La Mercè
Barcelona's biggest street festival, with human towers, fire-running correfocs, parading giants and free concerts for the city's patron saint.
- 23 September 2027 → 26 September 2027 (expected, dates TBC)
- Barcelona, Spain
- When23 September 2027 → 26 September 2027 (expected, dates TBC) · Held every year in Barcelona around 24 September, the feast of the Mare de Déu de la Mercè, usually over four or five days.
- DatesExpected, dates TBC: four or five days around 24 September, Barcelona's patron-saint day (2026: 23–27 September). The organiser usually announces them in late August; check the official site before you book anything you can't cancel (checked 28 October 2026).
- WherePlaça de Sant Jaume, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- CategoryFestivals & Celebrations · festival
- GuideOur Spain travel guide →
Barcelona's biggest street festival, with human towers, fire-running correfocs, parading giants and free concerts for the city's patron saint.
La Merce is Barcelona's grandest street festival, held each September in honour of the city's patron saint, the Mare de Deu de la Merce. Over several days the whole city becomes a stage for Catalan tradition and contemporary culture, with hundreds of mostly free events, concerts, parades, fireworks and folk spectacles, spread across squares, streets and the beachfront. It is the moment Barcelona shows off its own identity, and one of the best times to visit.
The festival is famous for its distinctly Catalan rituals. Castellers build swaying human towers many storeys high; the correfoc sees fire-breathing dragons and devils shower sparks over crowds who dance through the flames; and giant papier-mache figures (gegants) and big-headed capgrossos parade through the old town. Add the piromusical, a synchronised fireworks-and-music finale near Montjuic, and free concerts across multiple stages, and there is far more than you can see in one visit.
Making the most of it
Pick up the official programme and map, since events run simultaneously across the city, and prioritise a few highlights rather than trying to catch everything. For the correfoc, wear natural-fibre long sleeves, a hat and closed shoes, and keep a respectful distance from the sparks unless you are ready to join in. The Gothic Quarter around Placa Sant Jaume is the ceremonial heart. Many events are packed, so arrive early for a good view of the castellers or the fireworks, and use the metro, as central streets close to traffic.
La Mercè in photos
Hotels & rentals near La Mercè
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Getting there & around on event days
Fly into Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), about 13 km southwest of the centre. La Merce fills the whole city, with events concentrated around Placa Sant Jaume, the Gothic Quarter, Ciutadella park and the beachfront. From the airport, the Aerobus reaches Placa Catalunya in about 35 minutes, or the R2 Nord train and metro line 9 Sud connect to the network. Placa Catalunya and Jaume I (line 4) put you in the heart of the action. Many streets close to traffic during the festival, so the metro and walking are your best bet.
Where it happens
Getting to the event
Flights and airport transfers to BCN — search and compare without leaving the page.
Safety & travel advice
- Before you go, read the UK government's FCDO travel advice for Spain (entry requirements, safety and local laws).
- Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights and live alerts.