Glosari Santa Tecla Tarragona 2026: 20 terms you need to know before the festival
If you want to fully enjoy the Santa Tecla festival in Tarragona, you need to know some basic terms that you will surely hear during the events. This quick guide will help you better understand what you will see and hear in the capital of Camp de Tarragona.
Preparing yourself with a minimal vocabulary is the first step to not miss a single detail of the city’s most emblematic festival.
Key concepts of Santa Tecla in Tarragona
What is the Seguici Popular?
The Seguici Popular is the backbone of Santa Tecla, a set of dances, interludes, beasts, and allegorical representations dating from the 14th century. It is the essence of the festival that gives life and color to Tarragona.
What do Diada and Cercavila mean?
The Diada is the central day, especially September 23, the big day of Santa Tecla. The Cercavila is the street parade that goes through streets and squares, showing the Seguici and other festive elements.
The casteller world in Tarragona
Who are the casteller groups?
Tarragona has four groups: Xiquets de Tarragona, Colla Jove Xiquets de Tarragona, Xiquets del Serrallo, and Castellers de Sant Pere i Sant Pau. Each group organizes the construction of the castells, the protagonists of the festival.
What are the Pinya, Folre, and manilles?
The pinya forms the human base that supports the castell. The folre and manilles are reinforcements located on the upper floors in more difficult castells to ensure stability and safety.
Other common terms that will surprise you
What are Correfoc and Bestiari?
Correfoc is a show where devils and beasts loaded with fire roam the city while the public jumps among the sparks. The Bestiari includes figures such as the Dragon, the Víbria, or the Mulassa, which are part of the Seguici Popular.
What are the Toc de vermut and the Santa Tecla Petita?
The Toc de vermut is the musical moment that closes many casteller diadas with gralla and drum. The Santa Tecla Petita is the children’s version of the festival, with miniature figures that enchant both children and adults.
| Terms | Brief definition |
|---|---|
| Seguici Popular | Set of traditional festive acts since the 14th century |
| Diada | Central day or main day of the festival |
| Correfoc | Parade with fire and devils |
| Pinya | Human base that supports a castell |
| Folre | Reinforcement on the upper floors of the castell |
| Enxaneta | Child who crowns the castell |
| Toc de vermut | Musical moment that closes the diada |
| Santa Tecla Petita | Children’s version of the Seguici |
