Photo: Piromusical Mercè 2023
One of the most anticipated celebrations of the year in Barcelona is just around the corner, marking the end of summer: La Mercè 2025. This year, the festival will take place from Friday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 24 (public holiday).
Do you already know how you’re going to enjoy Barcelona’s most intense days of the year? No? Then keep reading to find out all about the updated schedule: concerts, fireworks, correfocs, open museums and more during La Mercè 2025 in Barcelona
Each year, the weekend closest to September 24th is dedicated to celebrating the festival of Barcelona’s patron saint, Mare de Déu de la Mercè. Various neighborhoods come alive with dances, concerts, parades, communal meals, and the traditional opening speech that officially kicks off the festivities.
La Mercè is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s vibrant culture, celebrate the city’s rich traditions, and enjoy a few days packed with activities for families, children, friends, and couples alike.
This year, the opening speech (pregonera) will be delivered by the Catalan actress Emma Vilarasau, chosen by the City Council to officially open the festival. Her speech, focused on her connection to the city, will mark the start of La Mercè 2025.
As usual, the event will be held in the historic Saló de Cent at City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., accompanied by the solemn inaugural procession featuring the city’s traditional figures.
After the pregó and inaugural parade, the Toc d’Inici takes place in Plaça de Sant Jaume. It’s one of the most iconic events, where all the festive figures—giants, mythical beasts, and capgrossos—dance one by one to the signature melody known as “Toc d’Inici”.
The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with performances by the Ministrils del Camí Ral and the Falcons de Barcelona, who contribute live music and acrobatic displays.
The exhibition of the popular entourage is one of the festival’s most beloved traditions. This year is no different. The Eagle, Giants, Lion, Dragon, Mule, Ox, Víbria, Capgrossos and other figures will be on display.
These characters represent the popular imagination and have been part of the festival since their reconstruction in 1993. They are considered “the soul of the party” and appear in nearly all parades and solemn events—especially in the Toc d’Inici.
After their public dance debut, they remain on display for the rest of the celebrations.
Surprise your loved ones with a special lunch or dinner. A gastronomic experience that includes Barcelona’s most famous paellas, candles, desserts, and delightful surprises.
During La Mercè, restaurants become a favorite destination for Barcelona families looking to enjoy a good meal amid the festivities. A satisfying dinner is essential to keep up with the concerts and parties. At Maná 75, you and your loved ones can savor some of the most delicious paellas in Barcelona.
This elegant yet relaxed restaurant features an open kitchen and boasts the longest paella stove in Europe. With over 15 different paella recipes, including options with fish, vegetables, and meats, there’s something to delight every palate. Be sure to reserve your table in advance to avoid missing out.
× Entrante
× Arroz
× Postre
× Café
Perfecto para probar la especialidad de la casa: LA PAELLA.
The Xambanga is the festive parade that takes place the night before La Mercè’s main day, starring the city’s beloved giants.
It’s one of the most original parades of the festival, as the giants dress up in creative costumes and compete to see which one is the most popular. They dance and celebrate in a night entirely dedicated to them.
The castellers—human towers—play a central role in La Mercè’s celebrations and are among the most eagerly awaited spectacles.
The gathering takes place in Plaça de Sant Jaume over several days, with various local teams performing. The final competition is especially exciting and takes place on Sunday, September 22.
La Mercè’s official holiday kicks off with a loud morning ritual. Waking up the whole city seems to be the main goal of the Trabucaires and their galejades.
“Galejada” means “to make a show of it,” and “trabucaire” refers to the people who fire these antique guns—blunderbusses. This march is one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the festival.
The parade starts on Avinguda de la Catedral and continues noisily through the streets until it reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume, where the group is received by city officials and the day’s festivities officially begin.
Also known as the La Mercè Cavalcade, this is one of the festival’s most colorful and eagerly awaited events.
The parade includes traditional figures, dance groups, musicians, themed floats and more. It follows the same route as previous years, avoiding Via Laietana due to ongoing construction.
The parade starts on Avinguda del Marquès de l’Argentera, moves along Passeig de Colom, heads up Avinguda del Paral·lel, continues along Ronda de Sant Pau, passes Sant Antoni Market, and finishes at Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina.
The piromusical, as every year, is the most anticipated event and the one that marks the end of the revelry of Barcelona’s main festival.
One of the major novelties of this 2025 edition is the return of water to the Magic Fountain, after several years of being halted due to drought and construction work.
It usually begins at 10:00 p.m. However, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot, as it attracts a large crowd.
Usually danced in emblematic squares such as Plaça de Sant Jaume and Plaça de la Catedral. They take place at different times throughout the festival days, with several sessions daily.
The “diables” (devils) and mythological creatures roam the streets, launching fireworks and creating an intense and vibrant atmosphere the day before La Mercè, on September 23.
During La Mercè, several art exhibitions are organized, as well as mapping projections on the facades of iconic buildings, such as the Barcelona City Hall. They are usually held in Plaça de Sant Jaume every night of La Mercè.
During La Mercè 2025 in Barcelona, drone shows will once again be one of the most anticipated events. They complement the traditional fireworks, offering a more sustainable and visually impressive show. The location and time are yet to be confirmed.
On Sunday, September 29, the La Mercè 2025 race will take place. It has three categories: the 10k race, the 2k inclusive race, and the family mile. If you’re a fan of marathons, hurry up, as registration is still open.
This event is part of the “Mercè Arts de Carrer” (MAC) program, which presents a wide variety of street performances, including theater, dance, and, of course, circus acts. From September 20 to 24.
The entire La Mercè festival is suitable for all audiences, as this year’s theme aims to represent. Children, in addition to enjoying the castellers, parades, fire runs, and exhibitions and dances of the popular entourage, can also enjoy the amusement fair, workshops, and games.
The amusement fair is traditionally located in Parc de la Ciutadella or the Fòrum area. Additionally, it’s common to find games, puppet theater, and workshops in various squares across the city, especially in Parc de la Ciutadella. These activities will be available throughout all the celebration days.
Plaça Major de Nou Barris 1: 20:45 Banda Municipal de Barcelona |
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 21:00 Extraños Weys Orquestra | 23:15 Porij
La Rambla del Raval: 21:30 Companyia Les Solidàries | 23:00 The Ex | 00:30 Muqawama
Teatre Grec: 22:00 Tarta Relena | 00:00 Space Afrika
Avinguda de La Catedral: 22:30 Rocío Márquez | 00:00 Niño de Elche
Moll de Fusta: 22:30 ASIA | 00:00 Lido Pimienta | 01:30 Kiddy Smile
La Plaza de Cataluña: 23:00 PUSSY RIOT | 01:00 Ladilla Rusa
Plaça Major de Nou Barris 1: 20:45 Orquestra Simfònica Vozes + La Maria
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 11:30 Liceu BLAM Collective | 13:00 Taller de Músicos XXL Collective | 19:00 Xamfrà, Centre de Música i Escena del Raval
Avinguda de La Catedral: 20:00 Centenari d’Antonio González Batista
La Plaza de Cataluña: 17:00 Catalunya Freestyle
Plaça Major de Nou Barris 1: 20:45 Orquestra y Coro del Gran Teatre del Liceu
Avinguda Maria Cristina: 20:00 Suu | 21:15 Buhos | 22:35 Ginestà | 00:00 Figa Flawas | 01:30 Triquell
Platja del Bogatell: 21:00 Mushka | 23:00 Rigoberta Bandini | 01:00 Lia Kali
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 21:00 Maria Mazzotta | 23:15 Myriam Swanson
La Rambla del Raval: 21:30 cabezadenegro | 23:00 Dis Fig | 00:30 Children of Zeus
Teatre Grec: 21:00 Al Corazón de Marta Valdés | 23:30 Bongoziwe Mabandla
Avinguda de La Catedral: 22:00 Chloe Slater | 00:00 Queralt Lahoz & Werkha
Moll de Fusta: 22:30 La Tania | 00:00 Marta Da’ro | 01:30 Villano Antillano
La Plaza de Cataluña: 20:30 Potser dimarts | 21:15 Samuel Nagati | 22:30 “Cançons amagades” de Anna Andreu, Mar Pujol, Ferran Palau y Bruna González | 00:00 Etella | 01:30 SVSTO
Parc de la Ciutadella: 22:30 Son de Madera |
Plaça Major de Nou Barris 1: 13:00 Banda Simfònica Roquetes de Nou Barris y Filarmonica Volere è Potere | 20:45 Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 12:00 Jamnation / Big Band Jam | 21:30 Anna Ferrer | 23:15 Mito y Comadre
La Rambla del Raval: 21:30 Girls 96 | 00:30 Fidju Kitxora | 23:00 DJ Lycox
Teatre Grec: 22:00 Maria Arnal
Avinguda de La Catedral: 22:00 Sidonie | 00:00 Seward
Moll de Fusta: 22:30 elsas | 00:00 DJ Set – MERCA BAE | 01:30 Safety Trance
La Plaza de Cataluña: 22:30 Gazella | 00:00 Alvilda | 01:30 Biznaga
Parc de la Ciutadella: 13:00 Juan Andrés Ospina y la Orquesta Efímera | 22:30 Kokoschca
Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm: 13:15 Ven’nus | 14:15 Chica Acosta B2B Phran | 17:40 Hadren | 18:50 Fillas de Cassandra | 20:15 Gregotechno
Casal de Barri Ateneu L’Harmonia de Sant Andreu: 17:00 Marta Garrett
Recinte Fabra i Coats: 18:40 Damare! | 19:30 Syd dePalma | 20:20 INDAR
Platja del Bogatell: 20:00 Mama Dousha | 21:05 Doctor Prats | 00:15 The Tyets | 01:45 Vicco
Avinguda de Maria Cristina: 21:00 Classe B | 22:15 31 FAM | 23:45 Marlena | 01:15 La La Love You
Plaça de Can Fabra: 21:30 Bigwé. | 00:10 thelee | 22:50 Carmen Xía
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 12:00 ESMUC Band / RNCM Band
Parc de la Ciutadella: 13:00 Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet | 19:30 Sehar Gul Khan”
Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm: 13:15 St. Frances | 14:40 Gigi Ros | 16:30 Sofia | 20:15 Verde Prato
Plaça de Can Fabra: 13:00 Ikram Essaghir, acompañada de Diara Dgy | 14:00 La Otra Rumba | 16:00 Paco Pecado | 17: 30 Sonido San Francisco
La Plaça de Sant Jaume: 19:30 Albéricas | 21:30 Havaneres: Óscar Sánchez + Marbis Manzanet
During La Mercè 2025 in Barcelona, many museums and cultural spaces will open their doors for free on September 24, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural offerings.
Here’s a list of some of the most notable places participating in this “Portes Obertes” day:
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC): Open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Reservations are recommended.
Museu Picasso: From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Prior reservation is required
Museu Marítim de Barcelona: From 10:00 to 20:00 h.
Museu d’Història de Catalunya: From 10:00 to 14:30 h.
CosmoCaixa: From 10:00 to 20:00 h.
Castell de Montjuïc: From 10:00 to 20:00 h.
Fundació Joan Miró: Free access with previous reservation.
Pavelló Mies van der Rohe: From 10:00 to 20:00 h.
El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria: Offers express tours and special activities.
Museu de la Música: From 10:00 to 19:00 h.
Monestir de Pedralbes: From 10:00 to 20:00 h.
This is just a summary of some available places. The complete list includes many more spaces, offering a rich and diverse cultural experience to enjoy during La Mercè. Check all the spaces here.
This year’s official La Mercè poster has been created by renowned Catalan stage designer and director Lluís Danés. Rather than a static image, the poster is conceived as a full-scale scenic installation, built like a baroque theatre wagon.
This life-size piece will be on display in Plaça de Sant Jaume throughout the festival and can be visited like a real set.
The accompanying audiovisual spot was produced by Danés as well, and features music composed by Gemma Humet and performed by the Barcelona Municipal Band, with choreography by Ariadna Peya.
The whole concept draws inspiration from cultural inclusion, childhood imagination and the power of popular celebration, combining traditional imagery with circus and religious symbolism.
The official opening speech will be delivered by the much-loved actress Emma Vilarasau, known for her work on stage and television.
The pregó will take place on Tuesday, September 23 in the Saló de Cent at City Hall, after a change of location due to a citizens’ protest originally planned at the Hivernacle venue.
Vilarasau’s address is expected to be both emotional and powerful, reflecting her deep personal ties to Barcelona and her career in the cultural world.
The guest city for La Mercè 2025 is Manchester, the first English city ever to be invited to the festival. It was selected for its strong cultural scene and historical parallels with Barcelona in terms of creativity, innovation and community spirit.
This collaboration was officially announced in late 2024, and during the festival, Manchester will be present in many venues with live music, theatre, street arts, circus and visual installations.
Local British artists will join forces with members of the UK’s cultural scene as well as the Catalan–British community to offer a diverse and inclusive program of events.
The dates of La Mercè coincide with Catalan Book Week, which, although not part of the festival, is also a great plan to enjoy during these celebration days. This annual event aims to promote literature and reading in the Catalan language. It is a meeting point for authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers, who gather in a festive and literary atmosphere.
There are book fairs, presentations, and conferences, and literary awards are given. The event is usually held on Avinguda de la Catedral de Barcelona, a central and emblematic location that facilitates attendance by many visitors.
Catalan Book Week is a key event for the dissemination of Catalan culture and an excellent opportunity to discover new readings, meet authors, and enjoy a unique literary atmosphere
La Mercè is the most important celebration in Barcelona, dedicated to the Virgin of La Mercè (Mare de Déu de la Mercè), the city’s patron saint. Devotion to the Virgin of La Mercè in Barcelona dates back to the Middle Ages.
In 1218, according to tradition, the Virgin simultaneously appeared to three important figures: King James I of Aragon, Saint Peter Nolasco, and Saint Raymond of Peñafort, asking them to find a religious order to liberate Christians held captive by Muslims.
The festival took on special significance in 1687 when Barcelona suffered a plague of locusts that devastated the crops.
The citizens asked for the intervention of the Virgin of La Mercè, who, according to popular belief, saved the city from the plague. In gratitude, the Council of One Hundred (the governing body of Barcelona) proclaimed the Virgin of La Mercè the patron saint of the city.
La Mercè is one of those festivals where you can enjoy yourself to the fullest. With so many traditional activities, concerts, and fairs throughout the city, you can choose the ones you like the most. Here’s my perfect plan:
The best way to experience it is with your group of friends or family. Walk through the city squares, and visit the amusement fair on Sunday morning with the little ones. Enjoy the Saturday concerts at Platja de Bogatell.
On the night of the 23rd, we’ll enjoy a delicious paella at Maná 75 before watching the drone show from San Sebastián Beach.
On September 24th, I advise you not to miss a second of the traditional activities. Plaça de Sant Jaume will be the epicenter.
Lover of Mediterranean gastronomy and Barcelona's culture. Full time taster of new flavors, places and experiences.
