Every year around 24 September, Barcelona celebrates La Mercè — its biggest annual festival and the city’s patron saint celebration. For nearly a week, the city offers dozens of free concerts on multiple stages, unique Catalan traditions and a festive atmosphere that takes over the entire city centre. The complete La Mercè programme is freely accessible.
Free entry — the entire La Mercè programme is freely accessible.
How it started
La Mercè was officially recognised as Barcelona’s festa major in 1902, though the celebration of Our Lady of Mercy dates back to the seventeenth century. Over the twentieth century it grew from a religious feast into a diverse urban festival that now draws over one million visitors from around the world.
What to expect
Dozens of free concerts on multiple stages from Parc de la Ciutadella to Montjuïc. But the real highlights are the unique Catalan traditions: the Castellers build human towers sometimes ten layers high; the Correfoc sees fire-breathing dragon figures running through the streets while the audience walks underneath; the Gegants — giant puppets — parade through the city centre. The Sardana, the traditional Catalan circle dance, can be experienced every day on the squares.
Practical info
- Date 2026: 19–24 September
- Location: Barcelona city centre, multiple squares and parks
- Entry: completely free
- Getting there: metro lines 1, 3 or 4 towards the centre; Barri Gòtic and Born are the busiest festival areas
- Tip: the Friday evening Correfoc is the most spectacular — wear old clothes as sparks may rain down on you