Every year, on the days around September 24th, Barcelona hosts its biggest celebration: Las Festes de la Mercè. From street parades and concerts, to traditional folklore and firework shows, up to 2 million people gather all over town to experience a party that only a city like Barcelona could offer.
From Religious Holiday to Multicultural Mass Event
Locust plague – 1687, Barcelona
It all began in the 13th century, when according to the legend, the ‘Virgin of La Mercè’ performed a series of miracles (including saving the city from a locust plague), turning her into the city’s patroness saint.
It wasn’t until 1868 that this was recognized by The Pope, and from that year onwards the citizens of Barcelona have made sure to celebrate its holy saviour without a miss.
Like many traditions, it started with religion, but over time it has evolved into a celebration of the city’s incredible cultural diversity: a mix of tradition, culture and modernity.
Cultural Catalan Must Do’s and Official Program 2026
Aside from the free concerts and firework shows, La Mercè also offers you a glimpse into Catalan folk culture that you don’t get to see everyday.
Castellers – Catalan human towers
- Gegants: An impressive giant figures parade, representing royalty and important characters in Catalan culture. (Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th)
- Castellers: These traditional human towers represent the unity of the Catalan people, and watching them build these tall structures with nothing but their own bodies is a jaw dropping experience you can’t miss! (Thursday 24th and Sunday 27th)
- Sardanes: Experience Catalonia’s national dance, performed by expert locals fighting to keep this rare and antique tradition alive. (Thursday 24th and Saturday 26th)
- Correfocs: Step into a wild world with this “fire run” parade, full of fireworks, drums, fire-spitting dragons and devils dancing with the crowd. Just don’t wear your favorite shirt—it might get a spark or two! (Saturday 26th)
Check out the official program with all the details here!
Guest City 2026: Shanghai
Shanghai drone show – La Mercè, Barcelona
Every year, a guest city is invited to share its culture through food, dance, and performances, adding even more diversity to the celebration.
This year the guest of honor will be no other than Shanghai, in order to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its sister-city partnership with Barcelona.
More than one hundred Chinese artists will fly to our city to honor us with their vibrant culture, including a Traditional Chinese Rolling Lantern Performance, a concert by the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, and a Flock Drone Art display that will fly 750 drones over the coast of Barcelona.
Learn Spanish and Celebrate with C2 Barcelona: Like a Local
Are you thinking of learning Spanish? Taking part in Barcelona’s traditions whilst taking part in our immersive Spanish courses with native teachers, is a fun way to expand your vocabulary, learn local expressions and practice the language in real-life situations.
Contact us now and start your Spanish learning journey, like a local!
