La Mercè also begins with hands clasped and feet ready to dance. The opening sardanas bring together regular dancers, curious onlookers, and newcomers in a grand collective celebration accompanied by the Cobla Sant Jordi - Ciutat de Barcelona. A very Barcelonan way to kick off the festival: cobla music, ever-expanding circles, and a tradition that doesn't need to stand still to remain a tradition.
This is... good to know
The group is not exactly a newcomer: it was founded in Barcelona in 1983, has held the title of Cobla Ciutat de Barcelona since 1997 and received the Premi Ciutat de Barcelona de Música in 2011.
You don't need to know how to dance to approach. The sardana works through observation, rhythm, and a certain amount of courage to take the first step. If you enter a sardana, it's best to do so respectfully and following those who already know the sequence.
