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Photo: Piromusical Mercè 2023
One of Barcelona’s most anticipated events is just around the corner, marking the end of summer: La Mercè 2024. This year, the festival will take place from Friday, September 20, to Tuesday, September 24 (a local holiday).
Are you ready to make the most of the most exciting days in Barcelona? If not, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the La Mercè 2024 program, including concerts, fireworks, fire runs, and open-door events throughout the city.
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.
On Friday, September 20, La Mercè 2024 will officially begin with the highly anticipated opening speech delivered by the renowned Carme Solé Vendrell, celebrated for her children’s illustrations and the “Why?” campaign. This event will take place, as is tradition, in the Saló de Cent at City Hall.
Simultaneously, the inaugural procession, a solemn parade featuring Barcelona’s popular entourage, will commence at 7:00 PM.
Following the opening speech and inaugural procession, the “Toc d’Inici” will take place in Plaça de Sant Jaume. This is one of the festival’s most significant events, where all the traditional figures dance one by one to the melody of “Toc d’Inici,” marking the official start of the festivities.
The Popular Entourage Exhibition is a cornerstone of La Mercè, showcasing the festival’s most iconic figures. This year, as always, you can expect to see the eagle, giants, lion, mule, ox, víbria, big heads, dragon, and little horses—figures born from popular imagination and reconstructed in 1993.
These characters are considered “the soul of the festival,” playing a central role in various parades, dances, and ceremonies. The entourage is prominently featured in the “Toc d’Inici” and will remain on display for the public to admire throughout the celebrations.
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.
Perfecto para probar la especialidad de la casa :
LA PAELLA.
Xambanga is the lively parade that takes place on the eve of La Mercè, featuring the giants of Barcelona as the stars of the show.
This parade stands out for its originality, as the giants dress up and compete for the title of the most popular. They also dance and revel in an evening dedicated entirely to them.
The human towers, known as Castellers, are a central and highly anticipated part of La Mercè festivities.
These impressive spectacles take place in Plaça de Sant Jaume, with events scheduled at different times over two days. The final Castellers competition, one of the most awaited events, will be held on Sunday, September 22.
The local holiday on September 24 kicks off with a morning filled with noise, as the Galejades de Trabucaire aim to wake up the entire city so that no one misses the day’s festivities.
The terms “galejades” and “trabucaire” refer to the act of “showing off” and the people who fire these old blunderbusses, respectively. This tradition is one of the most distinctive elements of the La Mercè festival.
Also known as the “La Mercè Parade,” this is one of the most colorful and anticipated events of the festival.
The parade features a wide array of traditional elements, including the popular entourage, dance groups, music ensembles, and themed floats. Due to ongoing works on Via Laietana, the parade will follow the same route as in previous years.
It will start at Avenida del Marquès de l’Argentera, proceed along Paseo de Colom, and continue toward Avenida del Paral·lel. From there, it will ascend Ronda de Sant Pau, pass by the Sant Antoni Market, and travel along Calle Sepúlveda before reaching Plaça d’Espanya. The parade will conclude on Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina around 9:00 PM.
The Piromusical is the grand finale of Barcelona’s Major Festival and one of the most eagerly awaited events each year. This spectacular show combines fireworks, music, water, and light displays from the Magic Fountain. The music selection typically includes a mix of classical and contemporary pieces, often reflecting the theme or guest country of the year.
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 2024 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 2024 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.
Confirmed venues: Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça Reial, Rambla del Raval, Avinguda de la Catedral, Parc de la Ciutadella, Platja de Bogatell, Teatre Grec, and Estrella Damm’s Old Factory.
Below are the highlights of La Mercè concerts. You can see the complete concert schedule on the official city Hall website.
Carrer Menéndez Pelayo: 20:00 Álex Perez | 21:00 Mariona Escoda | 22:00 Roger Padrós | 0:15 Flashy Ice Cream
Teatre Grec: 21:30 Sopa de Pedra | 23:30 Encuentro D’Arreu
Jardines del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 20:30 SanIsidro | 22:00 Pinan 450F | 23:45 Vic Mirallas
Avinguda de la Catedral: 22:00 Marwán | 00:00 Arrels de Gràcia |
Playa del Bogatell: 21:30 La Ludwig Band | 22:00 Maria Jaume | 23:30 Oques Grasees | 1:30 Figa Flawas
Parque de la Ciutadella: 22:00 Aïta Mon Amour
La Rambla del Raval: 21:00 Ale Hop & Laura Robles | 22:30 Latineo
Plaza Reial: 21:30 Nicole Torrealba
Plaça de Catalunya: 23:30 Futuros | 1:30 Los Ganglios
Can Fabra: 22.00 Bravo | 23:20 Meli Perea
Carrer Menéndez Pelayo: 20:00 COCO | 20:50 Mama Doucha | 23:20 Marlon |
Teatre Grec: 21:30 Mercedes Peón | 23:30 Vive la Fête
Jardines del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 23:45 Augusto Bracho
Playa del Bogatell: 20:30 Ginestà | 22:00 Álvaro de Luna | 23:30 Stay Homas | 1:10 Buhos
Parque de la Ciutadella: 13:00 Alejandro y María Laura | 22:00 Juanlu Leprevost
Plaza Reial: 21:30 Rozi Plain | 23:00 Repion
Plaça de Catalunya: 20:30 Jester | 00:00 Ouineta
Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm: 12:00 Lucía Fumero | 13:00 Lleona | 18:45 Malika |
Teatre Grec: 21:50 Mayra Andrae
Jardines del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 19:45 Alba Haro | 22:45 PUULUUP |
Playa del Bogatell: 22:00 Miki Nuñez
Parque de la Ciutadella: 22:00 Egosex
Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm: 12:00 FADES | 13:00 TWIN | 19:15 Rebe | 20:15 SDH
La Rambla del Raval: 18:30 Salam Group |
Jardines del Doctor Pla i Armengol: 23:45 Carmen y María | 22:00 Tina Masawi
Avinguda de la Catedral: 22:00 Karime Amaya | 00:00 Califato 3/4
La Rambla del Raval: 0:30 Bateu Matou |
Plaza Reial: 21:30 Magalí Datzira | 0:30 Kassa Overall
Plaça de Catalunya: 00:00 Las Ninyas del Corro
During La Mercè 2024 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.
One of the peculiarities this year has been La Mercè’s poster and spot, which have received both positive and negative critiques. What does this crying child, who only finds solace under the lights of the fire runs, mean?
It was developed by the Barcelona production company Canada, and they wanted to convey the accessibility of Barcelona’s Major Festival, open to everyone, even those who don’t know what La Mercè is.
From this same audiovisual, this year’s La Mercè poster was born, breaking a bit with the tradition of being created by artists or designers. It shows the gaze of a child seeing the festival for the first time.
This year’s opening speech will be delivered by the beloved illustrator Carme Solé Vendrell, known for her works and drawings aimed at children. She has exhibited her works in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Taipei, and other cities around the world.
One of her most recognized works is the international campaign for children’s rights, “Why?” Want to know more? She also shaped the face of the giantess Laila in the Santa Eulàlia festival in 1997.
The largest city in Morocco will bring a grand Moroccan festival to Barcelona this year. You’ll find their artists in almost all the prepared spaces and stages, offering concerts, urban dances, circuses, or displaying their visual arts.
Not only will artists from Casablanca come, but artists from Barcelona’s Moroccan community will also be present to delight us with their culture, to which Barcelona has been closely linked for years of history.
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.
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