Don't miss the most popular festival of the city!

La Mercè (La Merced) is the biggest festival celebrated on September 24 every year in Barcelona since 1902, when the City Council first designed a program of performances to celebrate the Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Virgin of Mercy).

So yes, this festival pays homage to the patron saint of Barcelona herself. It lasts almost a week and takes place in different public places of the city.

The tradition of this festivity begins with the appearance of the Virgin of Mercy on September 24, 1218 to King James I, Saint Raymond of Peñafort and Saint Peter Nolasco. The Virgin commissioned them to establish a religious order to rescue the Christians who were held in Saracen lands.

The birth of the festivities of La Mercè also arises with the Spanish transition, at the same time in which the Barcelona City Council takes the decision to completely reform this major festival in a celebration where this convergence between popular culture and citizenship receives the main focus and a strong role in a playful and present form. Thus, this festival has become one of the biggest celebrations of the city of all time.

Besides being a great event, La Mercè is a macro-festival composed of different festivals that demonstrate the richness of Catalan culture.

This year they offer more than five hundred activities. Among them, the following stand out: Futuroa in Plaça Catalunya, concert by Oques Grasses, concert by Marwán, concert by Las Bajas Pasiones, concert by Figa Flawas.

This year, the poster of La Mercè is very special. It is an audiovisual work produced by Canada. The spot consists of a concept based on the festival, understood as a party open to all citizens, including young children.

It is a party that includes everyone, even people who are not party people or people who do not know this festival… The city offers a meeting place where culture, entertainment and spectacle prevail.