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!
