La Mercè Festival in Barcelona 2026
From 23 to 27 September
Municipalities
Family
This event is over.
Once again, the city of Barcelona takes to the streets to offer everything its residents and visitors expect and desire at this time of year: the La Mercè festivities.
From September 23 to 27, Barcelona transforms to celebrate La Mercè 2026, its grand main festival. A multitude of activities fill the streets with music, dance, fire, tradition, and popular culture. If you want to experience Barcelona like never before, mark your calendars: this September, you have a date with the city.
A festival with history and identity
La Mercè is much more than a festival. It has roots in the 13th century and was officially established as a celebration in 1868. Today, it represents the festive and creative soul of Barcelona. Giants, big-headed figures, human towers, fire runs, and devils coexist with concerts, circus performances, dance, and street arts.
The great moments of the Fiesta
- Opening speech: by the actress Emma Vilarasau, from the Saló de Cent.
- Music for all tastes: BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical) and the Música Mercè series will offer free concerts in venues such as Plaça Catalunya, Moll de la Fusta, and Nou Barris. MAC - Mercè Arts de Carrer: circus, dance, and immersive performances in Montjuïc and other spaces, featuring artists from Barcelona and Manchester.
- Open doors: museums such as the MNAC, MACBA or Born CCM open for free on September 24.
- Cursa de la Mercè: September 20th, 10km of solidarity and sport through the streets of the city center.
- Farewell pyromusical: September 27th at 10pm on Bogatell beach.
Mercè is tradition, creativity, and shared emotion. A festival for everyone. Come experience Barcelona in its purest form!
Photo: © Manel Subirats, "Focs a la Barceloneta during the Mercè festivities", Wikimedia Commons, license CC BY-SA 4.0.
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