La Mercè en Barcelona

Introduction and local significance

La Mercè in Barcelona is the great patronal festival of the Catalan capital, dedicated to its patron saint. This edition is celebrated from 23 to 27 September 2026. The festivities bring together a wide variety of cultural events in public spaces and monuments across the city, attracting numerous visitors interested in popular culture.

Historical origins and tradition

Tradition places the origin of the devotion on the night of 24 September 1218, when the Virgin appeared to King James I, Saint Peter Nolasco and Saint Raymond of Penyafort to order them to create an order of monk rescuers for imprisoned Christians. In 1687, following a plague of locusts, Barcelona named her patron saint, an appointment ratified by the Pope in 1868. Francesc de Paula Rius i Taulet promoted the civic character of the celebration in 1871. Traditional elements include the Girona sardana dance, the castells (human towers), the devils of Camp de Tarragona and the popular entourage with figures such as the Capgrossos Macers, the Gegants de la Ciutat, l’Àliga, el Lleó, la Mulassa, el Bou, el Drac, la Víbria, la Tarasca, the Cavallets Cotoners and the Gegants del Pi and de Santa Maria del Mar.

Programme and main events

1The official programme of La Mercè in Barcelona includes numerous events distributed across various points of the city:

• 23 September: Opening speech by father and daughter Toni and Meritxell Falgueras in the Saló de Cent of the Town Hall, followed by the Toc d'inici in the Plaça de Sant Jaume.
• 24 September, at 10:30: Giants' parade in the Plaça St Jaume.
• 24 September, from 13:00 to 15:00: Castellers exhibition in the Plaça de Sant Jaume.
• 24 September: Unique show EMERGENCY EXIT, with La Fura dels Baus, Eyesberg and Satori at the Moll de la Fusta, and the popular dance and music show Decostumari in the Plaza de la Natura of Park Güell.
• 24 September: Drone show The red thread. From Barcelona to Shanghai at the Playa del Espigó del Gas.
• 27 September, at 22:00: La Mercè Piromusical (fireworks music show) in the area of Playa de la Nova Icària and Playa de Bogatell.

Traditional festival food

The gastronomy of these dates is framed within the rich Catalan culinary tradition, present in the establishments and dining spots of the city. Although exclusive dishes for this specific festival are not detailed in the official programme, visitors can taste local specialities of Barcelona and its surroundings during their stay.

Visitor guide and where to stay

It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for the festival dates, either in the municipality itself or in nearby towns, which makes it easier to follow the night events. It is advised to use public transport or park outside the centre, since the Plaça de Sant Jaume, Via Laietana and El Born are closed to traffic during the main events. It is recommended to arrive early for the most crowded events. If participating in the Correfoc (fire run) near the fire, it is necessary to wear cotton clothing and protective eyewear. Before travelling, it is advisable to check the official programme, as schedules and events may be subject to change.