Seven centuries of the Santa Tecla Festival in Tarragona: from the relic of 1321 to today’s Festival

The relic of the Arm of Saint Tecla arrived in Tarragona in 1321 and marked the origin of a festival that today is a national heritage. Seven centuries later, the city continues to fervently celebrate the patron saint every September.

This story combines kings, distant travels, losses and recoveries, and a popular tradition that has remained alive and in constant evolution.

History and Arrival of the relic in Tarragona

How did the request for the relic begin?

In 1319, King James II of Aragon received the request from Archbishop Eiximèn de Luna and the Cathedral chapter to obtain the relic of the Arm of Saint Tecla preserved in Armenia. This piece was essential to honor Tarragona's patron saint.

When and How did the relic arrive in Tarragona?

On May 17, 1321, after a long journey and a stay in Constantí, the relic entered in a solemn procession through the city led by the king and numerous civil and guild representatives, establishing a tradition that still endures today.

The evolution of the Festival and the establishment of the ritual

Which ritual elements were consolidated in the 14th century?

By 1369, the Cathedral's consueta already described the procession with the relic and the participation of the guilds. The following year, Archbishop Pere Clasquerí formally established the festival scheme that is still followed, especially on September 22 and 23.

When were castells incorporated into the festivity?

Castells began to be part of Santa Tecla at the end of the 18th century, although there were earlier precedents. This element enriched the festival with a typical display of Catalan popular culture.

The lost and recovered relic and the official recognition

Why was the relic lost and How was it recovered?

During the 1811 assault on Tarragona by French troops, the Arm of Saint Tecla was lost. In 1814, the monastery of Sant Cugat lent another relic to maintain the tradition. At the end of the 20th century, the original piece unexpectedly appeared behind a wall in the Part Alta.

What recognitions has the Festival received?

Santa Tecla was declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2002 and a Heritage Festival of National Interest in 2010, awards that recognize its cultural importance and its continuity as Tarragona's main festival.