La Mercè Festival in Barcelona: Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate Like a Local

Planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for an unforgettable experience? If you’re visiting in late September, you’re in luck.
The city comes alive with its biggest and most vibrant celebration of the year: La Mercè.

This guide gets straight to the point so you can understand what the festival is all about and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Get ready to experience the true spirit of Barcelona like never before.

Let’s get started!

What is La Mercè?

La Mercè is Barcelona’s major annual city festival, held in honor of Our Lady of Mercy (La Mare de Déu de la Mercè), the city’s patron saint.
It’s the most important cultural event of the year and brings the entire city together in celebration.

When does it take place?

The official day of La Mercè is September 24, but events typically begin a few days earlier and stretch across almost an entire week.

What to Expect During La Mercè

Unlike other festivals that take place in a single venue, La Mercè spreads across the entire city. Streets, plazas, and parks become the stage for countless cultural and artistic events.

Traditional Highlights

These are the most iconic and deeply rooted elements of the festival:

• Castellers (Human Towers): Locals form towering human structures up to 9 or 10 levels high. It’s a must-see, especially in Plaça de Sant Jaume, the traditional gathering point.
• Correfoc (Fire Run): A fiery street parade featuring devils, dragons, and fire beasts dancing through the streets with sparklers and fireworks.
  Wear long sleeves, pants, and a hat if you attend, it’s intense but unforgettable.
• Giants and Big-Heads: Large, colorful figures representing historical or mythical characters that parade through the streets accompanied by music.
• Sardanas: A traditional Catalan circle dance performed in public squares to live music. It’s a beautiful expression of local culture, whether you join in or simply watch.

Live Music Throughout the City

One of the biggest draws of La Mercè is the live music, free and accessible in nearly every neighborhood.

• Street concerts: From up-and-coming bands to established artists, music fills public spaces across the city.
• Main events: The BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical) festival is part of La Mercè, bringing alternative music to the program. Larger concerts often take place at Avinguda Maria Cristina or Bogatell Beach.

Artistic and Visual Performances

La Mercè also offers a rich lineup of visual and performing arts:

• Video mapping shows: Stunning light and sound projections on the facade of Barcelona City Hall in Plaça de Sant Jaume.
• Dance and circus performances: Parks and plazas host performances by local and international artists.
• Fireworks: The Piromusical, a coordinated fireworks and music show, is the grand finale held at Avinguda Maria Cristina.

Family-Friendly Activities

Visiting with kids? La Mercè is great for families:

• Parc de la Ciutadella becomes a hub for kids’ workshops, games, and performances.
• Parades and shows throughout the week are fun and accessible for all ages and families.

Best Areas to Experience the Festival

Barcelona transforms during its Fiesta Grande, and every corner has its own charm.

But if you’re looking for the key spots to experience the party to the fullest, these are your must-sees.

Plaça de Sant Jaume

It’s the main stage for traditional Catalan culture.
Here, you’ll witness the breathtaking Castellers (human towers) and catch the Giants and Big-Heads parading through the square. At night, the City Hall façade often becomes the canvas for spectacular light projections.
If you want to experience the true essence of Catalonia, this is the place to be.
Tip: Arrive early, especially for the Castellers. It gets incredibly crowded.

Avinguda Maria Cristina and Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

This is where much of the live music is concentrated (large concert stages) and, most importantly, it’s the site of the spectacular Piromusical (Pyromusical) that closes La Mercè (the last night of the festivities).

Tip: If you go to the Piromusical, arrive well in advance to get a good spot.

The nearby terraces of the Las Arenas Shopping Center or the MNAC (National Museum of Contemporary Art) are also good options for viewing from above, although they’re also quite crowded.

Parc de la Ciutadella

It’s the heart of Mercè Arts de Carrer (MAC), the festival of street performing arts during La Mercè.
You’ll come across circus acts, dance, theater, puppetry, and more perfect for wandering around and stumbling upon surprises at every turn.
There are also plenty of activities for kids and families.
Tip: Set aside a few good hours. There’s a lot to see, and the performances keep coming one after another.

Bogatell Beach and Barceloneta

This area usually hosts large open-air stages for free concerts, especially in the evenings.
It’s also a great spot to catch some of the fireworks displays held on certain nights (aside from the main Piromusical).
If you’re looking for a lively concert atmosphere by the sea breeze, this is the place to be.

Montjuïc Castle

Montjuïc Castle often hosts contemporary circus performances and other live arts shows.
From here, you’ll also get incredible panoramic views of the city—an ideal, quieter spot to watch the fireworks from a different perspective.
You can even pair it with a scenic walk around the mountain for a peaceful break from the crowds.

Other Interesting Spots

• Plaça Catalunya / Plaça Reial / Rambla del Raval: These usually feature stages with a variety of musical styles including jazz, soul, indie, and more.
• Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm: A frequent venue for concerts and live performances.
• Passeig de Gràcia: Sometimes hosts parades and popular culture events.

Local Tip

The La Mercè schedule is extensive and changes every year.
To make the most of it, download the official festival app (available for iOS and Android) or check the Ajuntament de Barcelona website a few days before the festival begins.
You’ll find a full schedule with exact times and locations, making it easier to plan your own route and not miss a thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is La Mercè?

The official date is September 24, a public holiday in Barcelona.
However, festivities usually begin about 4 or 5 days earlier and continue until the 24th, making it nearly a week-long celebration.

2. Are the events free to attend?

Yes, most of them are completely free.
La Mercè is a festival for everyone, with open-access concerts, street shows, parades, and cultural events throughout the city.
Only a few specific exhibitions or special events may require tickets.

3. Where can I find the full program?

The best way is to download the official La Mercè app or visit the Barcelona City Council website.
The full program is usually released a few days before the festival, including schedules, locations, and event details. You can even create your own custom itinerary.

4. Is it suitable for children?

Absolutely.
La Mercè includes plenty of family-friendly activities. Parc de la Ciutadella is a main hub for kids, with workshops, games, and performances.
The Giants and Big-Heads parades are also a favorite among children.

5. Are there any safety tips, especially for the Correfoc?

Yes.
If you plan to attend the Correfoc (fire run), wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat or scarf, and protective eyewear if possible.
It’s an incredible experience, but it involves fire and fireworks, so be cautious.
Also, major events draw large crowds, so bring your patience and keep a close eye on your belongings.

6. What’s the best way to get around the city?

Public transportation is your best option.
Many streets are closed to traffic due to the events, so driving is not recommended.
The metro usually extends its hours during the festival nights, making it easy to get around late.

7. What are the must-see events?

It depends on your interests, but the most iconic are:

• The Castellers (human towers) in Plaça de Sant Jaume
• The Correfoc, if you’re up for something thrilling
• The Piromusical, the grand fireworks and music finale at Avinguda Maria Cristina

Get Ready to Experience La Mercè to the Fullest

We hope this quick guide gave you a clear idea of what to expect during La Mercè.

But how about taking home a truly authentic taste of your trip?

Sazón The Folk Cook invites you to enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local Spanish cook, right in their own home, an intimate culinary experience that connects you to real Spanish culture beyond the tourist trail.

Barcelona is ready for La Mercè. Are you ready to live it and savor every moment?