Unveiling the Festive Heart of Santa Tecla at Mercat Vell's 'Del garatge al carrer' Exhibition
Santa Tecla Sitges: A Journey from Garage to Street
The quiet rhythm of an evening cycle often yields the most unexpected discoveries. Last night, as I pedalled through the familiar streets of my town, I found myself drawn to a building I had only ever seen from the outside: the Mercat Vell. Its historical facade has always been a backdrop to my daily life, but it was not until I dismounted my bike that I realised it was the setting for something new and vibrant. Inside, a world of local festivity unfolded, an exhibition titled “Del garatge al carrer” celebrating the festive imagery of Santa Tecla Sitges 2025. This unplanned visit became an immersive journey into the heart of a local tradition, revealing how community celebrations are nurtured in private spaces before blossoming onto the public stage.
Entering the Mercat Vell was a unique experience in itself. The building's interior, with its spacious, open-plan design and architectural details, felt both grand and intimate. It was a fitting venue for an exhibition celebrating a public spectacle that is also deeply personal to the community. The exhibit captured the essence of Santa Tecla, the “small” Festa Major, known for its focus on children. The walls were adorned with photographs and imagery that brought to life the children’s matinal parades with cabezudos, gigantes, and dracs, all created and carried by the youngest members of the town. This visual narrative made it clear why Santa Tecla is considered a more local and familial event, a stark contrast to the larger, more tourist-focused festivities.
However, the exhibition also hinted at the powerful duality of this tradition. While children are the main protagonists of the matinal, the overall Santa Tecla celebration is also defined by fire. The “nit de foc,” with its pyrotechnics and fire beasts, stands as a fiery counterpoint to the morning's innocent processions. This blend of light and shadow, of youthful innocence and raw energy, is what gives Santa Tecla its unique character. The exhibition’s title, “From the Garage to the Street,” perfectly encapsulates this journey—the quiet, dedicated work of creating these festive elements in private workshops and garages, culminating in a powerful, shared spectacle that takes over the public streets.
My visit to the exhibition was more than just a passing curiosity; it was a moment of genuine connection to the town's cultural fabric. Seeing the cherished imagery displayed within the historic walls of the Mercat Vell deepened my appreciation for the tradition. It showed me that the true spirit of a community is found not just in its grand, public events, but in the small, intimate details and the dedicated work that brings them to life. The experience solidified my understanding of how art, history, and communal celebration intertwine, creating a legacy passed down from one generation to the next.
This Weekend in Sitges: Santa Tecla 2025
As the "small" Festa Major unfolds, Sitges is preparing for a weekend of both playful celebration and fiery tradition. While Santa Tecla's main days are still to come, the festivities this weekend are packed with iconic events, from the popular "nit de foc" to a morning of children-led parades.
Friday, September 19: The Night of Fire
The weekend kicks off with a bang and a roar as Sitges ignites for the traditional "Nit de Foc" (Night of Fire). This is a quintessential part of the Santa Tecla celebrations, bringing spectacular pyrotechnics and fire beasts to the old town. The night is a thrilling procession of drumming and fire.
19:30h - Timbalada: The drummers gather and begin their procession, setting a powerful rhythm as they parade from Fragata to Plaça de l'Ajuntament.
20:30h - La Nit de Foc: The main procession of fire beasts and devils begins from El Baluard, weaving through the narrow streets of the old town.
21:30h - Correfoc: The fire run, or "correfoc," takes over the streets. Groups of devils and fire-breathing beasts charge through the crowd, creating a dynamic and exciting spectacle. Spectators are advised to wear long sleeves and hats to protect from the sparks.
23:00h - Live Concerts: The night concludes with live music on the Fragata beachfront, providing the perfect way to wind down after the thrilling fire events.
Saturday, September 20: The Children's Morning & Exhibitions
Saturday is dedicated to the younger generations, who are the true protagonists of Santa Tecla. The day is filled with charming and vibrant parades that showcase the community's future.
10:00h - Children's Gathering: The Plaça de l'Ajuntament becomes the meeting point for giants, "cabezudos" (big-headed figures), and children's dance groups. This is a delightful sight as the young participants prepare for their parade.
Morning Parade: The procession begins after the gathering, with the children proudly carrying their own smaller versions of the giants and dragons. This event highlights the local and familial character of the festival.
Exhibition "Del garatge al carrer": If you're looking for a quieter moment, you can visit the exhibition that celebrates the festival's imagery. The exhibition at Mercat Vell is open from 11:00h to 14:00h and again from 18:00h to 20:00h.
Sunday, September 21: A Day of Culture & Community
The weekend wraps up with a series of cultural and community-focused events, preparing the town for the main Santa Tecla feast day.
Afternoon: The schedule includes exhibitions and traditional gatherings. It’s a great day for a more relaxed experience of the festival, observing the intricate details of the celebratory culture.
9:00h - Special Rehearsal: The "Colla Jove de Castellers de Sitges" holds a special rehearsal for their human towers, or "castells," a breathtaking display of Catalan tradition.
This weekend offers a fantastic glimpse into the traditions of Santa Tecla, blending the explosive energy of fire with the heartfelt charm of a community celebration. It's a perfect opportunity to experience the unique spirit of Sitges before the main feast day on the 23rd of September.