La Mercè

Origins and history

The festival traces its roots back to the Middle Ages. In 1687, when a plague of locusts struck Barcelona, city leaders turned to the Virgin of Mercy for deliverance. After the swarm passed, she was named patroness of the city, a status later officially confirmed by the Pope in 1868. The local government established an official holiday program in 1871. During the early twentieth century, organizers enriched the festivities by introducing regional elements like the sardana dance and giant papier-mâché figures, cementing the event as a core civic tradition.

Parades and human towers

Popular Catalan customs define the week. Street processions feature huge papier-mâché giants and big-headed figures, known as gegants i capgrossos, accompanied by traditional drumming and mythical beasts. Another central spectacle is the construction of castells, or human towers. Originating in Valls during the late eighteenth century, these architectural feats involve rival groups competing to build multi-tiered human structures in public squares. Dancers also gather to perform the Sardana, a circular communal folk dance from Empordà that spread widely across Catalonia.

Street arts and spectacles

Modern celebrations include around six hundred free artistic events across Barcelona's parks, plazas, and museums. Night-time street theater, circus acts, and music bands draw nearly two million spectators. Among the high-energy events is the correfoc, a traditional fire run, alongside a ten-kilometre race and the annual Catalan Wine Fair. Each year, the festival features a designated guest city, such as Vienna in 2013, highlighting international arts. Festivities conclude with a pyro-musical show at Montjuïc, blending synchronized fireworks, illuminated fountains, and music.

How La Mercè is kept

Over several days leading up to September 24, Barcelona hosts daily street parades with drumming and giant figures. Crowds assemble in public plazas to watch teams erect intricate human towers and dance the Sardana. At night, the city metro runs continuously as people fill the avenues for outdoor concerts, circus performances, and the fiery correfoc. The festival also features a wine fair, a running race, and a concluding musical fireworks display set against Montjuïc mountain.

When and where

La Mercè takes place every year in late September, typically from September 23 to 28. While the official feast day of Our Lady of Mercy falls on September 24, the full schedule of events spans several days before and after.

The festival is held across the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. Events occupy public squares, avenues, museums, and parks, with major spectacles taking place in the Gothic Quarter and at the foot of Montjuïc mountain.

What La Mercè means

The celebration honors Our Lady of Mercy, co-patroness of Barcelona alongside Saint Eulàlia. In the Catalan language, mercè signifies service, aid, loving kindness, and compassion. To the community, the festival embodies civic unity and cultural pride, recalling the city's historical survival of a seventeenth-century locust plague through spiritual gratitude and shared public joy.

On the table

• Catalan wine

Questions people ask about La Mercè

See also

HalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritageFestival of San FermínAn annual nine-day festival in Pamplona featuring bull runs, parades, and street music.Sinulog FestivalAn annual Philippine dance festival and Catholic devotion honouring the Santo NiñoProcessional giantsTowering costumed figures carried through town streets during communal festivals

Good reading and sources

• La Mercè on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.