Today my cousin has reminded me of Spain, as I spent two marvelous weeks in a small town called Les Roquetes situated on the Mediterranean coast, close to Vilanova I la Geltru, Sitges and, of course Barcelona. Why did I choose to speak about Sitges from these four locations? Because the town has an amazing contrast created by the landscape, buildings, people and history.
To be fair, till last year I had never heard of this pearl of Costa Brava. In the past, Sitges was an important fishing village of the area, but thousands of young men in search of new jobs left the town to build their future in the West Indies, choosing the cotton, rom and tobacco instead of fishing or the wine industry, as the phylloxera plague destroyed it. Today you may hear “Indianos’” or “Americanos” among Spanish people, these being the names for those who returned in the natal town with a fortune which they used to build the “American” houses that populate the urban center of Sitges. The old town that now hosts restaurants, locals and brand shops has a Catalan architecture. The parish church of Sitges is the one which dominates the skyline and the architectural heritage of the town.
The golden beaches, seaside promenades, clear waters, pleasant houses and narrow streets, as well as the varied cultural life of this “small Ibiza”… everything has become a desired destination.
Sitges has a busy festival calendar; it is said that it is the busiest in all Spain. Every month, Sitges hosts a fiesta and everyone from there knows how to party. In the summertime every day looks as a day off, meaning the streets, the beaches and the bars are full and the night clubbing is really all night long. You may find all kind of styles, salsa, bachata, rock, house music; you just have to look around. Also, during the summer, the Gay Beach Party is one of the highlights of the week-end. I must be fair and tell you I didn’t attend the party, but during my promenade I realized I had never seen so many handsome men on a square meter. Pity they were all gay. Sad, isn’t it ladies? They aren’t aggressive in their lust. I must say I did not stare at them and my sight wasn’t perturbed by their kisses. I just admired their looks, as they were well shaped and dressed as they were just taken out from the present box.
Besides the Gay Carnival, which is in spring time, Sitges hosts The International Film Festival and becomes a mini Cannes in the autumn for ten days, bringing together the Hollywood actors and embracing a wide range of genres. As NY is called the city that never sleeps you may call Sitges the town where in the summer months you can feel the weekend vibe daily. It is a town where you never get tired or bored. Even more, you’ll enjoy every night as it would be the last one in Sitges.
To prove my words you may check the program of events for Sitges at http://www.staysitges.com/events.php. They also say “Sitges is blessed with a climate that means the sun shines throughout the year, it is the jewel in the Spanish crown and Sitges has something for every taste. From the exciting outrageous Mardi Gras Carnival, tango festivals, extravagant firework displays to parties on the beach…. there is never a shortage of something to do! We have listed the key events below on a month by month basis, but there are many, many more events too numerous to list”. Looks like they definitely can guarantee the fun.
Oct 27/2011
Atlas Tracer 