Every 24 September, Barcelona celebrates Mercè. These major summer festivals in the Catalan capital commemorate the Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Grace), and large celebrations take place throughout the week (including 24 September). Since 1871, this religious celebration has been held in the Catalan capital. Our Lady of Merced is the patron saint of Barcelona, while Santa Eulalia is the patron saint of the city. In Catalan, the word mercè means service, help and means compassion and kindness. The Mare de Déu de La Mercè reminds believers to remember those who are unfortunate. In Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic, a basilica is dedicated to La Mercè.

In 1687, Barcelona was attacked by locusts. In order to fight the insects, the people of Barcelona prayed to the Virgin. At the end of the invasion, she was named patroness of the city of Barcelona, although she was not recognised by the pope until 1868. Since then, every year around the 24th of September, this festival is celebrated. de la Merce.

It is a series of cultural, folkloric and leisure activities that take place according to relatively unchanged rituals. Every year there is the pregó (celebratory speeches initiated by personalities from the cultural world), the art of fire (fireworks), giant Catalan dances and numerous concerts, as well as exhibitions and open days.

This year, La Mercè 2021 launches the 150th anniversary edition On 23, 24, 25 and 26 September, the city will host a La Mercè, marked by a celebration of a century and a half since the inauguration of City Hall. This year, activist, feminist and community leader Custodia Moreno will give a speech, and one year after the pandemic stopped, Havana will become a guest city.

We hope to see you there very soon to make the most of all these festivities !