Once a year, at the end of September, Barcelona throws the biggest party of its calendar — and many visitors have never heard of it. La Mercè is the city's festa major, five days of human towers, fire runs, giants, live music and a spectacular fireworks finale. If you're in Barcelona in late September 2026, this is one celebration not to miss.
What Is La Mercè?
La Mercè is Barcelona's annual festival in honour of the Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy), one of the city's patron saints. It has been celebrated officially since 1902 and marks the symbolic end of summer and arrival of autumn.
Today, La Mercè is above all a huge celebration of Barcelona and Catalan culture. Over five days, squares and streets across the city fill with human towers, giants, fire runs, concerts, street performances and cultural events.
The Must-See Events of La Mercè
Castellers — the human towers
The castellers build human towers that can reach extraordinary heights, topped by a child who climbs to the summit and raises a hand. The tradition is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. During La Mercè, casteller teams perform in Plaça de Sant Jaume. Arrive early — the square fills quickly.
Correfoc — the fire run
Devils and dragons fill the streets with sparks, fireworks and drums while crowds follow the procession. There is normally a children's correfoc followed later by the full adult version. Wear cotton, cover your arms and follow the safety instructions if you plan to get close to the sparks.
Gegants — the giants
Towering figures of kings, queens and historical characters are carried and danced through Barcelona's streets to the beat of drums and gralles, traditional Catalan wind instruments. It is one of the most recognisable sights of La Mercè and especially popular with families.
Piromusical — fireworks and music
La Mercè closes with the Piromusical, a fireworks and music show that traditionally marks the end of Barcelona's festa major.
In 2026 the location changes. Because of works around the Montjuïc and Plaça d'Espanya area, the Piromusical moves to Barcelona's seafront, with the fireworks launched from the Bogatell breakwater and views from the Bogatell and Nova Icària beach area. The show takes place on Sunday 27 September at 22:00.
BAM & Música Mercè — the concerts
Barcelona Acció Musical (BAM) and Música Mercè bring more than one hundred concerts to stages across Barcelona during the festival, covering a wide range of genres and artists.
The Castellers: Barcelona's Most Astonishing Tradition
If you only understand one La Mercè tradition, make it the castellers. These human towers are built on the principles of força, equilibri, valor i seny — strength, balance, courage and common sense — with hundreds of people forming the base while the structure rises above them.
Watching a castell rise is genuinely moving. Seeing one from close by, understanding the different roles and the pinya at the base, gives you a completely different perspective on the tradition.
You also don't have to visit during La Mercè to discover the tradition. Our Gràcia Craft Beer & Castellers Tour runs on selected dates throughout the year. You'll explore Gràcia, taste local craft beer and discover the Castellers tradition from a much closer perspective.
Can't make La Mercè? Discover the Castellers tradition on selected dates throughout the year.
See the Castellers TourPractical Tips for La Mercè 2026
- Book accommodation early. La Mercè is one of the busiest periods of late September in Barcelona. If you're travelling specifically for the festival, reserve well in advance.
- The 24th is a public holiday. Many shops and offices close, while restaurants and tourist attractions may operate different opening hours.
- Leave the car behind. Road closures and large crowds can make driving through central Barcelona difficult. Walking and public transport are normally the easiest options.
- Check the official programme. The 2026 programme is already being published. Check the official La Mercè website before heading to an event because locations and times can change.
- For the correfoc, dress appropriately. Long sleeves, cotton rather than synthetic fabrics, a hat and closed shoes are sensible if you plan to be close to the sparks.
- Arrive early for the major events. Castellers, the main parades and the Piromusical attract large crowds.
La Mercè and the Barcelona Food Scene
La Mercè is also a great time to explore Barcelona's food culture. The end of September brings the first signs of autumn to the markets, while terraces, bars and bodegas are still full of life.
If you're in Barcelona for the festival, combine the celebrations with one of our small-group Barcelona food tours . Discover tapas and Catalan wine in El Born, a traditional market breakfast at Sant Antoni, or craft beer and Castellers in Gràcia. Every tour is led by a guide who was born and raised in Barcelona.
FAQ: La Mercè Festival 2026
La Mercè 2026 takes place from 23 to 27 September, with 24 September as the main day and a public holiday in Barcelona. The festival spans five days of events across the city.
Most La Mercè events are free to attend, including many concerts, cultural performances, Castellers events, parades and the Piromusical. Always check the official programme for individual event details.
Highlights include Castellers and other Catalan traditions, the correfoc fire run, the parade of gegants, BAM and Música Mercè concerts and the closing Piromusical. In 2026 the Piromusical takes place on Barcelona's seafront instead of its traditional Montjuïc location.
Castellers are teams that build traditional Catalan human towers. The tradition is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage and is one of the signature sights of La Mercè. You can also discover the tradition on selected dates throughout the year on our Gràcia Craft Beer & Castellers Tour.
The 2026 Piromusical takes place on Sunday 27 September at 22:00. This year it moves from Montjuïc to Barcelona's seafront, with the fireworks launched from the Bogatell breakwater and viewing areas around Bogatell and Nova Icària.
Yes. La Mercè is Barcelona's main city festival and one of the best opportunities to see Catalan traditions, concerts, parades and street culture together across several days.
Events are spread across Barcelona rather than concentrated in one location. Plaça de Sant Jaume is one of the main stages for traditional culture, while concerts and performances take place at venues across the city. In 2026 the closing Piromusical moves to the Bogatell and Nova Icària seafront area.
In Barcelona for La Mercè? Taste it, too.
Small-group food tours through Barcelona's neighbourhoods, led by born-and-raised locals.
Explore our food tours