Nuestra Señora de La Merced Fiesta

These are the most important fiestas in the city of Barcelona, celebrated around 24 September.

These fiestas were first held in 1871, in honour of the Virgen de la Merced, named patron saint of the city by Pope Pious IX in 1868. The programme for the fiesta centres especially on Mediterranean culture, and includes more than 500 activities to suit all tastes: from street entertainment and concerts to folk dances, theatre performances and dance shows in the street. There are a host of things to see. Special mention should be made of the traditional human castles, parades of “giants and big-heads”, the Correfoc (characters in costume carrying flaming torches and flares), as well as the BAM independent music Festival.