Festa Major Committee Association Interview

What inspired the formation of the Festa Major Committee Association?

Currently, the highest body responsible for organising the Festes Majors of Sitges is the Municipal Commission of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, which acts by delegation from the town's City Council and is appointed by the Plenary of the Corporation. Its operation and powers are regulated by the Festa Protocol, whose last modification was approved on April 26th, 2023.

The president of the Commission is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for choosing the members, from among the groups and ‘colles’ participating in the Festa Major, or from people who are linked to it.

Two representatives of the City Council also form part of the Commission to provide technical, logistical and economic support to the organization. This Commission works in a coordinated manner with the Department of Traditions and Festivals, the parish of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, and the entities and associations that co-organize various events of the Festa.

Sustainability is a focus for the festival — what specific eco-friendly measures are being introduced this year?

Sustainability is not the main focus of the Festa Major. What the current Commission wants to do is move towards a more sustainable model in response to the Climate Crisis from which no one, not even the festivals, is exempt.

How are you encouraging a low-waste or zero-waste approach throughout the event?

The concerts have implemented ecological glasses to avoid plastics, and all possible waste fractions have been enabled inside the bars. Extra rubbish cans are also added where more people are gathered and where the parade routes pass. We are working on having public drinking fountains in the most crowded points.

Have local, sustainable suppliers or materials been prioritised in planning and logistics?

We try to do so, however many suppliers come from the Sitges City Council, since the largest expense is assumed by the public administration and, therefore, the contracting criteria stipulated by the City Council itself must be met.

Are there any green transport options or incentives for festival attendees?

The Festa Major is mostly attended by the Sitges population who usually move by foot from one place to another. Visitors from outside Sitges can do so using regular public transport, such as bus and train.

How do you balance the festive experience with environmental responsibility?

Nowadays, the ecological impact is important, therefore pedagogy must be done to appeal to the civic use of the points enabled for the throwing of garbage. However, pyrotechnic manufacturers should prioritise sustainable practices by minimising environmental impact through innovative material choices which is not currently happening at its higher capacity, so the process is slow.

How easy is it for attendees to recycle during the event?

There are several recycling points enabled across the town.

What’s the biggest challenge when trying to run an event sustainably?

Raising awareness in society and finding ways and mechanisms to achieve it, even through small actions.

What’s it like being part of the volunteer team during the festival?

It’s about living the experience from the inside and collaborating in the organization, helping to turn everything out perfectly. Whoever does it once, tends to do it again.

Why do you think volunteering at the festival is a valuable experience?

It is very rewarding to witness the enthusiasm that volunteers have when helping and collaborating. Without their dedication, it would be impossible to hold the Festa as we know it today.

What are some of the highlights planned for this year’s festival?

This year we have as a novelty “La Plaça”, a space that will serve as a meeting point before the more traditional events, where workshops for children and adolescents, various cultural activities, concerts and a gastronomy area have been scheduled.

How has the festival changed in recent years?

Our Festa Major is historic and traditional, so the most popular events have not changed much.

What new ideas or improvements can we look forward to this year?

The times for the parade on August 23rd at 2pm have been improved.

A huge thank you to the president of the Comissió de la Festa Major, Xavier Salmeron i Carbonell for taking the time to talk with us and let us know on all the work they are doing to move towards a more sustainable Festa in coming years.

You can read about the History of Festa Major Sitges in our other blog post.