La Mercè is one of Spain’s most exciting and colorful festivals. Every September, Barcelona’s biggest street party bursts into life! The annual festival honors the Catalan city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. La Mercè began as a religious celebration in the 1800s. Nowadays, the week-long urban carnival is brimming with music, fireworks, human towers, and street performances. La Mercè is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Barcelona’s vibrant culture up close.
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The Magic of the Castellers: Human Towers Reaching the Sky
The castellers (human towers) are a fascinating and unique tradition in Catalonia. During La Mercè festivities, crowds gather in central public squares, like Plaça de Sant Jaume, to watch local teams compete in building tall human towers. The local teams (colles castelleres) are honoring a tradition that dates back to the 18th century near Tarragona. Each castell (castle) can rise up to 10 levels high of humans! The base is formed of a tight group of dozens of people laying the foundation for the tower to grow, topped off by the tiniest child (the enxaneta), who scrambles to the top and raises a hand in salute. THN Travel Tidbit: UNESCO recognized the castells for its cultural significance in 2010.
Dancing with Fire: The Thrill of the Correfoc
The Correfoc (fire run) feels like an event straight out of a medieval fantasy. Barcelona’s streets transform at night into a spectacle where devils, dragons, and beasts dance through the crowds with sparklers and firecrackers. Sparks fill the air and chaos swirls to the beat of drums. Bestiari de foc (beasts of fire) lumber through the streets like mythical guardians, each one unique and often designed by local artists. Some are so large they require multiple people to carry them. Many join the devils in the run, but locals say the magic happens when you dance under the sparks instead of running away. THN Travel Tip: Come prepared to dance with fire by wearing long sleeves, flame-resistant clothing, and protective glasses if you plan on getting close to the sparks.
The Giants Parade: Meet Barcelona’s Gegants
The Parade of the Giants (Cavalcada de Gegants i Capgrossos) fills Barcelona’s streets during La Mercè. The gegants (giants) dance, twirl, and sway to the rhythm of live bands. Capgrossos (big heads) are their cheeky sidekicks who dance alongside in this whimsical, larger-than-life procession. Folklore and artistry blend seamlessly throughout this joyful communal event. Each giant can tower up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall and some way as much as 35 kilos (77 pounds)! Underneath the elaborate costumes and rhythmic dancing, a person is hiding to skillfully maneuvre the huge frame. THN Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for the Gegants de la Ciutat (Giants of the City), Barcelona’s king and queen duo who have been part of the processions since the 1400s.
Fireworks, Light, and Magic: The Piromusical Show
The Piromusical is Barcelona’s spectacular fireworks-and-music show that lights up the city’s night sky. The breathtaking multisensory experience is held at the iconic Monjuïc Magic Fountain, drawing thousands to catch synchronized pyrotechnics, music, water choreography, and light projections. The show highlights classical Catalan tunes with modern beats to guide the explosion of color and light. The Magic Fountain was built in 1929 for the International Exposition and is a marvel of engineering. Thousands of water jets shoot, swirl, and dance in a perfectly choreographed ballet. It’s an experience that feels cinematic, larger than life, and uniquely Barcelona. Each year, the Piromusical is designed with a theme, making each visit to La Mercè truly one-of-a-kind. The show is free, but the viewing spots fill up quickly. Arrive well in advance to enjoy.
THN Tips for Travelers: Best Ways to Enjoy La Mercè
The festival usually runs for a week around September 24th, the official public holiday for La Mercè. Some of the best spots to catch shows, street performances, and more include Plaça Sant Jaume (for castellers), Via Laietana (for the Correfoc and Parade of the Giants), and Montjuïc (for the Piromusical). Many museums open for free during La Mercè. Be sure to take advantage of these perks and plan a cultural break between street festivities.
