Photo: Piromusical Mercè 2023
One of the year’s most eagerly awaited celebrations is almost here — the one that waves goodbye to summer: La Mercè 2026.
This year the festival runs from Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 September, and remember that Thursday 24 is a public holiday across the city.
Not sure how you’ll make the most of Barcelona’s liveliest days? Read on for the full run-down: the updated programme, concerts, fireworks, correfocs and free museum days of La Mercè 2026 in Barcelona.
Every year, around 24 September, Barcelona throws the celebrations in honour of its patron saint, the Mare de Déu de la Mercè. Across the neighbourhoods you’ll find dances, concerts, parades, communal meals, the opening speech that kicks everything off and the piromusical that brings it to a close.
Every edition has its surprises, and this year’s is a big one. Here are the highlights you’ll want to keep an eye on.
For the first time ever, the festival reaches all ten of the city’s districts. It’s a milestone made possible in large part by the guest city, and it brings new venues into the mix — such as Plaça de les Glòries, Plaça de Sarrià and Plaça Comas — to spread the programme right across Barcelona.
Plaça de les Glòries joins the festival with three things at once: it enters the Mercè Arts de Carrer (MAC) street-arts programme, opens a space dedicated to family shows, and hosts the poster exhibition.
The correfoc (fire run) unveils a new Gate of Hell measuring 4 × 8 metres, which will open on 26 September to kick off one of the most spectacular moments of the fire.
For the first time, the grand closing show changes location. Because of the works at the Fira de Montjuïc, the piromusical leaves Avinguda Maria Cristina and moves to Bogatell beach, which debuts as the festival’s new finale spot. A change very much in the spirit of this edition: taking La Mercè out to the neighbourhoods and down to the sea.
On 26 September, Park Güell hosts a large-scale show — co-produced with the Catalan Government’s Department of Culture — blending roots music and dance with contemporary languages, with the city’s esbarts (folk dance groups) taking part. A double anniversary: the centenary of Gaudí’s death and of the park itself.
Black Rice with Garlic Prawns: bomba rice with seafood broth and squid ink, cuttlefish, artichoke hearts and prawns sautéed in garlic.
September only.
This year’s town criers are a father-and-daughter pair, Toni and Meritxell Falgueras, owners of the historic Celler de Gelida in the Sants neighbourhood — a tribute to the city’s local shops, as the mayor put it. Their words will officially open La Mercè 2026.
The speech takes place in the city hall’s historic Saló de Cent on the evening of Wednesday 23 September, followed by the solemn parade of the popular retinue.
After the speech and the parade, Plaça de Sant Jaume hosts the emblematic toc d’inici, when all the traditional figures — gegants (giants), bestiary and big-heads — take turns dancing to the tune of the same name.
A burst of music and acrobatics that lights the fuse of the festival on Wednesday night.
Wednesday 23, early evening (time TBC)
As every year, the festive figures go on public display. In the popular retinue exhibition you’ll spot the Capgrossos Macers, the Gegants de la Ciutat, the Àliga (eagle), the Lleó (lion), the Mulassa, the Bou, the Drac, the Víbria, the Tarasca, the Cavallets Cotoners and the giants of El Pi and Santa Maria del Mar.
The popular retinue is traditionally shown at the Palau de la Virreina, while the dragons and fire beasts have their own display at the Barcelona History Museum – El Born.
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.
✓ Starter
✓ Main dish or Paella
✓ Dessert
✓ Coffee
Perfect to try the specialty of the house: PAELLA!
Available for groups of up to 20 people
The traditional Xambanga takes place on the eve of the opening speech, when Barcelona’s giants dress up and compete to be the most creative. The parade winds through the centre amid lights, confetti and balloons, with the giants dancing freely in a joyful, welcoming atmosphere.
The colles castelleres (human-tower teams) gather in Plaça de Sant Jaume to raise their emblematic human towers. The castellers day is one of the most thrilling moments of the festival, held at midday on La Mercè’s big day.
The morning of the 24th begins with a bang: the Galejades open the day’s festivities with blunderbusses and thunderous blasts along Avinguda de la Catedral, up to Plaça de Sant Jaume, where they salute the city council.
Also known as the ‘Pasacalles de La Mercè’, it’s one of the most colourful and eagerly awaited events of the festival.
The parade is packed with traditional elements — the popular retinue, dance troupes, music groups, themed floats and more. It takes place on the afternoon of Thursday 24 September.
The piromusical is, as always, the most anticipated event and the one that brings the city’s biggest festival to a close.
This year’s big news: the piromusical changes location. Because of the works at the Fira de Montjuïc, it moves to Bogatell beach. And just as Estopa did last year, a ‘well-known Catalan band’ will choose the songs that play along with the fireworks.
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 2026 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.
The festival’s flagship fun run takes place on Sunday 20 September from 8:30 am. If you love running, keep an eye out for registrations!
street arts (theatre, dance, circus…) take over the city’s parks and squares, with Parc de l’Estació del Nord as the main hub and other spaces spread across the districts.
Authentic paella, fresh seafood, and a sunny terrace for a true taste of Barcelona.
Just steps from the beach.
La Mercè is also for food lovers, and there’s one unmissable date: every year during the festival, Parc de la Ciutadella hosts the Terra i Gust food festival, with local produce, seasonal cooking and live music along the Passeig dels Til·lers.
It’s the perfect plan to refuel between concerts, discover local flavours and celebrate Mediterranean cooking in the open air. And if you fancy sitting down quietly to a good rice dish by the sea, you know that at MANA 75, in La Barceloneta, we’ll be waiting with paella cooked fresh in our open kitchen.
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.
Concerts are one of the festival’s biggest draws: this year there are more than a hundred shows, from 23 to 27 September, across 14 music spaces spanning the BAM and Música Mercè circuits. Look out for names like Nacho Vegas, Els Amics de les Arts, Els Catarres, Svetlana, Maria Jaume, Sexenni, Buhos and La Pegatina, among many others. (The programme may grow — always check Barcelona.cat for the latest.)
Plaça de Catalunya (BAM): 19:00 Sona9 contest (2025 winners) | 22:30 Via Ferreira | 00:00 Brama | 01:30 Imarhan
Moll de la Fusta (BAM): 22:30 KIW & Mourad Belouadi | 00:00 La 126 | 01:30 Juventude
Rambla del Raval (BAM): 21:30 Humana Taranja | 23:00 Sunflowers | 00:30 Maria Reis
Teatre Grec (Música Mercè): 21:30 Pol Batlle | 23:30 Luísa Sobral (limited capacity)
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol (Música Mercè): 21:00 Jazz Band Shanghai | 23:00 Shanghai Restoration Project
Avinguda de la Catedral (Música Mercè): 22:00 Sabor de Gràcia | 00:00 Arp Frique and the Perpetual Singers
Plaça de Catalunya (BAM): 17:00 Catalunya Freestyle
Moll de la Fusta: 15:00 Èxit
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol (Música Mercè): 12:00 ESMUC | 19:00 Xamfrà
Plaça Major de Nou Barris (Música Mercè): 20:45 Orquestra i Cor del Gran Teatre del Liceu
Avinguda de la Catedral (Música Mercè): 21:00 María Terremoto | 22:15 La Barcelona Flamenca
Plaça de Catalunya (BAM): 20:30 Juny del 99 | 21:15 Werio | 22:30 Dauod | 00:00 The Slates | 01:30 Sandré
Moll de la Fusta (BAM): 22:30 Les Testarudes | 00:00 Isla Kume | 01:30 Islandman
Rambla del Raval (BAM): 21:30 Restinga | 23:00 Uzi Freyja | 00:30 Queer Falafel i MadMonKey
Teatre Grec (Música Mercè): 21:30 Nacho Vegas | 23:30 La Paloma (limited capacity)
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol (Música Mercè): 21:00 Fuensanta (Mexico) | 23:00 Marina y su Melao
Plaça Major de Nou Barris (Música Mercè): 20:45 OBC
Platja del Bogatell – 40 Principales: 19:45 Aina Machuca | 20:30 Sexenni | 22:00 Miki Núñez | 23:30 artist TBA | 01:15 Buhos
Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina – RAC 105: 20:30 Maria Jaume | 21:30 Markos amb K | 22:00 Els Amics de les Arts | 23:45 Els Catarres | 01:30 Terapia de Shock
Avinguda de la Catedral: 23:00 Shanghai Chinese Orchestra
Parc de la Ciutadella – Terra i Gust: 22:30 Azucarillo Kings
Plaça de Catalunya (BAM): 22:30 Minibús Intergalàctic | 00:00 Ypnosi | 01:30 Sandra Monfort
Moll de la Fusta (BAM): 22:30 Gala i Ovidio | 00:00 Poncela | 01:30 Valentina
Rambla del Raval (BAM): 21:30 I am Roze | 23:00 Tära | 00:30 TootArd
Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm (BAM): 13:15 Carmen Aciar | 14:15 Angela Blackburn | 16:30 Jovedry | 17:40 Admire | 18:50 Cristina Len | 20:15 Bofirax
Ateneu l’Harmonia (BAM – Acció Cultura Viva): 17:00 Peperina | 18:40 Grup de Ties | 20:20 Lecocq
Teatre Grec (Música Mercè): 21:30 Ana Rossi + Joana Queiroz (Brazil) | 23:30 Def Mama Def (Senegal) (limited capacity)
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol (Música Mercè): 12:00 Escoles de Música Jam Nation | 21:30 Marc Vilajuana | 23:00 El Extintor + La Torre
Plaça Major de Nou Barris (Música Mercè): 12:00 Banda Simfònica Roquetes de Nou Barris | 20:45 Banda Municipal de Barcelona
Platja del Bogatell – DAMM: 20:00 Al·lèrgiques al Pol·len | 21:30 La Pegatina | 23:30 LOL | 01:30 Svetlana
Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina – EUROPA FM: 20:00 DJ Ràdio | 21:00 Ivan Herzog | 21:45 Banda Neón | 23:00 Paula Koops | 00:15 surprise artist | 01:15 Leire Martínez
Avinguda de la Catedral: 22:00 Aterciopelados | 00:00 Maika Makowski
Parc de la Ciutadella – Terra i Gust: 12:30 Marco de Ana | 22:30 Sorvina (NYC–Berlin)
Plaça de Can Fabra (BAM – Acció Cultura Viva): 17:50 María Cielos | 19:30 Agost | 21:30 Jester | 22:50 Revolución Guapachosa | 00:15 STA
Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm (BAM): 13:15 Arar | 14:15 Mala Freixura DJ | 16:30 AL-V | 17:40 Asra 3 | 18:50 Show Simultator | 20:15 Maig
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol (Música Mercè): 12:00 Conservatori del Liceu
Seu del Districte de Nou Barris (Música Mercè): 19:00 Vozes amb Marco Mezquida
Parc de la Ciutadella – Terra i Gust: 13:00 Tumbakin | 19:30 Giulia Batlle
Plaça de Sant Jaume: 19:00 Carola Ortiz (havaneres, traditional seaside songs)
Plaça de Can Fabra (BAM – Acció Cultura Viva): 13:10 Havaneres with De Gairó (followed by a communal paella) | 15:00 Brisa Nunjo | 16:30 Quintal Delas | 18:00 “La Llorería” show (10 years of BAM – Acció Cultura Viva)
During La Mercè 2026 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 poster is by visual artist and muralist Cinta Vidal. It’s not just an image: it’s a 33-square-metre mural-poster that will remain permanently at the Francesc Candel library, in the Marina neighbourhood. A pattern of recognisable buildings that aims to show ‘all the Barcelonas’ living within the same city.
This year’s official town criers are a father and daughter, Toni and Meritxell Falgueras, owners of the Celler de Gelida in the Sants neighbourhood — an emblematic shop with more than a century of history. They’ll read the speech on Wednesday 23 September from the city hall’s Saló de Cent, in a tribute to the city’s local commerce.
The guest city for La Mercè 2026 is Shanghai. The Chinese metropolis brings its popular culture to the Fòrum, with traditional articulated dragons and a proposal full of colour, music and traditions to discover over the festival days.
La Mercè once again overlaps with Catalan Book Week — two separate things, but a lovely plan for these days.
Now in its 44th edition, the event moves to Passeig de Lluís Companys, next to the Arc de Triomf, from 18 to 27 September. Expect a book fair, talks, conferences and literary awards, in a festive, literary atmosphere that brings together authors, publishers, booksellers and readers.
It’s a key date for Catalan culture and a great chance to discover new reads, meet authors and soak up a unique atmosphere just steps from the heart of the festival.
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.
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.
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.
