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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

Open doors

Open doors

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

Piromusical

Piromusical

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

Correfoc

Correfoc

Devils, beasts and other creatures parade along the city streets and shoot fire in the traditional 'correfoc'

Human tower day

Human tower day

Local human tower building groups ('castellers') take center stage in the great Diada Castellera de la Mercè

MercèDansa

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

Special carillon concert

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

Special spaces for La Mercè

Parc de la Trinitat

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

La Mercè and BAM concerts: Fri 21

Cuca Roseta

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

Banda Municipal de Barcelona

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

RAC 105 concert

RAC 105 concert

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

Cadena 100 concert

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

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

Mediterràniament

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

OBC Mercè concert

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

Mediterràniament

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

La Mercè and BAM concerts: Mon 24