A complete guide to La Mercè 2025: What to see, when, and where

Barcelona is gearing up for celebration this week as the city prepares for La Mercè, its biggest annual festival.

The largest street festival in the Catalan capital will take place from September 23 to 28, filling the city with music, culture, and tradition.

La Mercè is Barcelona’s festa major, held in honor of the Virgin of Mercy (Mare de Déu de la Mercè), the city’s patron saint.

She became patron in 1687, after the city invoked her to save it from a devastating locust plague. When the plague ended, the Virgin was officially named patron of Barcelona.

Since then, the city has celebrated its grand festival around September 24, the feast day of the Virgin of Mercy.

This year, the 24th falls on a Wednesday, so the festivities will begin on Tuesday evening, take a short break on Thursday, and continue with the main events over the weekend.

During these five days, the city will host 107 concerts, 80 street performances, and 55 traditional cultural events. Activities will be spread across 26 venues in 8 districts, and all events are free of charge.

Most iconic cultural events

Every year for centuries, certain historical events have been repeated time and again — and it’s this tradition that gives La Mercè its unique charm. Here are some of the unmissable highlights:

Pregó and Toc d’Inici (Tuesday, 7 pm, Plaça Sant Jaume)

The official kick-off to the celebrations begins at 7 pm with the traditional opening speeches and institutional ceremony. This year, the pregó (opening address) will be delivered by actress Emma Vilarasau, known for her role in last year’s La Casa en Flames. 

At 8 pm, the Toc d’Inici begins. L’Àliga, the giants, mythical beasts, dance and fire groups, and the 'Seguici Popular' will make their way from Palau de la Virreina to Plaça Sant Jaume, where they’ll perform their unique and ceremonial dances for the gathered crowd.

Diada Castellera (Wednesday, 1 pm, Plaça Sant Jaume)

One of the main highlights of the day celebrating La Mercè’s patron saint, this human towers performance, the castells, will run from 1 pm to 3 pm. Expect a spectacular display of coordination, tradition, and teamwork. This year features more 'colles' (groups) than ever, with Castellers de Barcelona acting as hosts.

Cavalcada (Wednesday, 6 pm, Plaça de Catalunya)

The Cavalcada parade is one of the festival’s showstoppers,  a lively display of Barcelona’s rich popular culture, where the giants take center stage. Expect music, dancing, and a colorful celebration. The parade sets off from Pelai and Gravina streets, but the best place to catch it is at Plaça Catalunya, where it quickly heads. From there, it continues down La Rambla, ending at Plaça Sant Jaume.

Drone spectacle (Friday, 10pm, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta)

Facing the sea, a spectacular drone show will take place on Friday. Titled Onírica and created by Flock Drone Art Studio, the display offers a journey through Barcelona’s culture and roots. It promises to be a magical moment where the city comes alive through the dancing lights of the drones.

Correfocs (Saturday, 6pm and 8.30pm, Passeig de Gràcia)

The Correfoc, a fiery spectacle of sparks, fireworks, and dancing devils, is one of the most anticipated events of La Mercè. Held for the second consecutive year along Passeig de Gràcia, the children’s Correfoc begins at 6 pm, followed by the main Correfoc at 8.30 pm.

Pro tip: Wear a straw hat and an old long-sleeved shirt — you’ll thank us later!

Piromusical (Sunday, 10pm, Avinguda Maria Cristina)

A breathtaking mix of fireworks and music, the Piromusical is how Barcelona bids farewell to its annual celebration. This year, for the second time, the show is artist-curated. After last year’s tribute to Rosalía, this year’s soundtrack is created by Estopa, who have announced a new song in Catalan made in collaboration with The Tyets. 

Expect 30 minutes of light, sound, and spectacle, with the Magic Fountains of Montjuïc finally back in action after three years dry. 

Top concerts and performances

Tuesday

• Pussy Riot: from 11 pm to 12.30 am at Plaça de Catalunya
• Lido Pimienta: from 12 am to 1 am at Moll de la Fusta
• Niño de Elche: from 12 am to 1.15 am at Avinguda de la Catedral
• The Ex: from 11 pm to 12 am at La Rambla del Raval
• Rocío Márquez: from 10.30 pm to 11.30 pm at Avinguda de la Catedral
• Space Afrika: from 12 am to 12.45 am at Teatre Grec
• Kiddy Smile: from 1.30 am to 2.30 am at Moll de la Fusta

Friday

• Mushka: from 9 pm to 10.30 pm at Platja del Bogatell
• Rigoberta Bandini: from 11 pm to 12.30 am at Platja del Bogatell
• Buhos: from 9.15 pm to 10.15 pm at Avinguda Maria Cristina
• Queralt Lahoz & Wekrha: from 12 am to 1.30 am at Avinguda de la Catedral
• Orquestra i Cor del Gran Teatre del Liceu: from 8.45 pm to 10 pm at Plaça Major de Nou Barris
• Maria Mazzotta: from 9 pm to 10.30 pm at Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol
• Lia Kali: from 1 am to 2.30 am at Platja del Bogatell
• Figa Flawas: from 12 am to 1.10 am at Avinguda Maria Cristina

Saturday

• Sidonie: from 11 pm to 12.15 am at Moll de la Fusta
• Doctor Prats: from 1245 am to 2 am at Moll de la Fusta
• 31 FAM: from 10 pm to 11 pm at Moll de la Fusta
• Maria Arnal (with Marcel Bagés): from 9 pm to 10 pm at Avinguda de la Catedral
• Big Yud: from 1 am to 2 am at Plaça Reial
• Bigwé: from 11 pm to 12 am at Plaça Reial
• Orquestra Fireluche with Pau Riba (tribute): from 8 pm to 9 pm at Plaça de Sant Jaume

To view the full program, click here to visit the official city council website for more details.