La Merce Festival Barcelona 2023 is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Barcelona, Spain. It is held every year around September 24th, the feast day of the Virgin of Mercy, the patron saint of the city. La Merce is a four-day event that showcases the rich and diverse culture of Barcelona and Catalonia. You will be able to enjoy hundreds of activities for all ages and tastes. Such events include street art, music, dance, circus, fireworks, to traditional displays of giants, dragons, human towers and fire runs. La Merce has something for everyone to enjoy during it’s 4 days of festivities.
History of La Merce, The Festival of Barcelona
The origin of La Merce festival dates back to 1218. It is around this time when the Virgin of Mercy appeared to King James I of Aragon and two saints, Peter Nolasco and Raymond of Penyafort. She asked them to create an order to free the Christian captives from the Muslims. Centuries later, in 1687, Barcelona was suffering from a plague of locusts that threatened to destroy the crops. The city prayed to the Virgin of Mercy for help. It was when the insects disappeared, she was proclaimed as the patroness of the city. In 1868, Pope Pius IX ratified this title and granted a papal bull for the celebration of her feast day.
The first official celebration of La Merce festival took place in 1902, under a Catalanist and conservative municipal government. It was this government that wanted to promote the folk traditions of the country. Since then, the festival has evolved and expanded, incorporating new elements and influences from different cultures and artistic expressions. In 1980, after the restoration of democracy in Spain, La Merce festival became a symbol of the city’s identity and diversity. La Merce invitided guest cities from around the world to participate and share their culture.
La Merce festival is not only a religious celebration, but also a civic and cultural one. It reflects the spirit of Barcelona as a cosmopolitan, creative and open-minded city that embraces its roots and traditions.
Events and Highlights
La Merce festival offers a wide range of events and activities that take place in various venues and public spaces across the city. Some of the most popular and emblematic events are:
- The opening speech: The festival officially begins with a speech by a prominent figure from the cultural or social sphere, who addresses the citizens from the balcony of the City Hall. The opening speech sets the tone and theme of the festival, as well as expressing gratitude to the Virgin of Mercy for her protection and blessings.
- The parade of giants: One of the most colorful and festive events of La Merce is the parade of giants (gegants), huge figures that represent historical or mythical characters. The giants dance and spin around the streets, accompanied by music and smaller figures called bigheads (capgrossos). The parade of giants is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century, when they were used in religious processions. Today, they are a symbol of joy and celebration, as well as a way to honor different personalities and cultures.
- The human towers: Another impressive display of Catalan culture is the human towers (castells). These consist of groups of people standing on each other’s shoulders to form tall structures. The human towers are a symbol of teamwork, strength and balance. They are usually performed in front of the City Hall or the Cathedral. The human towers have their origin in the 18th century, when they were part of folk dances in rural areas. Today, they are considered an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, and a source of pride and identity for Catalans.
Correfoc and Fireworks
- The fire run: One of the most spectacular and thrilling events of La Merce is the fire run (correfoc). This event involves groups of people dressed as devils or beasts running through the streets with fireworks and sparklers. The fire run is a show of light, sound and fire that attracts thousands of spectators who join in the fun or watch from a safe distance. The fire run has its roots in medieval times, when fire was used to ward off evil spirits. Today, it is a way to express vitality and energy, as well as to challenge fear and darkness.
- The musical fireworks: The festival ends with a grand finale of musical fireworks that light up the sky over Montjuic hill. The musical fireworks are synchronized with music from different genres and styles, creating a stunning spectacle that delights the senses. The musical fireworks are a tradition that started in 1987, when Barcelona hosted its first international fireworks competition. Since then, they have become one of the most awaited and admired events of La Merce festival.
Where to See the Events La Merce Festival Barcelona 2023
La Merce festival takes place in various locations around Barcelona. You will find events in areas such as Plaça de Sant Jaume, Plaça de Catalunya, Parc de la Ciutadella, Arc de Triomf, Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina or Montjuic hill. You can check the official website for more information on the program, schedule and map of events.
Some of the events are very popular and crowded, so it is advisable to arrive early and find a good spot. Some of the events may also require prior reservation or have limited capacity. In this case, it is recommended to check the availability and conditions beforehand.
Other Information on La Merce Festival 2023
- La Merce festival Barcelona 2023 is free and open to everyone. However, some events may require prior reservation or have limited capacity.
- La Merce festival is also a macro-festival that includes several individual festivals that showcase different aspects of Barcelona’s culture, such as BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical), Mercè Street Arts Festival or Mercè Circus. These festivals offer a variety of performances and shows. Many local and international artists are involved, covering genres such as rock, pop, jazz, hip hop, electronic, theatre, dance, acrobatics or clowning.
- La Merce festival invites a guest city every year to share its culture and traditions with Barcelona. The guest city is chosen based on its cultural affinity and exchange with Barcelona, as well as its social and environmental values. In 2023, the guest city will be Kyiv. A great choice of city that shows a symbolic show of support from Barcelona for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- La Merce festival is a great opportunity to enjoy Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere and discover its cultural heritage. However, it is also important to respect the environment and follow the safety and hygiene measures. This will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Some of the tips to make the most of La Merce festival are:
- Use public transport or walk to get around the city, some streets may be closed or congested during the festival.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring water, sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and heat.
- Follow the instructions and recommendations of the organizers and security staff, and respect the rules and regulations of each event.
- Keep your belongings safe and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash.
- Respect the cleanliness and order of the public spaces, and dispose of your waste properly.
- Enjoy the festival with a positive and respectful attitude, and have fun!
Conclusion
La Merce festival is one of the best ways to experience Barcelona’s culture and spirit. La Merce brings together people from different backgrounds and generations, who share their joy and passion for life. It is a great idea to book your hotel close to the festival events. We recommend booking hotels around the Gothic Quarter or Plaça Catalyuna. If you select a hotel in these areas, you will be close to the main events of this great festival.
