Summer in Barcelona is traditionally wrapped up with the Festa Major de la Mercè, also known as La Mercè, Festes de la Mercè, or Festa Major de Barcelona, the city’s major festival. During La Mercè, the city honors the Virgin Mare de Déu de la Mercè, the patron saint of Barcelona. The highlight of the festival occurs on September 24th, which is an official holiday for Barcelonans. If you’re in Barcelona during La Mercè and want to know what to do, read on here.
Latest update: 12/09/2024
The City Festival of Barcelona
Every year in September, one of the city’s most exciting celebrations takes place: the Festa Major de la Mercè, abbreviated as “La Mercè”. For Barcelonians, this is the most important festival of all the city’s neighborhood celebrations.
Mare Déu de la Mercè, meaning Mother of Grace or Lady of Mercy, is the patron saint of Barcelona. According to legend, she saved the city from a terrible locust plague in the 17th century. In gratitude, she was named patron saint of Barcelona, and the previous patron saint of the city, Santa Eulàlia, was placed second. That’s why it’s said that when it rains during La Mercè, it’s the tears of Santa Eulàlia.
During the Festa Major de la Mercè, more than 600 different activities and concerts take place throughout the week, attracting countless visitors. Key elements of La Mercè include the Catalan castellers (human towers), correfocs (fire runs), cercaviles (parades with giants), sardanes (circle dance), and the closing fireworks show.
Guest of Honor
One of the most exciting aspects of this festival is that each year a new city is chosen as the guest of honor. The guest city brings its own cultural activities, music, and performances to Barcelona during La Mercè. For Barcelonans, it’s the perfect opportunity to enrich their cultural knowledge.
When is La Mercè?
The annual city festival of Barcelona takes place around September 24th, the feast day of Saint Mercè.
What to Do During La Mercè?
La Mercè is the largest city festival in Barcelona and is celebrated on a grand scale by the city council, with numerous free concerts and activities for all ages. Here’s an overview of the key events and activities you can take part in:
1. City Run
The popular race, Cursa de la Mercè, often takes place on the Sunday before the festival begins. It’s a 10 km city run through the center of Barcelona that attracts many participants and spectators. The start and finish lines are located at Plaça d’Espanya.
2. Opening Ceremony
The city festival always kicks off on the Friday before September 24th with a grand opening event known as Pregó de la Mercè, which is read in the Saló de Cent.
This is followed by the Toc d’Inici, the official start of the festival, which takes place around 20:00 at Plaça Sant Jaume.
3. Catalan Traditions
Catalan traditions and folklore play a significant role during La Mercè. Throughout the city center (especially at Plaça de Sant Jaume, the festival’s epicenter), there are street parades with music and giants, impressive human towers are built, and the sardana dance is performed.
One tradition you absolutely cannot miss is the correfocs, a spectacular fire run where participants symbolically battle the devil.
Another perhaps less known but equally impressive dance is El Galop de la Mercè, a special jumping dance performed in pairs in one or two long rows.
Tip: Don’t miss the free exhibitions at El Born CCM and Palau de la Virreina, where you can admire the giants, dragons, and other creatures participating in the street festivities up close.
4. Free Concerts
During La Mercè, numerous concerts are organized that offer a chance to discover new music and sounds, both at the Barcelona Acció Musical (BAM) festival and Música Mercè.
All concerts are free and take place in the evenings at various locations around the city, such as Plaça de Catalunya, Avinguda de la Catedral, Platja de Bogatell, Teatre Grec, and Plaça Reial.
One of the best ways to soak up the festive atmosphere is to hop from concert to concert and experience the diversity and energy of the festival.
5. Food Trucks
During the La Mercè weekend, Parc de la Ciutadella is transformed into a food haven. The gastronomic event Terra i Gust features delicious food and music, along with various workshops and presentations focused on food and sustainability.
6. Circus and Performances
During La Mercè, Barcelona also becomes a stage for various art forms and acts from around the world, known as Mercè Arts de Carrer (MAC). Throughout the festival, you can visit multiple activities, workshops, and performances at locations such as Parc de l’Estació del Nord, Castell de Montjuïc, Palauet Albéniz, Port Olímpic, Parc de la Trinitat, and Parc de l’Aqüeducte.
At the Montjuïc Castle, spectacular circus performances are also held—especially recommended if you’re visiting with children!
7. Free Museums
During La Mercè, museums and cultural institutions fully participate in the festivities. They welcome the public with special activities.
On September 24th, the feast day of Saint Mercè, you can also visit many museums for free. Among them are the Sagrada Família (if you’re selected in the lottery), MACBA, Picasso Museum, Miró Museum, Museu Marítim, Poble Espanyol, Museu de la Història de la Ciutat, and CosmoCaixa.
👉 Read more about the main museums in Barcelona here.
8. Fireworks Spectacle
As with every Catalan celebration, fireworks are an essential part of Barcelona’s city festivals. Every evening, there’s a breathtaking spectacle to enjoy at the beach of Barcelona, at L’Espigó del Gas in La Barceloneta, starting at 10:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, fireworks light up the sky, while on Sunday and Monday, there is a spectacular drone show.
However, the grandest spectacle of all is the Piromusical de la Mercè. This traditional event closes the city festival with a stunning show of music, lights, and fireworks at Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina on the evening of September 24. The Piromusical starts at 10:00 PM and lasts for 25 minutes.
Good to Know
- From the start to the end of the La Mercè city festival on September 24th, there is non-stop metro service. Additionally, extra buses and metro trains are provided to transport people to the various festival locations.
- It can get quite crowded in the center of Barcelona, especially during concerts and events. Keep this in mind.
- Consult the official website for the festival program and the most current information: https://www.barcelona.cat/lamerce/en
These were my tips for experiencing La Mercè in Barcelona like a local. Have you ever been to Barcelona during La Mercè? Share your experience and let me know what you thought of the festival in the comments!
