What is La Mercè Festival? Everything You Need to Know

The Fiestas de la Mercè is a beloved annual celebration in Barcelona, Spain, honoring the city's patron saint, La Mercè. This vibrant festival is one of the largest in the city, rivaling the Festivities of Santa Eulàlia.

The festival's origins date back to the 13th century, when Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercè) became a revered figure in Barcelona. According to legend, the Virgin appeared to King James I of Aragon, Saint Peter Nolasco, and Saint Raymond of Penyafort in 1218, asking them to establish a religious order to free Christians held captive by the Moors. This led to the foundation of the Order of Mercy (Mercedarians).

The most significant event cementing La Mercè’s role as the city’s patron saint occurred in 1687, when Barcelona was suffering from a plague of locusts. The city’s residents prayed to the Virgin of Mercy for help, and after the plague subsided, she was credited with saving the city. In gratitude, Barcelona declared her its co-patron saint, alongside Saint Eulàlia.

In 1868, Pope Pius IX officially recognized La Mercè as Barcelona’s patron saint, further solidifying her significance in the city’s religious and cultural life.

The modern version of the Fiestas de la Mercè began in 1871, when the city organized festivities in her honor. Over time, the celebration evolved into a major civic and cultural event, especially in the 20th century, becoming a reflection of both traditional and contemporary Catalan culture.

The La Mercè festival is celebrated annually around September 24, the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, Barcelona's patron saint. The exact dates may vary slightly each year, but the core of the celebration centers around this period in late September.

How long does La Mercè last?

The festivities typically last for about four to five days, usually beginning a few days before the 24th and culminating with a grand finale, including the famous fireworks show, on the night of the 24th. Ever wondered what Catalan food tastes like? Explore our guide to traditional dishes.

The opening speech for the Fiestas de la Mercè serves as the official inauguration of Barcelona’s most significant annual celebration.

Typically delivered by a prominent figure with strong ties to the city, this speech sets the tone for the festivities. Since 1977, a variety of influential individuals from diverse fields—ranging from literature and architecture to politics and the arts—have been entrusted with this honor.

Below is a list of the distinguished speakers who have delivered the Mercè opening speech:

• 1977: Josep Benet, historian, politician, and editor.
• 1978: Josep Lluís Sert, architect.
• 1979: Josep Maria Llompart, poet and essayist.
• 1980: Mercè Rodoreda, writer.
• 1981: Josep Maria Castellet, writer, editor, and literary critic.
• 1982: Maria Aurèlia Capmany, novelist and playwright.
• 1983: Mikel de Epalza, historian, Arabist, and translator.
• 1984: Martín de Riquer, philologist.
• 1985: Luis Carandell, journalist.
• 1986: Jack Lang, politician.
• 1987: Eduardo Mendoza, writer.
• 1988: José Carreras, tenor.
• 1989: Núria Espert, actress.
• 1990: Jorge Semprún, writer, politician, and intellectual.
• 1991: Narcís Serra, economist.
• 1992: Juan Antonio Samaranch, politician and businessman.
• 1993: Bernard Kouchner, physician.
• 1994: Oriol Bohigas, architect.
• 1995: Tarik Kupusovic, Mayor of Sarajevo.
• 1996: Rafael Moneo, architect.
• 1997: Yehudi Menuhin, violinist and conductor.
• 1998: Eusebio Leal, historian.
• 1999: Maruja Torres, journalist.
• 2000: Robert Hughes, writer.
• 2001: José Antonio Marina, essayist and philosopher.
• 2002: Valentí Fuster, cardiologist.
• 2003: Fátima Mernissi, sociologist and feminist writer.
• 2004: Carlos Ruiz Zafón, writer.
• 2005: Rosa Regàs, writer.
• 2006: Elvira Lindo, writer.
• 2007: Josefina Castellví, biologist and oceanographer.
• 2008: Jaume Sisa, singer.
• 2009: Vicky Peña and Montserrat Carulla, Catalan actresses.
• 2010: Joan Margarit, poet.
• 2011: Joaquim Maria Puyal, journalist.
• 2012: Lluís Torner, researcher.
• 2013: Ferran Adrià, chef.
• 2014: Núria Gispert, teacher and politician.
• 2015: Andreu Buenafuente, journalist and comedian.
• 2016: Javier Pérez Andújar, writer.
• 2017: Marina Garcés, philosopher.
• 2018: Leticia Dolera, actress.
• 2019: Manuela Carmena, labor lawyer, judge, politician, and former mayor of Madrid.
• 2020: Tortell Poltrona, clown.
• 2021: Custodia Moreno, nurse and neighborhood leader.
• 2022: Carla Simón, film director.
• 2023: Najat El Hachmi, feminist writer and activist.
• 2024: Carme Solè, illustrator.

Each year, these individuals bring their unique perspectives and voices to the festival, enriching Barcelona's cultural and civic landscape.

The Fiestas de la Mercè, Barcelona’s largest annual festival, celebrates the city's patron saint, La Mercè, with a variety of traditional and contemporary activities that attract locals and tourists alike. Here are some of the typical events and activities during the festival:

1. Correfoc (Fire Run)

One of the most iconic events, the correfoc involves participants dressed as devils running through the streets with fireworks and sparklers, creating an intense, fiery spectacle. There are usually two versions: one for children and another for adults, with the latter being more intense.

2. Castellers (Human Towers)

The castellers form human towers, sometimes reaching up to nine levels, a tradition deeply rooted in Catalonia. These towers are built by different casteller groups (colles) and are an impressive display of strength, balance, and teamwork.

3. Gigantes y Cabezudos (Giants and Big Heads Parade)

This parade features giant puppet figures (gigantes) representing kings, queens, nobles, and mythical creatures, along with smaller-headed figures called cabezudos. They march through the streets accompanied by traditional music, entertaining the crowds.

4. Sardana Dance

The Sardana is a traditional Catalan dance, where participants join hands in a circle and perform coordinated steps. Several groups perform this dance in public squares, with locals often joining in.

5. Fireworks and Light Shows

The festival ends with a grand fireworks display known as the Piromusical at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This event features a stunning combination of fireworks, music, and the fountain's light and water displays.

6. Concerts and Performances

Throughout the city, there are free concerts and live performances in various genres, including pop, rock, classical, jazz, and electronic music. The performances often take place in outdoor venues like Plaça de Catalunya, Parc de la Ciutadella, and the Avinguda de la Catedral.

7. Street Parades and Processions

Many lively processions take place, showcasing local folklore and traditions. These include La Mercè parade, where cultural groups perform traditional dances, including flamenco and Catalan folk dances.

8. Circus and Street Arts

As part of the festival, Parc de la Ciutadella hosts various circus and street art performances. These include acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and theater performances, offering entertainment for all ages.

9. Open-Doors Museums and Cultural Venues

Many of Barcelona’s museums, such as the Museu Picasso and MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), offer free entry during the festival, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

10. Wine and Gastronomy Fairs

Food and drink are central to the celebrations, with various gastronomic events, including Catalan wine and food fairs that showcase local products and culinary traditions.

Want to learn more about Catalan culture? Check out our article on the history and meaning of the Catalan flag.

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