Festivals in La Mercè in Barcelona

Celebration date

The day of the Virgin of Mercè is the 24 September. The municipal programme usually extends for several days close to that date; Their interval, times and routes vary from one edition to another and should only be confirmed when the City Council publishes the annual programme.

24 September is one of the local holidays that Barcelona can set in its work calendar. This declaration is approved for each year and must be differentiated from the religious and festive tradition.

A party spread throughout Barcelona

The Plaza de Sant Jaume and the Plaza and Basilica of La Mercè are central spaces for traditional events. La Rambla, the Cathedral avenue and the downtown routes host parades and entourages; Other parks, squares and large avenues host concerts, performing arts, the correfoc and the fireworks closing. The specific distribution changes with each programme.

Origin and history

The Virgin of Mercè was declared the patron saint of Barcelona by Pope Pius IX in 1868, and since then, on 24 September, there are events commemorating his patronage. Saint Eulàlia, historical patron saint of the city, retains the status of co-patron.

The modern configuration of the festival gained momentum in 1902, when Barcelona organised a great celebration inspired by the traditional festivals of towns and villages in Catalonia and invited groups from different places. The recovery of festive imagery and the popular entourage during the last decades of the 20th century reinforced the traditional profile that today coexists with contemporary creation.

Traditions of La Mercè

• Pregón and Toc d’Inici, which open the party and present the Seguici Popular dances.
• Giants, big heads, historical bestiary, parade and parade through the streets of the centre.
• Days of human towers, sardanas, esbarts, bastoners, grallers and other expressions of popular culture.
• Correfoc for children and adults, with devils, percussion, fire and festive beasts.
• Mercè and BAM Music Concerts, along with the Mercè Arts de Carrer street arts festival.
• Pyromusical, music, light and fireworks show that usually closes the celebration.

The correfoc and the popular renewal

The La Mercè correfoc was born in 1979 as an exhibition of fantastic beasts. The participation of the public and the fire groups helped turn it into a festive format later spread throughout Catalonia. Its route and safety recommendations are published for each edition.

Quién organiza y participa

Barcelona City Council, through the Institute of Culture, coordinates the programme together with popular culture groups, companies, artists, facilities and city entities. Colles of human towers, giants and firemen, musicians, dancers, street and neighbourhood companies and visitors of all ages participate.

Public nature of the celebration

Most of the programming takes place in public spaces and is free. The festival combines traditional acts and contemporary proposals, and each edition incorporates new stages, artists and collaborations. Access, capacity and possible reservations must be consulted in the current municipal information.

Sources

• Barcelona City Council: history of La Mercè and recovery of festive imagery.
• Barcelona City Council: dossier on popular culture and origin of the correfoc.
• Barcelona City Council: current spaces and areas of the festival.
• Barcelona City Council: co-patronage of Santa Eulàlia and La Mercè.