In September we celebrate La Mercè, the patron saint of Barcelona and therefore, the major festival of the city. Get ready for 4 days of concerts, fun and crazy party. Keep reading and join the events that interest you the most!
WHAT, HOW, WHEN?
The festivities of the Mercè are held between 20th and 24th September and fill the streets of Barcelona with concerts and activities for all kind of audiences. This year we highlight that the major festival will start with the announcement by the former mayor of Madrid, Manuela Carmena, and will end with the traditional pyromusical of the Mercè at Maria Cristina avenue (Sants- Montjüic), which this year pays tribute to The Beatles, the Great Teatre del Liceu, Glenn Miller and Montserrat Caballé, without forgetting the typical music from Beirut, this year’s guest city.
A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT LA MERCÈ:
Do you know what…? Legend says that, on the night of 24th September 1218, the Virgin appeared simultaneously to King James I, St Peter Nolasco and Saint Ramon of Penyafort. The three of them were asked to create an order of monks dedicated to saving Christians imprisoned by Saracens. Centuries later, in 1687, Barcelona suffered a plague of locusts and left it in the hands of our Lady of Mercè. After the plague, the City Council appointed her patron saint of Barcelona. But the Pope did not ratify the decision until two centuries later, in 1868.
Eulàlia or Mercè? Why does it always rain during La Mercè?
You may never have heard of it, but there are two rival patron saints in Barcelona. Legend says that Saint Eulalia was the first patron saint of the city of Barcelona. But “another one” arrived, La Mercè. The two (Saint Eulalia and Our Lady of Merè) have been protecting the city since 1868. Eulalia was a martyr who died in the city during the Roman Barcino. Our Lady of La Mercè, as we call it, saved the city from a plague of locusts in the 17th century. Many times it rains and it is often said that it is the tears of Saint Eulalia, who thus complains of the callousness of the Barcelona citizens in favor of the Mercè. Or according to evil tongues, she cries not of sorrow, but to annoy the party to her opponent. What do you think?
LA MERCÈ FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT EXPREIENCED IT BEFORE:
If this is your first time at La Mercè, let us highlight the not-to-be-missed events for you to attend:
Friday 20th at 18.30 h:
Opening Speech by Manuela Carmena at Sant Jaume square.
- Friday 20th from 21:30h:
You have a great opportunity to listen to the best of Catalan pop. You have a date with La casa Azul (electropop) and Dorian (indie/pop). Shortly thereafter, to close the party, the group Oques Grasses will perform their fusion of reggae-ska music. Where? On the beach of Bogatell.
- Saturday 21st at 19.45 h: You must attend ‘Correfoc’
We present three Correfoc events in a row that will take the city center on Saturday. All of them will start at Antoni Maura square from 7.45pm. The route of the devils will go through Via Laietana and fisnish at Antoni López square. Don’t miss it!
- Saturday 21st at 23.30 h: La Pegatina Concert at the beach of Bogatell, party guaranteed!
- Sunday 22nd at 12.00 h: ‘Diada castellera’
Essentialifyou’veneverseen’elscastellers’ (human towers) inaction.
On Sunday morning, the traditional casteller meeting will take place at Plaça de Sant Jaume, where dozens of ‘castellers’ will participate.
- Tuesday 24th at 11.00 h: Gegants
Como cada año, la Plaça Sant Jaume acogerá de nuevo la ‘Passejada de Gegants’ que transcurrirá por la calle Ferran, La Rambla, Pintor Fortuny y Àngels Montalegre a partir de las 11.45h. ¡Ideal para ir con niños! - Tuesday 24th at 22 h: Pyromusical. Like every year, the festivities of the Catalan capital will ring the final bell at Maria Cristina Avenue with a show of light, fireworks and color.
Want more? Download the whole program of La Mercè 2019! Don’t miss anything.
DO YOU KNOW SANTA TECLA?
From 14th to 24th September we also have the Santa Tecla festivities; it is Tarragona’s saint patron. It is such a great celebration.
Would you like to know more about it?
And remember… if you are still looking for accommodation in Barcelona, at Hostemplo we’ll make you feel home. We can offer you suites, romos and apartments. We will welcome you with open arms and breakfast served at your table everyday of your stay.
Don’t wait to make your booking!
