly involved in organizing the event, but once modifications were implemented in the Carnival, the evaluations were positive and three years later are entirely consolidated and almost no one misses late schedules anymore.

Last Friday, we held the meeting of the Local Security Board and we set the operating system that will assume the Carnival in this area. The high turnout, the arrival of hundreds of thousands of people and the implementation of existing protocols on prevention and safety, invite us to implement security measures that make our Carnival safer for everyone, without altering participation, openness and attraction. And for this purpose the role of the various security forces working full time is essential (Local Police, Autonomous Police, Fire Brigade, Civil Defense, Red Cross Emergency Medical Service ...). I want to take advantage of these lines to thank and encourage all to do their job. If the festivity is and will be a success in the future, their main actors are the Commission, organizations, groups and various teams involved in the Carnival and their constant work. 

Now, it is time to enjoy our Carnival. The best Carnival.