Barcelona, a vibrant and culturally rich city, is widely known for its exciting festivals and events. Among the many events that rock the city, the Festival de La Mercè holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Held annually, this festival is a celebration that honours Barcelona's patron saint, the Virgin of La Mercè.

For several days, the city comes alive with a multitude of activities, from street shows to musical concerts, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates everyone. This year's edition will be from 21 to 26 September.

La Mercè 2024 Festival Programme - Main activities

• Correfoc - Fire Race

Location: Passeig de Gracia (Carrer del Rosselló - Carrer d'Aragó)

During Correfoc, which takes place at dusk, the Demons, special community groups that dress up as demons, parade through the streets with firecrackers and fireworks.

• Castellers - Human Towers

Venue: Plaça de Sant Jaume

This event is one of the highlights of the Mercè festival, in which thousands of people gather in the square. The aim of the Castellers is to build a human tower and have a child climb to the top of the tower and stand upright.

• Giants (Parade of Giants)

Venue: Plaça St Jaume

Huge giants, with representations of kings, queens and nobles, walk through the streets. These huge figures stand tall in the crowds and the parade is often accompanied by small percussion groups, who play to a certain rhythm on drums as the Giants walk along.

• Projection Show

Venue: Plaça de la Mercè

In Plaça St. Jaume, there is the famous projection show at night, where images are projected onto the side of one of the buildings in the square. The show is repeated every night and is free for anyone to attend.

Historical Origins

The La Mercè Festival has its roots in Barcelona's history, dating back to the 17th century. In 1687, the city experienced a series of difficulties, including a plague of locusts that devastated crops and a plague epidemic that ravaged the population.

Seeking protection and salvation, the citizens turned to the Virgin of La Mercè to intercede for them with God. In answer to their prayers, the city was miraculously delivered from the plagues. In gratitude, the City Council decided to institute the Festival of La Mercè as a way to express their gratitude to the Virgin and to celebrate the liberation of the city.

Attractions La Mercè Festival 2024

As the programme describes it, during the Festival de La Mercè, the streets come alive with a variety of street performances featuring acrobats, dancers, giants and cabeçudos. These traditional characters, representative of Catalan culture, parade through the streets enchanting the public with their skills and colourful costumes.

The famous "castells", another major attraction of the festival, which are impressive human towers, have teams of "castellers" competing against each other to build the tallest and most stable towers, demonstrating strength, balance and teamwork. These human constructions are a fascinating spectacle and symbolise the unity and solidarity of the community.

In addition, music plays a key role during the La Mercè Festival. The city hosts a variety of concerts and musical performances in different venues. Musical styles range from traditional Catalan music to contemporary and international music. Squares and parks become improvised stages where people can enjoy free live performances.

Cultural Importance

The La Mercè Festival plays a key role in preserving and promoting Catalan culture. It is an opportunity for locals to come together and share their cultural heritage with the rest of the world. The festival also attracts visitors from around the globe, providing a unique experience of immersion in Catalan culture.

In addition, the Festival de La Mercè promotes social cohesion and a sense of community in Barcelona. During the days of festivities, people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy the activities and events together. The festive atmosphere creates a feeling of togetherness and solidarity, strengthening the bonds between the city's residents and promoting a sense of belonging.

Another significant aspect of the festival is its commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment. In recent years, the organisation of La Mercè Festival has emphasised the importance of environmental awareness. Measures are implemented to reduce the environmental impact of the event, such as the use of recyclable materials, energy saving and the promotion of public transport.