 | JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THE SUMMER WAS OVER THE PARTY LOVING CITY OF BARCELONA BITES BACK WITH THE BIG ONE! THIS SPECTACULAR STREET FESTIVAL SPILLS OUT FROM MANY STAGES AND VENUES THROUGHOUT THE CITY, WITH OVER 500 ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS INCLUDING MUSIC, FIREWORKS, TRADITIONAL PROCESSIONS AND MORE, IN HONOUR OF HER PATRON SAINT.
This epic festival dates back to 1902 when organisers tried to incorporate the best of all the Catalan Festes Majors and create a Festa Major for the city of Barcelona. It has evolved away from its original identity as a religious occasion to commemorate the city’s Patron Saint the Mare de Déu de la Mercé, although the 24th September remains a public holiday. Every folkloric element of local tradition has been incorporated; from the towering castellers, or human castles that can reach up to nine storeys high, to the largest correfoc, or fire-run, of the year as dancing devils skip through the streets brandishing twirling fireworks alongside fire-breathing dragons. The parade starts near the Santa Catarina market and make their way down Via Laietana.
Another large procession is the Calvacada de la Mercè, as the “giants” that represent each district march through the streets from Plaça Universitat to the Cathedral, accompanied by drums and large cheering crowds.
Barcelona Art de Carrer invites a variety of theatre acts and performing artists to bring their shows to venues such as the Ciutadella park, and the grounds of Montjuïc castle fill with Each year a different city is invited to share its culture with Barcelona and this year it’s Dirtakar in Senegal has been chosen so look out for some African influences on the festival.
Another highlight of the Mercé is the Festa al Cel , which takes your eyes to the skies with jets, acrobats, balloons and ultra powerful lights. Varous sports competitions also take place.
To round off the festival on the 27th, don’t miss the piromusical; a dazzling show with music, lights and water and fireworks. Expect to be dazzled by one of the most impressive firework displays of the year, choreographed alongside an evocative selection of music from pop to opera. |