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Toc d'inici La Mercè
Toc d'inici La Mercè

La Mercè: Barcelona's big celebration

Concerts, traditions and family activities you won't want to miss during Barcelona's biggest festival, La Mercè, September 21 to 24
Jan Fleischer
Written by Time Out Barcelona Editors & Jan Fleischer
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During this year's La Mercè celebrations, in honour of the city's patron saint, you'll thrill with festival essentials such as the 'correfoc' (fire run), 'castells' (human towers), the amazing Piromusical fireworks and music show, and concerts in the BAM festival. This is your guide to all you need to know to get the most out of Barcelona's Festa Major, from September 21 to 24.

La Mercè highlights

Pregó (opening speech)
Things to do

Pregó (opening speech)

Head to Plaça de Sant Jaume for the pregó given by Barcelona-born actor Leticia Dolera
Open doors
Things to do

Open doors

Your guide to the museums and landmark buildings offering free entry during La Mercè
Piromusical
Things to do

Piromusical

It wouldn't be a Mediterranean festival without the smell of gunpowder and the sight of sparks
Correfoc
Things to do

Correfoc

Devils, beasts and other creatures parade along the city streets and shoot fire in the traditional 'correfoc'
Human tower day
Things to do

Human tower day

Local human tower building groups ('castellers') take center stage in the great Diada Castellera de la Mercè
Parade and historic human tower day
Things to do

Parade and historic human tower day

The Castellers de Barcelona parade to Plaça Sant Jaume, where they'll build their 'castells' along with invited casteller groups
La Mercè without cars
Things to do

La Mercè without cars

On Saturday, September 22 from 10am to 2pm, Via Laietana becomes a car-free space
MercèDansa
Things to do

MercèDansa

Traditions are alive and kicking in Catalonia, and proof of that are the many age-old traditional dances still being performed throughout the region
Special carillon concert
Music

Special carillon concert

Principal carillonist Anna Maria Reverté, puts on a special concert where Portuguese music is the star

Special spaces for La Mercè

The Ciutadella by day and by night
Things to do

The Ciutadella by day and by night

See performances of dance, street theatre, circus arts and music during the day and at night in and around Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Trinitat
Things to do

Parc de la Trinitat

You'll find all kinds of music and dance performances in the form of shows you can watch and workshops you can participate in
At the bed of the Besòs River
Things to do

At the bed of the Besòs River

Among the activities is a show featuring the exotic structures from Jordà Ferré and his company Antigua i Barbuda

La Mercè and BAM concerts: Fri 21

Cuca Roseta
Music

Cuca Roseta

This year's guest city for La Mercè is Lisbon, and Cuca Roseta represents the sound of a new generation of fado singing
Banda Municipal de Barcelona
Music

Banda Municipal de Barcelona

The Barcelona Municipal Band performs 'A sea of music', a series of traditonal pieces from Mediterranean countries
RAC 105 concert
Music

RAC 105 concert

Local radio station RAC 105 hosts these concerts by four Catalan bands at the Parc de la Ciutadella
Cadena 100 concert
Music

Cadena 100 concert

Local radio station Cadena 100 hosts this night of concerts in Av. Reina Maria Cristina

La Mercè and BAM concerts: Sat 22

Dr. Calypso farewell concert
Music

Dr. Calypso farewell concert

These pioneers on the ska scene in Catalonia are hanging up their instruments, but first they bid farewell to their fans old and new
Mediterràniament
Music

Mediterràniament

On Saturday 22, at Bogatell Beach, you can catch local acts La iaia, Love of Lesbian, and Fundación Tony Manero
OBC Mercè concert
Music

OBC Mercè concert

The Barcelona Symphony and Catalonia National Orchestra (OBC) kick off their season with a date during La Mercè

La Mercè and BAM concerts: Sun 23

Mediterràniament
Music

Mediterràniament

On Sunday 23 the music by the sea continues with Dr. Prats, Els Catarres, and Gertrudis

La Mercè and BAM concerts: Mon 24

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