Maria's Secret. The Phylloxera Fest

September 8 is a magical day for Maria. A day when everyone in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia goes out into the street and and everywhere ou look will find the yellow colour: on shirts, flags, handkerchiefs and bandanas, decoration in the balconies...  A festive day full of fireworks and music, a day to remember how the phylloxera plague was overcome.

The party remembers how the phylloxera plague was overcome

Phylloxera is a sucking insect, native to North America that caused devastation in most European wine-growing regions, such as Penedès.

The story goes that after the devastating plague, the so-called seven wise men of Greece, a group of landlords and businessmen from Sant Sadurní, famous for their Sunday gatherings in Can Guineu, proposed to replant the vineyards with American vine stocks, which were immune to the plague. This decision saved the vineyard and coincided with the birth of Cava at the end of the 19th century.

More than 4,000 firecrackers, 240 children, 230 adults and 100 musicians

Like every year, Maria will once again enjoy her favorite festival, which is held on September 7 and 8 in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. More than 4,000 firecrackers are lit, 240 children and 230 adults participate, there are 100 musicians performing; almost 40 years of history of a party that ends with the opening of more than 150 bottles of cava.

Discover

Main attractions

The Museum is located in the original installations of the steam locomotive depot of Vilanova i la Geltrú, some railway constructions done between the
The Castle of the Holy Cross is a fortified area from the medieval period, first documented in 1037
Interactive space with audiovisual resources where we explain the town's history, Fil.loxera and Cava.
Sant Martí Sarroca’s medieval church and castle are regarded as an historic and artistic site of national interest.

Where to go

Plan

If you need it

Before you come, you must know…

What to do in Penedès

Agenda

Sant Llorenç d'Hortons
27th April
Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues
Once a month
Cava Centre
30th March
Vilafranca del Penedès
March 3 and 10, April 7 and 14, May 5 and 12

Now it is the season of…

Activities for everyone