La Mercè: Barcelona's festival of giants, towers and fire
Barcelona · 📅 23.09 – 26.09 · dates approximate
La Mercè is Barcelona's biggest street festival, held around 24 September in honour of the city's patron saint. For several days the streets fill with human towers, giant figures, fire-spitting devils and free concerts, almost all of it free to watch.
Fun facts
- The festival honours the Mare de Déu de la Mercè, patron saint of Barcelona.
- Catalan human towers (castells) were added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2010.
- During the correfoc, groups dressed as devils run through the streets with sparkling fireworks.
What to see
- The castells built by rival teams on Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- The parade of gegants, giant figures dancing through the Gothic Quarter.
- The Piromusical, fireworks set to music near Montjuïc, closing the festival.
What to taste
- Crema catalana, a custard dessert with a crackling caramelised top.
- Botifarra amb mongetes, Catalan pork sausage with white beans.
- Cava, Catalan sparkling wine, ideal for toasting the festival.
What to do
- Join or watch a correfoc wearing long cotton clothes and a hat.
- Catch free concerts on stages across the city.
- Visit the city's museums, many of which offer free entry during the festival.