arts & culture

The city’s biggest annual celebration of La Mercè begins with the traditional pregó - opening speech - delivered this year by master winemaker Antoni Falgueras of Sants institution Celler de Gelida, alongside his daughter, sommelier Meritxell Falgueras. Their family has been running the neighbourhood wine shop since 1895 and this year they come to help kick off the celebrations.

Then comes the Toc d’Inici, the theatrical ritual that has officially opened the festivities since 1993. Barcelona’s gegants and capgrossos are joined by an entire cast of mythical creatures - including the Àliga, Lleó, Mulassa, Víbria and Drac - as they parade and dance. The soundtrack comes courtesy of the Ministrils del Camí Ral, a 40 person ensemble of traditional musicians who have come together especially for the occasion.

As night goes on, fireworks and fire rituals ignite the atmosphere, with correfocs and diables unleashing sparks and flames. Make sure to be part of the celebrations.