‘La Merce’ 2024 festival, a lively celebration in honor of the patron saint of Barcelona,
‘La Mercè’ 2024 Barcelona dates are take place every year around September 24 in different places in the city. It is the biggest party in the city after the two most well-known neighborhood parties that take place in August, such as the one in Sants and Gràcia.
This vibrant event offers a diverse range of cultural activities suitable for people of all ages. Notable highlights comprise the festa major in the morning, the grand Mercè cavalcade, the exhilarating correfoc (fire run) Barcelona 2024, the colorful procession of giants and dwarfs (Gegants i Nans), the awe-inspiring human towers, and traditional dances from Catalonia. Another fascinating aspect is the traditional cercavila parades, tracing their roots to the 15th and 16th centuries and originating from the Corpus Christi processions.
Program Schedule of Events
For detailed insights into the program of events for La Mercè 2023, you can see all the program here.
The first news on La Mercè ’24 is here. All details of the program will be unveiled during the first two weeks of September
The Poster
The creator of the poster Mercè 2024 is Barcelona-based illustrator and artist Chamo San.
You can also download it from the municipal website Barcelona Posters.
The poster for this year draws inspiration from the choral essence of La Mercè, which amalgamates contributions from diverse artistic collectives and active engagement from all inhabitants. It brilliantly showcases the festival’s core components – the art of dance, the symphony of laughter, the embrace of traditions, the harmony of music, the allure of arts, spaces abuzz with camaraderie, and the united brilliance of an open and inviting metropolis.
Opening speech
One of the events not to be missed on the first day of the Mercè festivities is the Pregó or opening speech. This year the guest speaker is writer Najat El Hachmi, and the event will take place on Friday 22 September at 7 pm in the Saló de Cent at Barcelona City Hall.
- Najat El Hachmi, a renowned writer, will be the guest speaker at La Mercè festival’s opening ceremony.
- Hachmi was born in Morocco and later moved to Vic, where she grew up.
- She has published several books, including the award-winning ‘The Last Patriarch’ and the essay ‘They’ve Always Spoken for Us.’
- Her work addresses themes of identity, discrimination, and women’s empowerment.
The capital of Ukraine is the guest city
The culture, history and traditions of Ukraine, a country that unfortunately continues to suffer the effects of war, will be present throughout the La Mercè programme. In an invitation approved unanimously by all Barcelona City Council municipal groups a year ago, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, will be the guest city for Barcelona’s annual festival in 2023.
- Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, will be the guest city at Barcelona’s annual festival in 2023.
- The festival will showcase the culture, history, and traditions of Ukraine.
- Kiev will present two giant figures representing Olga and Volodymyr, their princely saints.
First details of the program of activities confirmed
- Folklore of Ukraine and Contemporary Dance:
- The Academic Theater of Ukrainian Folklore “Berehynia” from Kiev will offer a spectacular show and workshop.
- Alina Sokulska will showcase contemporary dance from Ukraine at the festival.
- Circus Cabaret and Ukraine Fest:
- Itziar Castro will present Circus Cabaret with Ukrainian artists at Montjuïc Castle.
- Ukraine Fest at Palauet Albèniz will include a craft fair, theater, dance, and musical productions by Ukrainian artists.
- Musical Performances and Art Exhibition:
- La Mercè will feature diverse musical performances, including electronic, world, and traditional music.
- An exhibition of artwork by Ukrainian artist Maria Primatxenko will be hosted at Parc de l’Estació del Nord.
Correfoc – The Fire Run
If you’re planning to join the Correfoc Barcelona 2024, it’s crucial to wear appropriate protective clothing to safeguard yourself from the potent sparkler fireworks. We recommend donning hats, protective glasses, and thick, long-sleeved tops to shield against flying sparks.
The Correfoc event comprises two parts held on the same evening. The first part presents a milder version tailored for children, while the “adult” Correfoc occurs later.
For the holidays, there are 2 fire run, one for the little ones and the other for the adults.
On September 23rd evening
Children’s Fire Run Passeig de Gràcia – SAT 23 · 18:30 h
Tabalada Infernal (fire and drumming), Ceptrotada (burning sceptre), the lighting of Hell’s Gate and the start of the Fire Run Passeig de Gràcia – SAT 23 · 20:00 h
The Correfoc spectacle commences at dusk with street closures and the emergence of “The Devils” Community groups, dressed as devils, parade through Barcelona’s streets, adding to the festivities of La Mercè 2023. They sprint with bangers and handheld fireworks, creating a spectacular display of loud noises and sparks. The procession also includes fire-breathing dragons and skipping Devils with spiraling fireworks.
The “adult” Correfoc follows the children’s version, and the primary distinction is that flames from sparklers are sprayed into the crowds. If you’re easily frightened or nervous, it’s advisable to maintain a safe distance from the Correfoc.
Castellers – Human Towers
The Castellers event, held in Plaça de Jaume, constitutes a prominent feature of the Mercè festival in Barcelona. Due to the anticipated high attendance, arriving early is advisable. The objective of the Castellers is to construct a human tower, with a young child ascending to the pinnacle and standing upright. Building a human tower entails meticulous planning and teamwork, resulting in a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. For further details about the Castellers in Barcelona, please refer to this webpage.
On September 24th morning
Gegants (Giants Parade)
The Giants parade is a beloved family-friendly event. Enormous figures representing kings, queens, and nobles parade through the streets. These towering giants move gracefully, allowing the crowds to admire their magnificence from every angle. The parade is often accompanied by small percussion ensembles, creating rhythmic beats on drums as the Giants pass by.
On September 23rd night
Projection Show
In the evenings, a renowned projection show takes place, featuring captivating images projected onto the facade of a building in Plaça Sant Jaume. This mesmerizing show is presented multiple times each evening and is accessible to all at no cost.
Light and Fire Program
September 22nd night
September 23rd night
XXIV International Pyrotechnic Festival Platja de la Barceloneta – SAT 23 · 22:00 h
September 24th night
Show: ‘Geometrics x200’ Platja de la Barceloneta – SUN 24 · 22:00 h
September 25th night Pyromusical
Pyromusical Avinguda Maria Cristina – MON 25 · 22:00 h
can you drink in public in barcelona
If you are wondering if can you drink on the streets of Barcelona during the festivities, then maybe yes or no, it depends on the areas. Drinking alcohol in Barcelona is penalized by the Barcelona open container law.
