Santa Tecla of Tarragona

WHERE: Tarragona, Spain.
WHEN: 11 – 24 September 2024

For the inhabitants, Santa Tecla of Tarragona is the party par excellence. An event expected throughout the year, whose roots date back to the 14th century! It was, in fact, the distant 1321 when the relic of the arm of the Patron Saint returned from Armenia.
Every year, the 23 September, celebrations occur throughout Catalonia, in honor of the Saint. Party that lasts well beyond the single day.

Just in Tarragona the party reaches its maximum expression, thanks to a strong tradition that binds the Saint to the city.
In 2002, Santa Tecla of Tarragona has been declared a manifestation of Tourist Interest by the Government; in the 2010, Patrimonial Feast of National Interest, by the Generalitat.

Today, for over a week, inhabitants and visitors invade the streets of the city, for “Les Festas”. Ten days, between traditional parades, dances and dances, exhibitions, lots of gastronomy, bonfires and fireworks.

The central event is the Popular parade, with dances and dances to the sound of traditional and popular music. An appointment not to be missed is the correfoc, with which the party ends, with devils and dragons holding burning torches. Another key moment is the exhibition of the castellers, or human castles.

This is also the right occasion to attend the Diables de Tarragona, and the fantastic ritual of the Dance of the Devils. And of course, be able to visit the beautiful city along the Costa Daurada.

PRACTICAL INFO

HOW TO GET

Tarragona is easily accessible by train, and car, from nearby Barcelona, which is less than 100 km.
The city is also served by Reus international airport, at about 10 km. The airport is well connected to various European destinations.
For the center of Tarragona, one moves only on foot.

SANTA TECLA OF TARRAGONA PROGRAM

La Crida i la Nit inaugural marks the official start of the Feast of Santa Tecla of Tarragona, with its fireworks show. Saturday afternoon, performances, shows and even children’s shows at the Plaza de la Fuente.
14/09. Diada Castellera. We dance and dance in front of the most important “castelleres” schools of Catalonia and two most important groups in the city.
22/09. La Víspera, it is the day of the Vigil, between dances and representations, including the mysteries of the Passion of Jesus Christ. Throughout the night, during the Vervena, performances, dances and dinners until dawn, with the departure of the dulzaineros and drummers.
23/09. Diada de Santa Tecla, or the Day of the Holy Tecla. Not to be missed, the spectacular procession of the Popular Procession, in the afternoon, with the relics of Santa Tecla, up to the doors of the Cathedral. At night, a magnificent fireworks display awaits you at Punta del Milagro.
24/09. Goods. The Castellers take to the stage at noon, climbing and descending the steps of the Duomo stairway. The night, the expected spectacle of Correfoc, closes the party.