Last updated on August 22, 2019
With its blazing firework displays, dizzying ‘human towers’, parading giants and explosive ‘correfoc’ fire runs, La Mercè is the festival of all festivals – one of Barcelona’s most important cultural celebrations.
La Mercè Dates 2019: 20th to 24th September. Here’s what and where to see the best of the events during the fiestas in Barcelona!
Understand
When: Every September Barcelona’s streets explode into life with the sights and sounds of the La Mercè festival. La Mercè Dates 2019: 20th to 24th September, although you’ll likely find something going on before and after.
What: Held in honour of the Virgin of La Mercè, Barcelona’s patron saint, this week-long street party bids farewell to the sizzling summer heat and welcomes the cooler autumn months in spectacular style.
There are many similar cultural events and traditions in Barcelona throughout the year, but there’s no doubt that La Mercè is the big one.
Here’s what you can expect to see and do in Barcelona during La Mercè:
The Correfoc Fire Runs ~ Devils and Demons at Dusk
When I first arrived in Barcelona and experienced my first “correfoc” (fire run), I couldn’t quite believe my eyes, or my ears!
This explosive extravaganza sees the city light up as packs of devils brandishing industrial sized sparklers spray pyrotechnics into the air from spiralling pitch forks.
There are two correfoc events each evening of La Mercè. The first is the ‘junior’ version, a tamer and more child-friendly version, while the second is a full-on, flame-fuelled adult version.
See more from my most recent correfoc encounter here.
Tip: You might want to wear a hoody, gloves and maybe some glasses and earmuffs to protect yourself. I’m not joking here.
Where to see it: Head to Via Laietana (a long and wide road that they close off for the event) to see the best of the best.
The Giants Parade ~ Rhythm and Royalty
A firm family favourite, the ‘giants parade’ is a colourful spectacular that sees humungous effigies of royal nobles parading through the streets to the rhythm of thundering percussion groups.
These beautiful queens and kings stand at almost 15 feet tall and are made with wire frames and papier-mâché.
Where to see it: The main procession starts at Plaça de Sant Jaume, but if you follow the beat of the drums, you can follow them on their royal tour through the city.
Castellers (Human Towers) ~ Catalan Identity
The highlight of La Mercè, and one of the most thrilling Catalan traditions of all, is the heart-stopping ‘castellers’, which can be witnessed throughout the festival.
This 300-year-old tradition sees local casteller groups meeting around the city squares, where they climb onto each others shoulders to create human towers in dizzying displays of strength and acrobatic ability.
Revered as one of the most important features of Catalan identity, this tradition is listed in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Where to see it: Go to Plaça de Sant Jaume to see the best and biggest human towers. Get there as early as possible as it fills up very quickly.
Tip: Don’t clap, whistle or gasp until the last child, the ‘enxaneta’, reaches the top of the tower and raises his/her arm to signify its completion.
Visit the official La Mercè website for daily itineraries and more info.
Where to Stay in Barcelona During La Mercè
During La Mercè, I would strongly recommend staying near (but not on) Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most iconic and central boulevard. From here you can stroll to all of the action of the festival and enjoy the best that the city centre has to offer.
Check out my guide (below) for my top picks – everything from budget beds to all out luxury.
More Catalan Cultural Celebrations in Barcelona
Barcelona’s Gràcia Festival ~ A Papier-mâché Playground (Photo Journal)
Sant Joan Festival, Barcelona ~ Explosions In The Sky (Photo Essay)
Catalan Correfocs: The Devils & Fire Runs Of Catalonia ~ Fiestas Del Poble Sec (Barcelona)
Bon Nadal! Visiting Barcelona Over Christmas & New Year’s Eve
