Historic Mass Returns on Saint Bartholomew’s Day

Igualada will revive a liturgical tradition dating back over 600 years with the celebration of a Solemn Mass for Saint Bartholomew, the city's patron saint, on Monday, 24 August at 11:00 am in the Basilica of Santa Maria. The Mass, documented as part of the city’s festivities since the 14th century, is being restored as part of a broader effort by the Federation of the Historic Traditional Procession of Igualada (FESTHI) to reconstruct the original model of the medieval town festival. According to the basilica’s official schedule, the service will be presided over by Monsignor Camilo Camargo and concelebrated by parish rectors. It will feature the premiere of a new musical composition by Catalan composer Irene Plass, performed by a special volunteer choir formed from local choral groups, organ and soloists.

New Music for an Ancient Ceremony

Though the original music from the medieval celebrations has not survived, FESTHI launched a project 15 years ago to commission a new Mass every five years from emerging Catalan composers. To date, three previous Masses have been premiered: composed by Jordi Marcé, Pol Requesens and Carles Prat, respectively. This year, Irene Plass’s work will be conducted by Júlia Sesé during the Solemn Office. The initiative aims not only to revive religious and musical heritage but also to foster contemporary creation and civic participation among Igualada’s musicians.

Tradition and Community Celebration

Following the Mass, the celebration will continue with the traditional "Cant dels Goigs de Sant Bartomeu" and the performance of the Ball de Bastons d’Igualada. During the offertory, the Àliga d’Igualada will also perform its traditional dance. The event is organised by FESTHI and forms a central part of the city’s festivities honouring its patron saint. FESTHI’s ongoing work includes the recovery of other historical elements such as the Tabal de la Patera, documented since the late 15th century, and the reconstruction of the historic Giants of Igualada, which were lost during the Spanish Civil War. Residents and visitors can attend the Mass in person at the Basilica of Santa Maria. More details about the event are available on the basilica's official website.

Reported by santamariaigualada.com, festhi.cat, anoiadiari.cat, radioigualada.cat, fiestas.net, Igualada News.