Alba

December. Christmas

by Labrix

There's not a special tradition located in Sitges. For many people the main celebration is "Nochebuena" on 24th by night, but this tradition comes from the South of Spain. Christmas day, on the 25th, is celebrated in everywhere, in Catalunya is tradition to eat this day chicken with prunes. The day after, 26th, Sant Esteve, is the main celebration (only in Catalunya, the rest of Spain doesn't celebrate this day), and the people eats "canelons", that is like pasta full of meat.

On the 28th is the innocents day, and everybody makes jokes to the other people, that are the "inocentadas".

We call to the night of 31st "Nochevieja" (old night, direct translation from Spanish) and the people is pending of the 12 ringing bells (they do it live on TV). If you got to eat 12 grapes following the rhythm of the bells, the new year will be very good for you. Is not easy, if you make the mistake of looking the person besides you, that has the mouth full of grapes, you'll begin to laugh, but remember that you mouth is full of grapes too! So imagine the result. The truth is that is very funny.

CAU FERRAT

by arlequin_g

It was the house of the artist and writer Santiago Rusinol. In this house stayed the most important late XIX century painters, musicians, poets and writers.
Here you can see works by Rusinol, Ramon Casas, Zuloaga, Picasso, El Greco. You can also see lots of items that belong at that time and some archeological ones.

Usual Timetable: tuesday to friday: 10-13.30/15-18.30; saturday 10-19 (non stop); sundays (10-15)
Summer: tuesday to sunday :10-14/17-21

Sitges

by MM212

"A bit of history..."

Tracing its roots from the pre-Roman era, the city of Sitges has evolved significantly over its long history. What was once an agricultural and fishing village concentrated in la Vila Vella of Sitges became a defensive castle in mediaeval times, thanks to its elevated geographic position overlooking the Mediterranean. With increased commercial links to the Americas in the 18th century, Sitges entered the modern period with greater affluence and importance. The Fin de Siècle era attracted many Catalan artists, writers and intelligentsia making Sitges a focal point of Catalan identity. During this period, a source of Catalan self-expression was Modernista architecture which the city’s wealthy residents sought to acquire, thus leading to many such noteworthy constructions. The area around Passeig de la Ribera was developed, and a “new Old Sitges” was built on the ruins of the castle in la Vila Vella.

Today, Sitges is a beautiful seaside resort. Due to its proximity to Barcelona (only 45 minutes by train), Sitges has become a favourite summer destination for Barcelona residents and visitors alike. While it is not lacking in cultural and historic interests, most – including myself – visit primarily for the beach. Fortunately, on my day trip in June 2008, I managed to glance at the historic sites while also enjoying a relaxing day on the beach.

Very nice little place - but oh so camp!

by Kiwigirlie

"Continuation of our Cycle Tour..."

After riding over the mountain ranges to the south of Barcelona, it's a down hill run into Sitges. Very pictureques little place with a castle at one end of the beach and lots of little cobbles streets. We had done about 45 kms that day and it was far too hot to continue so we headed into town and started looking for a room. Once we were all booked in, we wondered down to the beach and had a our first swim in the Med. It was lovely to cool off, wash off the road dust and relax after 5hrs of riding.
I couldn't help but notice all the blokes in speedos. I'm a southern hemisphere chick and I'm used to seeing men in board shorts rather than skimpy togs (what we call swimwear). And to my horror there were blokes were speedo thongs!!!! Then it dawn on me. Righttttttt - Sitges is a favourite for gay men! Well that explained it. Unfortunately it didn't change my mind about speedos. Especially seeing a bloke who must have been 180 pounds wearing a thong! NOT ATTRACTIVE TO ANY SEX!
Anyway... Back to Sitges. It really is a lovely place and the seafront promenade is really nice to stroll along in the evening. The restaurants along the front are quite reasonable and the food is delicious!
Although the beach was very crowded it was nice enough and if you are looking for better beaches head north of the castle. Saint Sabastia is nice!