Starting the weekend of September 24th in Parc du Forum and Montjuic. This event takes place between the changing of seasons similar to San Juan in the Summer. Festa della Merce celebrates the Lady of Mercy who is said to be the patron saint of Barcelona. This is not an event to be missed! It has been celebrated since 1902 and is one of the biggest events for the season!
Here is some information on the best way to get to the event! The metro will be open 24 hours a day on the 23rd creating a central focus on the main location of the event. Try to arrive at events you wish to attend at least 45 minutes early to make sure you are not missing the show! There will be no parking within the event. Plan to take the metro or a taxi within.
Regarding covid restrictions, there are limitations at this event! It is always recommended to bring a mask and personal sanitizer just in case, especially if you are arriving by metro.
All entertainment is FREE! Among some of the popular events, there will be concerts, parades, fireworks, food, drinks, and much more!
La Mercè Festival Barcelona is one of the biggest street parties that Barcelona holds within the streets of Barcelona. There will be tons of people, fire dancers throughout the street, tons of street art to see, BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical), Acció Cultura Viva, and the Música Mercè program. This year the festival program is offering over five hundred activities in total, which is a vast amount of things to see.
One of the largest traditions of Catalan includes building a human tower as tall as you can. It takes place in Placa de Jaume. Castellers- the people who build these human towers. The event alone is one of the highlights of this festival. The square will be packed with thousands of people aiming to get a view. Groups participating have trained specially for the occasion. The goal is to create the tallest human tower and have a child climb to the top and stand straight up. Arrive extra early to this event because it is a must-see.
Giant Parade. Huge statue giants designed after kings, queens, and nobles march in a parade down the street. Due to their height, they are visible above the crowds and visible to everyone in the crowd. There are often musician groups playing percussion that join the marching giants to give them a rhythm to march to.
The event will end with a large firework display accompanied by traditional music.
