In addition to being a great civic event, Barcelona’s Festa Major is also a macro-festival made up of diverse festivals that showcase the cultural richness of the Catalan capital: from the Mercè Arts de Carrer festival to the popular culture exhibitions, including the BAM and Acció Cultura Viva festivals and the Música Mercè program, which this year offers more than five hundred activities.
Table of Contents
Origins of Festes de La Mercè
La Mercè is one of the two patron saints of the city of Barcelona, the other being Santa Eulalia, and this celebration pays tribute to her: La Mare de Déu de la Mercè or Our Lady of Mercy.
It has been an official holiday since 1871, a couple of years after the Pope officially recognized her as the city’s patron saint, but in reality, it has been celebrated since the Middle Ages. During the 17th Century, Barcelona was infested by a plague of locusts, so they asked the Virgin’s help to fight it, deed she apparently delivered, so the city decided to name her patroness of the city to thank her and show their devotion to her.
A celebration that lasts for days
Although La Mercè is officially on September 24th, the celebrations start a few days earlier, and some activities even continue a couple of days after it. Remember there are a lot of things to look out for during La Mercè week, including some pretty unique local traditions. This day is so special that everything in Barcelona is closed during the 24th: schools, shops, business, but this bank holiday is only within the city. If you step into the neighboring town, everything will continue as normal.
Music Festival: BAM
Every year the local council organizes a music festival called Barcelona Acció Musical or BAM, which happens at the same time as La Mercè festival. What is great is that all the concerts are free and that the program is composed of a very diverse mix of genres, with artists from Catalunya, Spain and all around the world.
Els Gegants and the castells
There are two notable Catalan traditions that are a favorite not only among locals but also among tourists. The first is what is known as Els Gegants, or The Giants, which are huge papier-maché figures that represent different residents of the city that are notable, such as historical and religious figures. They walk around the city during what is called the Cavalcada de la Mercè or main procession. The second tradition that usually captures everybody’s attention is the castells, which are human pyramids that can reach up to ten people in height, a very thrilling experience. The top of the pyramid is occupied by the youngest, and thus smallest, participants, who raise one hand to the sky when they reach the top.
In summary, a must see!
La Mercè is Barcelona at its best, so if you wish to see the city and be witness to some of the most unique Catalan traditions, then this is probably the best time to visit. Plus, at this time of the year, the summer has already come to an end, so the crowds of tourists will mostly be gone, as the spring starts.
Festes de la Mercè 2021
Dates La Mercè festival 2021 are 23rd to 26th September 2021. Bookings start: 14/09 for BAM and Acció Cultura Viva concerts, 15/09 for the rest of the concerts, and 16/09 for MAC and Tradicional. You can check the whole program here when available!
Concerts Itinerary Mercè 2021
Check all the concerts and musical activities here (Elperiodico.com). We will provide more upcoming information. Capacity will be limited and ticket availability must be taken into account.
Comments are closed.