Enter the dates
15 September 2024
Are you ready to experience one of the most exciting events in Barcelona with Aspasios? The city invites you from September 20th to 24th to enjoy La Mercè 2024, the town festival in honour of its patron saint, the Virgin of La Mercè. Barcelonians celebrate this event with a schedule full of free cultural activities for all ages that will not leave you indifferent. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and immerse yourself in the culture of the city, enjoying everything from traditional shows to concerts for all audiences with family and friends.
Castellers: You can't miss watching these human towers rise, creating impressive structures, it is a traditional and unique spectacle from Catalonia.
Correfoc: Mythological creatures take over the streets of Barcelona with fire and pyrotechnics, leaving sparks and excitement in every corner of the city.
Giants and Bigheads: These enormous, colourful figures walk through the streets to the rhythm of traditional music, representing historical and mythical figures of the city, a unique opportunity to enjoy history and fun with your family.
Music and concerts: During La Mercè, Barcelona fills up with free music on stages all over the city. No matter your style, sure that you are going to find something that will make you dance to the rhythm of the music!
Aspasios Tips to enjoy La Mercè
1. Plan your route: The variety of activities is immense, so we recommend planning in advance the events you want to attend.
2. Arrive early: The most popular activities like castellers and giants attract large crowds, so we suggest arriving early to secure a good spot.
3. Get around on foot or by public transport: During La Mercè festival, many streets in the centre of Barcelona will be closed to traffic due to the events, so we recommend leaving your car parked and getting around on foot or by public transport. Barcelona’s metro usually extends its hours during these days to facilitate access to the activities.
4. Explore the city: La Mercè not only offers outdoor shows and activities, it also offers an excellent opportunity to discover some of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings. During these festive days, many of them open their doors for free, as do several museums in the city. It’s a unique opportunity to visit these spaces and experience the rich Catalan culture of the city while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
5. Find accommodation near the main events: If you haven’t booked your accommodation for your visit to Barcelona yet, we suggest doing as soon as possible, since La Mercè attracts thousands of visitors. Ideally, you should stay in the center of Barcelona or close to the main events to move around easily. At Aspasios Apartments, we offer a wide range of tourist apartments with all the amenities, ideal if you’re visiting as a couple, family, or with friends! During the festival, we recommend staying with us at the centrally located Plaza Real Apartments, Las Ramblas Apartments, or Catedral Apartments, which will help you make the most of the city during these festive times
If you haven’t yet booked accommodation for your visit to Barcelona, we suggest doing so as soon as possible, as La Mercè attracts thousands of visitors. Ideally, you should stay in the city centre or near the main activities, allowing for easy movement. At Aspasios Apartments, we offer a wide range of tourist apartments with all the amenities – the perfect option whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or friends! During the festivities, we recommend staying with us at the centrally located Plaza Real Apartments, Las Ramblas Apartments, or Catedral Apartments, which will allow you to fully enjoy the city during these festive dates.
To help you plan your route, we’ve selected the most outstanding events of each day to ensure you make the most of the La Mercè festival:
La Mercè Opening Speech at Saló de Cent, the inaugural speech of the festival.
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Barcelona City Hall
Opening Sardana Dance: Cobla Sant Jordi - City of Barcelona, traditional dance of Catalan culture.
7:00 PM
Avinguda de la Catedral
Electro Ma Non Troppo Concert, electronic music.
8:45 PM to 9:40 PM
Fabra i Coats Venue
Figa Flawas Concert, urban pop.
1:30 AM to 2:30 AM
Bogatell Beach
Dragons and Beasts Exhibition
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria
MercèDansa. Showcase of living dances.
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Avinguda de la Catedral
Children’s Correfoc
6:00 PM
Passeig de Gràcia
Doideca Concert - Liceu Conservatory of Music, Brazilian music and Jazz.
11:30 AM to 12:45 PM
Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol
Álvaro de Luna Concert at ELS40 Stage, pop-rock music.
10:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Bogatell Beach
Stay Homas Concert at LOS40 Stage, pop music.
11:30 PM to 12:40 AM
Bogatell Beach
Visit to Barcelona Aquarium
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Barcelona Aquarium - Aspro Parks
Open Days at the Historical Botanic Garden
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Avinguda dels Montanyans, 30
Catalan Traditional Dance Workshop
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Parc de la Ciutadella
Open Days at Albéniz Palace
10:30 AM
Albéniz Palace
"ARTILUSIO" Show, theatre.
11:30 AM to 12:25 PM
Port Olímpic de Barcelona
Scorpio Concert at RAC 105 Stage, Pop, R&B music.
7:00 PM to 7:40 PM
Bogatell Beach
Els Catarres Concert at RAC 105 Stage, festive pop.
10:30 PM to 11:45 PM
Bogatell Beach
Gran Teatre del Liceu Choir and Orchestra Concert, opera music.
8:45 PM to 10:00 PM
Nou Barris Main Square
Open Days at the Picasso Museum
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Picasso Museum
Open Days at the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Santa Maria de Pedralbes Museum
Sustainable Food Festival: “Earth and Taste,” gastronomy.
12:00 PM
Parc de la Ciutadella
Outdoor Film Concert
9:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Filmoteca de Catalunya
Open Days at Sagrada Família
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sagrada Família Basilica
Karime Amaya Concert, flamenco music.
10:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Avinguda de la Catedral
The Eve Night, when the giants parade through Barcelona.
11:00 PM
Plaça de Sant Jaume
Bicentennial Clavé 2024 Commemorative Concert. Zarzuela ‘L’Aplec del Remei’ by Josep Anselm Clavé.
8:00 PM
Plaça de Sant Jaume
Generalitat Palace Carillon, extraordinary concert for La Mercè festival.
9:00 PM
Plaça de Sant Jaume
Photography Exhibition “Dancing in the Neighbourhood / Exhibition”
11:00 AM
Parc de l’Estació del Nord
Ringing of Bells and La Mercè Procession
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Plaça de la Mercè
La Mercè Cavalcade
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Carrer de Pelai, 12
Piromusical
10:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Avinguda Maria Cristina
Open Days at the Sant Pau Modernist Complex
9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167
Open Days at the Museum of Music - L'Auditori
10:00 AM
Museum of Music - L'Auditori
Open Days at the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona
Open Days at the Museum of the History of Catalonia
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Museum of the History of Catalonia
MACBA from the Sky. Historical visit with 360º views.
11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona
Musical Show: ‘Smile’
12:40 PM to 1:30 PM
Pla de la Seu
If this selection of activities is not enough for you, here is the link to the complete programme for La Mercè 2024 on the Barcelona City Council website: Official Programme of La Mercè. Get ready to experience one of the most exciting events in Barcelona with Aspasios! See you in Barcelona to celebrate La Mercè 2024.