La Mercè 2024, Barcelona’s biggest and most spectacular festival, starts on 20 September

La Mercè 2024, Barcelona’s most important festival, will take place from 20 to 24 September. Its programme includes more than 500 different events, from open days in museums to festive concerts, parades, and processions. The full programme can be found on the Barcelona City Council website. And the Spain Voyages editorial team has prepared a list of events that you simply can’t miss!

Festival Opening Ceremony

Where: Plaça de Sant Jaume
When: 20 September from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The institutional event that marks the beginning of the festival is the proclamation, which is traditionally held in the Saló de Cent of the Barcelona City Council. This year’s proclamation will be delivered by the renowned Spanish artist, illustrator, and writer Carme Solé Vendrell. The proclamation will be shown on a big screen in Plaça de Sant Jaume. This will be followed by a Toc d’Inici party and a procession featuring the Gegants de la Ciutat — Mustafà and Elisenda — as well as other giants and animal symbols of Barcelona.

Parade of dragons and fiery beasts

Where: Plaça Comercial
When: 20 September from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

A fiery and noisy parade will take place along Carrer del Comerç, Carrer de la Princesa, Carrer de Montcada, Carrer dels Sombrerers, Plaça de Santa Maria, Carrer de Santa Maria, Passeig del Born, and Plaça Comercial. Here you can see all the fantastic creatures that make up Barcelona’s Bestiari de foc (Bestiary of Fire).

Terra i Gust Fair

Where: Parc de la Ciutadella
When: 20 to 22 September

This is the main gastronomic event of the festival. 14 restaurants will take part in the fair, offering organic and seasonal Catalan cuisine. You will be able to buy tapas for just €5. Moroccan specialties will also be available at the fair, as this year’s guest city of La Mercè 2024 is Casablanca.

XXV International Pyrotechnic Festival

Where: Espigó del Gas
When: 20 and 21 September from 10:00 p.m. to 10:14 p.m.

Come to Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta to enjoy a magnificent fireworks display. On Friday, you will be treated to a show from Pyrotècnia Fantastika de México, and on Saturday, you will be treated to a show from Pyrotècnia López de Santiago de Compostela.

Correfoc Fire Run

Where: Passeig de Gràcia
When: 21 September, for children from 6:00 p.m., for adults from 8:30 p.m.

The Correfoc dels Petits is traditionally the first one to take place, with children taking part. It’s as safe as possible, although it’s just as noisy and spectacular. Be sure to wear tight clothing, a hat, and goggles to protect yourself from firecrackers and sparklers. The Correfoc Fire Run will give you an unforgettable experience — smoke, explosions, flying sparks, people in devil costumes, and fire-breathing fantastical creatures.

Drone show Formes de Barcelona

Where: Somorrostro Beach and its surroundings
When: 22 and 23 September at 10:00 p.m.

For two consecutive festive evenings, 300 drones will dance in the sky and create images associated with Barcelona. The grandiose show is presented by Flock Drone Art. Its duration is 12 minutes. The best vantage point is near Hospital del Mar.

La Cavalcada de la Mercè

Where: Carrer de Pelai
When: 24 September at 6:00 p.m.

This is the most spectacular parade of giants in the Festa Major de Barcelona programme. It starts from Carrer de Pelai, passes through Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, Carrer Ferran, and ends at Plaça de Sant Jaume, outside Barcelona City Hall.

Piromusical de la Mercè 2024

Where: Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina
When: 24 September at 10:00 p.m.

The magnificent final show of the festival, which combines pyrotechnic effects and music. The first component is the responsibility of the Barcelona-based company Pirotècnia Igual, which has a history of more than 120 years. The playlist for Piromusical de la Mercè 2024 was composed by the famous Spanish singer Rosalía.

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Photo by Miquel González Page from flickr.com