If there is a festival you shouldn’t miss in Barcelona, it is La Mercè.
This annual event celebrates the Patron Saint of Barcelona, Our Lady of Mercy (La Mare de Déu de la Mercè), and is one of the most significant festivals that takes place in the city.
The festival typically lasts a number of days, with the most important day – the feast day – being on 24 September. This year, La Mercè runs from September 22 to September 25.
Here are some of the key features and highlights to watch out for.
Street Performances
One of the defining characteristics of La Mercè is its emphasis on street arts and performances. Throughout the festival, the streets of Barcelona come alive with street theatre, dance performances, acrobatics, and music. These performances often take place in various squares and public spaces throughout the city.
Castells
One of the most iconic traditions of the festival is the castells – human towers built by groups of people, often with hundreds of participants. These impressive structures are a UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition and a symbol of Catalan identity.
Concerts
La Mercè features a wide range of musical performances, from traditional Catalan music to contemporary pop and rock concerts. These concerts are often held in various venues across the city, including the famous Plaça de Catalunya.
Fireworks
The festival typically culminates with a spectacular fireworks display on the night of September 24th, the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy. The fireworks show is a breathtaking sight over the Barcelona skyline.
Correfoc
This is a spectacular and fiery event where participants dressed as demons and dragons parade through the streets, spraying sparks and fireworks into the crowd. It’s an exhilarating and visually stunning experience.
The giants
Giant puppets and big-headed figures, known as gegants and capgrossos, are a common sight during La Mercè. These figures are often paraded through the streets in colorful and lively processions.
Traditional Catalan Culture
The festival is an excellent opportunity to experience Catalan traditions, including traditional dances, music, and regional cuisine.
Art Installations
Various art installations and exhibitions are set up across the city, allowing festival-goers to explore different forms of artistic expression.
Educational and Family-Friendly Activities
La Mercè also offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, workshops, and exhibitions designed to engage people of all ages.
Where to find out more about what’s going on
The specific events and activities that take place during La Mercè vary from year-to-year, so you will probably want to consult the official programme for further details.