Sant Sixt i Sant Ou

Sant Sixt i Sant Ou are the patron saints of Celrà, a small town in the Gironès region of Catalonia, and their legend and relics are tied to the parish church of Sant Feliu at the heart of the town.

Who were Sant Sixt and Sant Ou?

Tradition holds that Sixt and Ou (also spelled Hou) were two young Christians executed in Girona around the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries, reportedly on the orders of an official named Rufí. Historians treat the story with caution: no early martyrology mentions either figure, and their cult only appears in written sources centuries later. Legendary or not, the story has shaped Celrà's identity for hundreds of years.

How were the relics discovered?

The turning point came in the 13th century, sometime between 1227 and 1234. A local farmer reported seeing mysterious lights hovering over a bramble patch beside a country road near Celrà. Investigating the spot, he uncovered human remains that were identified as those of the two martyrs. The relics were brought to the church of Sant Feliu in Celrà, and the pair were proclaimed patron saints of the town, a title they still hold.

What can you see inside the church of Sant Feliu?

The cult left a lasting physical mark on the parish church. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, altars dedicated to Sant Sixt and Sant Ou were built inside. In 1696, two silver figures were commissioned to house the martyrs' relics, a fine example of Baroque-era religious craftsmanship. Visitors touring the church today can look for these altars and reliquary figures as tangible evidence of centuries of local devotion.

When should you visit? Patronal festivals

The saints set the rhythm of Celrà's festive calendar. Sant Sixt's feast falls on 7 May and marks the town's main festa major. Sant Ou's feast, on 17 July, is celebrated as the summer festa major. Either date is the best time to see Celrà's community traditions in full swing, with processions, music and communal celebrations built around its patrons.

How do you get there?

Celrà sits in the Gironès region, just a few kilometres from Girona, connected by road and by the Girona–Barcelona railway line, which stops at Celrà station. The town itself is small, and the church of Sant Feliu, where the relics and patronal altars are kept, is in the centre, an easy walk from the station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were Sant Sixt and Sant Ou real historical figures? That isn't confirmed. The legend places their martyrdom in Girona in the early 4th century, but no early source records them, and their cult only developed in the Middle Ages.

Where can I see the relics? Inside the parish church of Sant Feliu in Celrà, which holds altars dedicated to the two saints along with 17th-century silver reliquary figures.

When are the main patronal festivals? 7 May for Sant Sixt and 17 July for Sant Ou — the town's two festes majors.

Is it easy to combine a visit with Girona? Yes. Celrà is very close to Girona and well connected by train, making it easy to visit both in a single day trip.