The weather is gorgeous and there is a feeling of festivity in the air. From the 20th to the 24th of September we are celebrating La Mercè 2024, the festival of festivals in Barcelona. It is in honour of one of the patron saints of the city: our Lady of the Mercy. All of you lucky ones to be here, don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to experience some of the best Catalan traditions.
Each year, Barcelona invites a city to be part of the festivities. In 2024 it will be Casablanca, so expect plenty of activities and performances related to the Moroccan City.
Of course, our scheduled Barcelona Free Walking Tours will be running as usual and we will probably stumble across some of the celebrations, which makes it even more special. You can see now the Full programme of La Mercè 2024 to give you a taste of what you can do and see.
The programme for 2024 is huge though, so I have also selected the most traditional ones that I think you shouldn’t miss. Check them out!
This post was updated in September 2024.
Human towers (“castells”)
Castells is the Catalan word for castles and Castellers are the people who form these incredible human towers up to 10 floors high. Like in architecture, there are many styles of towers: with 2, 3, or 5 people on each floor, as a single individual tower… The list goes on. Silently, listen out for the music during its construction. Its changing tune gives crucial information to the Castellers about what stage it is at. Once the child at the top raises a hand, then you can cheer out loud. The castle has been built! The next part is to deconstruct it floor by floor. Cheer louder!
Guest “castellers” day
Without a doubt, the best day to experience human towers in Barcelona. The square will be crowded and hot (bring a sun hat) but the best groups from Catalonia will be performing. If you want to be in the middle of the action, arrive very early and stand on the side of the Town Hall as it will be shaded.
- When: Sunday 22nd (12:00h)
- Where: Plaça Sant Jaume
Local “Castellers” day
Barcelona, Poble Sec, Sants, Sarrià… Some of the local neighbourhoods have their own group and will be building their towers this day.
- When: Tuesday 24th (13:00h)
- Where: Plaça Sant Jaume
To give you a taste of what you can experience, check out this video of La Mercè Festival where the Terrassa Castellers group built (and unbuilt) an amazing 10-storey high human tower with 3 people on each floor.
Giants, dragons & beasts
Don’t be surprised if you see some dragons and giants on the streets during the festival. This is one of the longest-standing traditions of the city. The giants sometimes measure higher than 4 metres, weighing up to 63 kilos. A hot and heavy job for the person carrying it underneath their skirt. You will see kings, queens and biblical figures alongside fishermen, thieves or butchers, all representing their local neighbourhoods. The beasts and dragons are also plentiful and varied and they come alive during the “correfoc” breathing live fire. A spectacle not to be missed.
“Toc d’inici” (start of the festival)
The best way to introduce yourself to the typical dances of the giants and beasts while celebrating the start of La Mercè.
- When: Friday 20th (19:00h)
- Where: Plaça de Sant Jaume
“Xambanga”
A totally untraditional parade with fancy dresses for the giants and fun for everyone, including the people who carry the figures.
- When: Monday 23rd (22:00h)
- Where: From Plaça Sant Jaume (C/ del Bisbe, C/ de Ferran, C/ de Jaume I and C/ de la Ciutat)
International Meeting of Giants
A new event this year to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Giants of the city of Barcelona. Giants from different European and Latin American countries will be parading the streets in a great opportunity to enjoy these wonderful figures.
- When: Saturday 21st (19:30h) and Sunday 22nd (10:00h)
- Where: Plaça de Sant Jaume
Beasts and Dragons parade
To see them breathing fire, you have to go to the “correfoc” but if you prefer a quieter experience, this is the parade for you (not as many bangers or fire involved).
- When: Friday 20th (22:00h)
- Where: From Plaça Comercial (route: C/ del Comerç, C/ de la Princesa, C/ de Montcada, C/ dels Sombrerers, pl. de Santa Maria del Mar, C/ de Santa Maria, pg. del Born and pl. comercial)
Main giants parade
You just can’t miss the long parade of every single giant of Barcelona dancing down the medieval streets.
- When: Tuesday 24th (18:00h)
- Where: From Carrer Pelai to Plaça Sant Jaume (route: Carrer Pelai, pl. de Catalunya, la Rambla, Ferran, pl. de Sant Jaume)
In this video you can see the Giants Parade (Cavalçata de La Mercè) together with many of the traditional activities at Festes de La Mercè:
Giants, dragons and beasts exhibitions
A wonderful display of the giants and beasts of the different neighbourhoods of the city at 3 different locations. Please be aware that sometimes the giants and beasts won’t be there as they will be parading on the streets.
Giants & Beasts of “Seguici Popular de Barcelona”:
- When: From September 18th to September 24th (10:00h to 20:00h)
- Where: Palau de la Virreina (Giants & Beasts of “Seguici Popular de Barcelona”)
Giants of the city:
- When: From September 18th to September 23rd (10:00h to 20:00h)
- Where: Pati Manning (Giants)
Dragons and Beasts:
- When: From September 18th to September 22nd (10:00h to 20:00h)
- Where: El Born CC (Dragons and Beasts)
Fire run (“correfoc”)
Although quite a modern tradition dating from 1979, this parade has become one of the landmarks of La Mercè 2024. I am sure it would be banned in any other European country but here in Barcelona we just love the fire. The spectacle of hundreds of people dressed as devils and pushing the beasts of the city down the street is something difficult to forget. Not for the faint-hearted but definitely for the adventurous. If you want to be in the front rows, remember to wear a cotton cap and long cotton sleeves as the devils will chase you with their giant whirling sparklers. It is all part of the fun.
Adult’s “correfoc”
The main one. Full-on fire, bangers, devils, dragons and beasts. Don’t miss it!
- When: Saturday 21st (20:30h)
- Where: Passeig de Gràcia (from C/Consell de Cent to C/ Provença)
Children’s “correfoc”
A little tamer than the adult one and just because children want to have fun too.
- When: Saturday 21st (18:00h)
- Where: Passeig de Gràcia (from C/Provença to C/Consell de Cent)
Light shows & fireworks
Forget the cinema in La Mercè 2024. Gaze to the heavens to catch some pretty spectacular fireworks down at the Barceloneta beach while enjoying candy floss from the fair stands. The closing act of the festival also includes the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc with roaring music, competing against the sound of fireworks exploding in the air. You just can not get a more dramatic end to La Mercè 2024!
Piromusical (closing act)
You can come early to get a place in front of the fountain although there is plenty of space to accommodate everyone.
- When: Tuesday 24th (22:00h)
- Where: Av. Reina Maria Cristina
Drone light show at the beach
You will see them from everywhere on the beach. Sit on the sand and soak it all in.
- When: Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd (22:00h)
- Where: Barceloneta Beach
There are many other activities you can participate in. Concerts, theatre, circus,… They all have a slot during La Mercè 2024 and the best part of it is that all of it is for free. To see a list of everything that is on offer you can visit the official website of La Mercè 2024 or download the La Mercè App on Google Play or App Store.
Also, if you are here for a few days, don’t forget to check our complete article with things to do in Barcelona. Go on, have the time of your life!
Main photograph by PhotographYeah!