The Mediterranean town of Sitges, located only 35 km south from Barcelona, it is regarded as a real paradise for tourists and artists. You will find here the well known Carnival de Sitges, the most famous carnival in Catalonia and one of the most important carnival festivals in Spain.
Dates and Routes:
The carnival in Sitges takes places usually in February, in 2012 from February 16th until February 22nd and starts with the Dijous Gras, which means Fat Thursday. Resembling the famous Mardi Gras, on this day the king of the carnival, the Carnestoltes, arrives and starts the festivities. Of course queens are also elected during the carnival in Sitges, the so-called reinas, wearing amazing costumes and masks and following the king’s parade which is called Gran Rua.
People dance on the street, fully celebrating the spirit of carnival and enjoying traditional local dishes during this festival. One of these dishes is the Xató, a salad with cold Cod and a catalan sauce, which has different recipes in many towns of the area, which is called Ruta del Xató.
The Rua de la Disbauxa, or debauchery parade, on Sunday 6th March is the biggest parade in Sitges, also the wildest and most colourful parade. The other famous parade is the Rua de l’Extermini, or extermination parade, which symbolizes the end of the carnival and death of the king Carnestoltes, taking place on February 21st. And on Ash Wednesday, the king and his queen fight against the ghost of the lent, which they lose, and are brought to the beach, only to rise from the dead the following year.
Traditions:
The ending of the festival period is marked by the Entierro de Sardina, where the Sardine, a giant statue is burned at the beach and buried there. As a symbol of the end of the good times, during the 40 days of Lent no fish or sweets are consumed. This custom is well-known in different countries as well, but Sitges adds its own style and version to this carnival tradition; attracting many visitors each year who admire and gaze upon the traditional dances, the amazing costumes and masks and the local cuisine in Sitges during this festival.
Carnival in Sitges
Gay:
Sitges also helds a second carnival, parallel to the Carnival de Sitges; the gay carnival of Sitges. Shows and events such as the Glamour Night, Carnival Bingo or Tourist Night are organized and promise fun and excitement during the festival time.
Visiting the Carnival in Sitges means experiencing a unique festival in a town situated directly next to the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by the Natural Park of Garraf. And although the carnival was prohibited during the Franco regime in Spain, the tradition survived and today displays itself with all pride.
Click this link to consult the program of the Carnival in Sitges.
Accommodation in Sitges:
Check our offers for apartments in Sitges and hotels in Sitges.
How to arrive:
By train:
It is quite easy to go to Sitges by train due to close proximity to Barcelona, with train departures every 10 minutes. The train stops at Sants Estació and Passeig de Gràcia, you can either use the Sant Vincenç de Calders through Sitges or the Vilanova i la Geltrú stations. After roughly 40 minutes, you arrive at the Sitges station.
More information about the timetables in Renfe.
By car:
The travel by car requires more planning and you have to drive by your own, but you are rewarded with a beautiful view over the coastline of Catalonia. There are two ways accessible by car, the highway and the coastal road; depending on traffic you will reach Sitges in about 20-40 minutes.
Highway: C-32
Coastal road: C-31, then B10
Remember that you have to pay toll to use the highway, although the highway is much faster, about 20 minutes. The coastal road is free, but takes up to 40 minutes; however you can enjoy the view over the coast.
If you happen to have a break-down, don’t stop at the side of the highway; continue without a stop to the next gas station. If you cannot drive further, call 112 and wait in the car. Do not open or leave the car.
The speed limit in towns and cities is 50 km/h, outside towns and cities 90 km/h and on motorways 120 km/h.
Attention: public transport gets really busy to come back to Barcelona after midnight.
