What Is La Merce Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

La Merce Barcelona is one of the most celebrated and colorful festivals in Spain. It is held to honor Mare de Deu de la Merce, the patron saint of Barcelona. This festival is celebrated every year on September 24th and it lasts for four days.

History of La Merce

The origins of La Merce date back to the 17th century when Barcelona was hit by a plague epidemic. The city council decided to ask for help from the Virgin Mary, who was known as La Merce. The epidemic soon disappeared, and since then, the people of Barcelona celebrate this festival every year to honor their patron saint.

Activities during La Merce

La Merce is not just a religious festival but also a cultural extravaganza that involves a variety of activities such as music, dance, fireworks, and more. Here are some of the most popular activities during La Merce:

Castellers

One of the most iconic activities during La Merce is Castellers. It involves building human towers up to several levels high using people’s strength and balance. This tradition started in Catalonia over 200 years ago and has become an integral part of the festival.

Giants Parade

Another popular activity during La Merce is the Giants Parade. It involves giant figures made out of papier-mache that are paraded through the streets accompanied by music and dance performances.

Correfoc

Correfoc means ‘fire run’ in Catalan. It is a thrilling activity that involves groups of people dressed as devils running through the streets with fireworks and firecrackers while spectators dance around them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, La Merce Barcelona is not just a religious festival but also a cultural celebration that brings together people from all over Spain and the world. It is a unique experience that showcases the rich history and traditions of Catalonia. If you have the opportunity to attend this festival, it is definitely an experience not to be missed.