La merce 2023
By Charlotte Stace
La Mercè is Barcelona’s annual festival held in celebration of its patron saint, Mare de Déu de la Mercè (the Virgin of Mercy) running until 25th September. The tradition dates to 1687, when the governing Consell de Cent (Council of One Hundred) credited her with saving the city from a locust plague and named her as the city’s patron (alongside Santa Eulàlia).
The festival was popularised at the turn of the 20th century with the addition of castellers (human towers), papier maché gegants (giants) and other folk traditions, such as the correfoc (firerun) and live projections in Plaça de la Mercè.
The great thing about this festival is that it coincides with BAM festival, which presents a series of concerts showcasing live music on stages across the city throughout the Mercè celebrations. Check out the programme for more details.