La Mercè is Barcelona’s biggest festival: five days and nearly 500 free activities that bring popular culture to every corner of the city. Streets and squares fill with castells, giants, sardanes, correfocs, concerts and other events taking place simultaneously, many just a few minutes apart. Music takes over the city, while theatre and dance complete a programme spread across different neighbourhoods. The celebrations come to a close with the Piromusical, where music and fireworks bring an end to a festival in which tradition and contemporary creativity share the spotlight.
This is good to know
The festival officially begins on Wednesday 23 with the opening speech at the Saló de Cent of Barcelona City Hall, followed by the Toc d’inici, which fills Plaça de Sant Jaume with giants, mythical beasts and other traditional figures.
Plan your day by area: many activities take place at the same time and are just a few minutes apart.
BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical) is La Mercè’s most alternative showcase, featuring emerging voices and sounds from Barcelona and beyond.
In 2026, the Piromusical will exceptionally move to Platja de la Nova Icària. It is advisable to arrive early and check the latest mobility information.
Every year, La Mercè invites a city to take part in the celebrations. In 2026, Shanghai takes over, bringing more than a hundred artists and marking 25 years of twinning with Barcelona.
La Mercè agenda
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