La Merce Barcelona is the biggest and most exciting annual festival, celebrated in honor of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy (Mare de Déu de la Mercè).

It combines traditional activities and modern performances, making it a must-see event in the whole city.

From September 20th to September 24th, 2024, La Mercè brings hundreds of free activities, including fire-breathing dragons and street performances, to every corner of Barcelona.

The whole city comes alive with the festa major spirit. Here’s what you need to know about the main events of this incredible festival.

The Origins and Historical Significance of La Mercè

La Mercè dates back to the 17th century when the Virgin of Mercy was credited with saving the city from a locust plague. As a tribute, the Barcelona City Council declared her the patron saint of Barcelona.

The Festes de la Mercè officially began in 1871 and has since grown into a vibrant celebration of the city’s culture, traditions, and community spirit.

The festival blends religious reverence with lively public celebrations, showcasing many events across the city center, including the seguici popular de Barcelona. Plaça de Sant Jaume becomes a key location, hosting traditions like the Giants parade.

The gothic quarter, La Rambla, and even Barceloneta Beach come alive with small group performances and light shows, reflecting Barcelona’s ability to honor its history while embracing modernity.

La Mercè, the Festival of Festivals

La Mercè Festival is more than just one event; it’s a massive celebration that brings together various smaller festivals, giving a full view of Barcelona’s cultural diversity. Some of the key festival events within La Mercè include:

• La Mercè Street Art Festival (MAC): Featuring street performers, jugglers, and acrobats in locations like Port Olímpic and Bogatell Breakwater, this event fills the city centre with energy and fun for all the people.
• BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical): Showcasing the best groups in local and international music, with a mix of indie bands and new global talent.
• Música Mercè Programme: Free concerts that span genres from classical music to contemporary pop and rock, held in iconic spaces such as Plaça de Catalunya and Carrer de Menéndez y Pelayo.
• Acció Cultura Viva: A grassroots cultural initiative that promotes local art and community engagement through music and performance.

With over 500 activities, La Mercè truly offers something for everyone.

Iconic Events at La Mercè

La Mercè features numerous cultural and traditional events that celebrate Catalan heritage, some of which are absolute must-sees:

• Castellers (Human Towers): The Castellers form human towers up to ten levels high, showcasing teamwork, strength, and balance in Plaça Sant Jaume.
• Correfoc (Fire Run): Costumed devils and dragons light up the night with fireworks as they run through the streets, creating a fiery, energetic spectacle.
• Gegants i Capgrossos (Giants and Big-Heads): Giant papier-mâché figures march through the streets, reenacting scenes from Catalonia’s history and folklore.
• Sardana Dancing: This traditional Catalan dance, performed in circles, symbolizes unity and is often danced in front of Barcelona Cathedral.

Guest City: Casablanca

Each year, La Mercè invites a guest city to join in the celebration, providing a cultural exchange and enriching the festival with new perspectives. For 2024, the guest city is Casablanca, Morocco. Expect performances, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase Moroccan culture, including music, dance, and culinary traditions. This exchange will provide an exciting fusion of Catalan and Moroccan cultures.

New Highlights for La Mercè 2024

La Mercè is constantly evolving, and 2024 brings several new features:

• Carme Solé Vendrell, an acclaimed Catalan illustrator, will deliver the opening speech and her work will be prominently featured throughout the festival.
• The festival’s visual identity this year is based on an audiovisual project by CANADA, a Barcelona-based production company. The concept centers on viewing La Mercè through the eyes of a young child, capturing the wonder and excitement of experiencing the festival for the first time.
• Port Olímpic and the Bogatell Breakwater will be new locations for the Mercè Arts de Carrer (MAC) performances, aligning with the Copa América 2024.
• Terra i Gust, a festival focused on sustainable food and music, will return to Parc de la Ciutadella, offering eco-conscious culinary experiences.

The Piromusical: A Spectacular Finale

A highlight of La Mercè is the Piromusical, a breathtaking fireworks show set to music that concludes the festival.

Held at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, this grand event synchronizes fireworks with classical, contemporary, and pop music, creating a stunning audiovisual experience.

Thousands gather to witness this grand finale, making it one of the most attended festivities. Public transport, including the metro, makes it easy for everyone to join this magical evening.

Free Concerts and Music Performances

Music plays a central role in La Mercè. Free concerts, part of both the BAM Festival and Música Mercè Programme, are held throughout the city. From indie rock to classical symphonies, there’s something for everyone.

Performances take place in key venues like Plaça de Catalunya, Parc de la Ciutadella, and Carrer de Menéndez y Pelayo, ensuring that the whole city is filled with music for all the people, including children and adults alike.

Open Doors at Museums for La Mercè 2024

One of the special features of La Mercè is the Open Doors Day on September 24th, when many of Barcelona’s official buildings, museums and cultural sites open their doors for free. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s rich artistic and historical heritage. Some of the museums and spaces offering free entry include:

• Museu Picasso
• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
• CaixaForum
• Museu Marítim

In some cases, these open doors are extended to the days leading up to the main festival, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.

Savoring Catalan Cuisine

La Mercè is the perfect time to dive into Catalan culinary traditions. Throughout the city, food stalls and pop-up vendors offer an array of local specialties, including pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), botifarra (Catalan sausage), and crema catalana (a dessert similar to crème brûlée).

Many restaurants also feature special La Mercè menus, allowing you to experience traditional Catalan cuisine while celebrating the festival.

Practical Tips for Attending La Mercè

With so much going on, it’s important to plan ahead to make the most of your La Mercè experience:

• Check the Program: The official La Mercè 2024 program will be available as a downloadable PDF closer to the festival. With over 500 events, it’s best to prioritize which ones you want to attend.
• Arrive Early: For popular events like the Castellers and Piromusical, arriving early is crucial to get a good view.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Expect a lot of walking, as many of the festival’s activities take place outdoors in the streets and public spaces.

Stay Safe: The Correfoc is an exhilarating event, but be mindful of safety by keeping a safe distance from the fireworks and wearing protective clothing if you plan to be near the action.

Monica at Spanish Express