Corpus: flowers and tradition in Sitges
The Corpus of Sitges is the grand popular festival of flowers, especially carnations. Lived with pride by the people of Sitges, its most spectacular expression is in the flower carpet competition, declared a "Festival of national tourist interest." True to its appointment, it is destined to be one of the most beautiful and lively events in all of Catalonia. In 2024, it will be celebrated from May 30 to June 9 and promises to be an experience full of color, tradition, and joy for all attendees.
Characterized by its great community participation, participants turn the streets into a spectacle of incredible drawings and compete for their street to be declared the most beautiful of the carpets in Sitges. The first testimonies of this beautiful tradition date back to 1887, and today, around 360,000 carnations are used in its making, in addition to other flower species.
Corpus is a religious and cultural festival. During this celebration, the streets of the charming town of Sitges transform into a display of ephemeral art, where local carpet makers create impressive floral carpets. These masterpieces made with petals, seeds, and other natural elements decorate the route of the traditional "flower walk." It is very interesting to take a short route of the places that participate in the festival and are decorated in this way.
The Corpus Christi festival in Sitges in 2023 has, logically, a religious sense, as it is a festival to give solemnity to the Eucharist, in which bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. And for this reason, the so-called consecrated host is taken in procession before the faithful. However, this celebration is also, and above all, the festival of flowers.
The "Contest for Floral Ornamentation of Facades and Balconies" complements the carpet competition and makes us look up to admire the beauty of the neighborhood decorations made with carnations, geraniums, lilies, and other flower varieties.
The Corpus Christi festivities begin with the Carnation Proclamation on Friday. On Saturday afternoon, the "Gegants de la Vila," the "Gegants Moros," and the "Gegants Americans" start from the town hall square on a route through the central streets of Sitges. On Sunday, the procession of the Holy Sacrament is celebrated, which, accompanied by the "Gegants," will tour the streets of downtown Sitges and end in the afternoon with the traditional collective offering of carnations at the sanctuary of the Virgin of Vinyet.
Sitges will once again be filled with the essence of one of the most emblematic festivals in its traditional and cultural calendar: Corpus, a festival with a six-century history, with the creation of 31 impressive carpets in the streets of the city and the subsequent religious procession.
The main event takes place on Corpus Christi Sunday, when the streets are filled with spectacular carpets, religious processions, and the traditional "ou com balla" dance. Participants, dressed in traditional costumes and carrying religious standards, accompany the Holy Sacrament in a solemn and festive procession. Music, chants, and the scent of flowers fill the air, creating a magical atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it.
In addition to the floral carpets and religious processions, the Corpus Christi in Sitges offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. During the week of celebrations, games, workshops, chocolate tastings, and cultural exhibitions take place so that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the rich tradition and vibrant cultural life of Sitges.
We recommend visiting the official Corpus Christi program on the municipality's tourism website, as it may undergo last-minute changes.
If you are looking for accommodation in Sitges during Corpus Christi, the Hotel Calipolis is an excellent choice. This hotel offers a privileged location by the sea, with stunning views and very close to the decorated streets. Its comfortable rooms, elegant facilities, and attention to detail will provide you with an unforgettable stay.
