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La Mercè Festival: Barcelona’s Biggest and Most Beloved Celebration
Home 9 City Tours 9 La Mercè Festival: Barcelona’s Biggest and Most Beloved Celebration

1. What is La Mercè and Why is it Celebrated?

Barcelona is a city full of festivals, music, tradition and color—but La Mercè isn’t just any celebration. It’s the celebration. Every September, the entire city transforms into a living stage to honor Our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of Barcelona.

The name “La Mercè” comes from Mare de Déu de la Mercè, a Marian devotion dating back to the 13th century, when the Virgin is said to have miraculously intervened to save the city from a plague of locusts. She was officially declared patroness in 1687, but it wasn’t until 1871 that the city council institutionalized the festival.

Since then, La Mercè has grown to become Barcelona’s most iconic and inclusive celebration, showcasing the best of Catalan culture, popular tradition, and contemporary creativity. It’s more than a party—it’s a tribute to the soul of Barcelona.

Historical photo of La Mercè 1902 showing Catalan giants parading through the streets of Barcelona.
Vintage image of castellers building a human tower during La Mercè festival in 1902.
Large crowd in front of Barcelona’s City Hall during La Mercè 1902.
Close-up of two female Catalan giants in front of Barcelona City Hall during La Mercè 1902.

2. A Bit of History: From Medieval Miracle to Modern Festival

The origins of La Mercè are deeply spiritual. In 1218, the Virgin appeared simultaneously to King Jaume I, Saint Peter Nolasco and Saint Raymond of Penyafort, asking them to establish the Order of Mercy. From this miraculous moment, the devotion to Our Lady of Mercy grew, especially after she was credited with saving the city from natural catastrophes and invasions.

Over centuries, the tradition evolved from religious processions to a full-blown civic festivity. In 1902, La Mercè incorporated castellers (human towers) for the first time, marking a shift toward public, participatory street culture. Since then, the festival has embraced giant parades, pyrotechnic shows, music stages, open museums, and more.

In recent decades, La Mercè has also grown in international relevance, drawing over 1.5 million attendees annually, including locals, visitors, artists and performers from around the world. It’s an explosion of community, identity and joy.

Smoke from the traditional opening shot of La Mercè, fired from the balcony of Palau de la Virreina in La Rambla.
Traditional folkloric characters like the Cavallets Cotoners parade through the streets of Barcelona during the opening of La Mercè.

3. When and Where is La Mercè Celebrated in 2025?

In 2025, La Mercè will take place from Friday, September 19th to Tuesday, September 24th. While September 24th is the actual feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, the festivities span several days before and after.

The heart of the action pulses in and around:

  • Plaça Sant Jaume – where institutional ceremonies, castellers, and parades take place.
  • Parc de la Ciutadella – one of the main cultural hubs with open-air shows.
  • Montjuïc – host to large-scale light and music spectacles.
  • Barceloneta Beach – the perfect spot to catch the final fireworks.

But really, the whole city participates, from neighborhood squares to major avenues. You’ll find celebrations in the Gothic Quarter, Gràcia, El Raval, and more.

The royal giants of Catalonia parading out of Palau de la Virreina during the opening of La Mercè.
La Àliga de Barcelona, a traditional eagle figure, exits Palau de la Virreina during La Mercè’s opening.
The Gegants del Pi, traditional giants of Barcelona, appear in front of Palau de la Virreina during La Mercè.

4. The Most Spectacular Traditions of La Mercè

La Mercè is a vivid showcase of Catalonia’s traditional folklore. During this week, you’ll witness events that are as surreal as they are symbolic, from dragons breathing fire to human towers defying gravity.

Castellers

The castells, or human towers, are a UNESCO-recognized spectacle. Groups called colles build towers several stories high, with children as the crowning touch. Watching them rise, collapse and rise again in Plaça Sant Jaume is a goosebump moment.

“You can find all Catalan traditions in La Mercè. From Correfoc to the gegants and castells—everything typical of Catalonia is right there.” — Personal experience

Correfoc

If you like adrenaline, don’t miss the correfoc. Demons, devils, and fire-breathing dragons parade through the streets, spraying sparks and firecrackers. Wear long sleeves and join in!

Gegants i Capgrossos

The giants and big-headed figures (gegants i capgrossos) are iconic. Towering papier-mâché figures dance through the streets representing historical, mythological and folkloric characters.

Sardana Dancing

The Sardana, a traditional circle dance, is performed with live music in public plazas. Everyone is welcome to join hands and participate—it’s a beautiful expression of unity.

These aren’t “shows” for tourists. They are living traditions, passed down from generation to generation, performed with pride and passion.

A casteller human tower rising in front of Barcelona’s City Hall during La Mercè in Plaça Sant Jaume.
Royal Catalan giants parading through the Gothic Quarter during La Mercè festivities.
Traditional Sardana dancers perform in front of Barcelona Cathedral during La Mercè.
A fire-breathing bestiari figure lights up the night during La Mercè’s correfoc.
A green multi-headed dragon parades through La Rambla surrounded by spectators during La Mercè.
Two capgrossos (big-headed dwarfs) dancing in front of a crowd during La Mercè in the Gothic Quarter.

5. Highlights of La Mercè 2025 ( According to Official Info )

While the full program is still pending official confirmation, based on the City Council’s portal, here’s a preview of what’s expected:

  • Castellers: Human towers on the 20th and 21st of September in Plaça Sant Jaume.
  • Correfoc Infantil: The family-friendly fire run on Saturday 21st, early evening.
  • Correfoc Major: The main fire parade on Sunday 22nd, with devils and dragons storming Via Laietana.
  • Gegants Parades: Expect them daily from Friday 20th onwards, especially in the Gothic Quarter.
  • Live Concerts: Dozens of music performances in Plaça dels Àngels, Parc del Fòrum, and Montjuïc.
  • Mercè Arts de Carrer (MAC): Contemporary street performances and circus acts in Parc de la Ciutadella.
  • Open Doors: Free entrance to many museums, including MUHBA, MNAC, and more.
  • International Guest City: Each year, another world city is invited to showcase its culture. 2025’s guest city is yet to be announced.

6. Featured Extras for La Mercè 2025

In addition to the classics, this year’s program includes some very special highlights:

  • Guest City 2025: Manchester – Enjoy cultural showcases, music, dance and food from this vibrant British city as part of the international guest tradition.
  • Exhibitions and Installations – Many of the city’s cultural institutions will host special exhibitions in line with the spirit of La Mercè.
  • Cursa de la Mercè (Fun Run) – A 10K race taking place during the festival week, starting at Av. Reina Maria Cristina (register early!).
  • Tasta’M Gastronomic Event – Food stalls and tastings in Mercat de Santa Caterina, with live music and a great local atmosphere.
  • Children’s Programming – From storytelling and puppet shows to interactive workshops, many venues will offer family-focused events all week long.
Thousands gather at Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina for the Piromusical finale of La Mercè.
Fireworks explode over the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc during the Piromusical finale of La Mercè.

7. The Piromusical: A Magical Finale by the Sea

The crown jewel of La Mercè is undoubtedly the Piromusical, a massive fireworks and music show at Avinguda Maria Cristina.

Thousands gather, music echoes over the city, lights fill the sky and for a moment, everything stops in awe.

Pro tip: arrive early, bring a blanket and enjoy a local picnic with cava and friends. You’ll remember this for life.

8. How to Experience La Mercè Like a Local

If you want to live La Mercè like a true Barceloní, here are some golden rules:

  • Avoid rushing: La Mercè is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself.
  • Get lost in the neighborhoods: Gràcia and Poblenou host fantastic events away from tourist crowds.
  • Talk to locals: They’re proud of the festivity and happy to share tips.
  • Try Catalan food: Look for temporary food trucks or sample calçots, coca, botifarra.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll walk. A lot.
  • Catch the feeling:

    “You can feel it in the air. The locals are in a celebration mood. It’s beautiful, crowded, but beautiful.” — Personal insight

Barcelona becomes one big stage of human expression—and you’re part of it.

9. Is It Worth Visiting Barcelona During La Mercè?

Bastoners performing a traditional stick dance during the opening parade at Palau de la Virreina, La Rambla.
Close-up of dancers’ feet performing the Sardana during La Mercè in Plaça de la Catedral.
Catalan musicians playing gralles and drums in front of Palau de la Virreina during the start of La Mercè.
Musicians and capgrossos performing during the opening parade of La Mercè at Palau de la Virreina.
Nighttime concert stage illuminated with lights and crowds during the BAM music program of La Mercè.
A woman in traditional Catalan dress smiles as she takes part in a cultural parade during La Mercè.

Absolutely. If you want to understand the essence of Barcelona, La Mercè is the moment. It’s where history meets celebration, where tradition meets spontaneity, and where locals and visitors come together to share joy.

But let’s be honest—it gets crowded. And not everyone enjoys being part of a big, bustling crowd.

Here’s the good news: even if you’re visiting during La Mercè but prefer a calmer, more curated experience, Barcelona offers so much more beyond the noise and lights.

That’s why we specialize in private, customized tours—tailored to your interests, your pace, and your travel style. Whether you’re fascinated by art, history, architecture, local markets, wine, or off-the-beaten-path gems, we’ll help you design an unforgettable journey through Catalonia, with or without the big crowds.

So yes—come for La Mercè, or simply come during La Mercè. Either way, with the right guidance, you’ll have a magical time.

Come for the party. Stay for the soul. Let us take care of the rest.

NOTE: The official full schedule (PDF) with detailed dates, routes and times will be added to this post as soon as it’s released by the city council. Stay tuned!