Poetry at the cemetery

Sitges, May 1, 2010

Serveis Funeraris Integrals (SFI) is organizing "Poetry at the Sant Sebastià Cemetery," a unique journey through late 19th and early 20th-century literature, taking place on Saturday, May 1, at 11 a.m. at the old cemetery in Sitges. The two-hour event will explore the history of various poets and writers buried in the town through their works. The tour will be guided by local historian Blanca Giribet from the cultural services company Agisitges and will feature the participation of storyteller Jordina Biosca, who will perform the literary texts during the route.

From Sant Sebastià, the most emblematic cemetery in Sitges, known for both its architecture and the prominence of the personalities buried there, the tour will revisit the works of authors such as Rita Benaprés, Salvador Soler i Forment, Trinitat Catasús, Josep Carbonell i Gener, and Miquel Utrillo, among many others. This is an engaging way to connect the public with both the cemetery and literature.

Sant Sebastià, one of Europe's most emblematic cemeteries

The Sant Sebastià Cemetery was inaugurated in 1814 and stands as a valuable testament to the modern history of Sitges. Due to its significant heritage, Sant Sebastià is part of the European Cemeteries Route of the ASCE (Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe), a European association that groups together culturally and historically significant cemeteries across the continent.

Many of the tombs belong to the bourgeoisie or townspeople who went to the Americas at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, commonly known as "americanos" or "indianos." Upon returning with their newfound wealth, many commissioned ostentatious mausoleums decorated with sculptures by renowned artists of the time, such as Josep Llimona or Frederic Marès—true masterpieces of Catalan modernism, showcasing their earthly power.

Sant Sebastià is located in the center of the town, which is why since 1982, Sitges also has the Les Pruelles Cemetery, where the new municipal funeral home is situated.