La Mercè is the annual festival of the city of Barcelona in Catalonia. It has been an official city holiday since 1871, when the local government first organized a program of special activities to observe the Roman Catholic feast day of Our Lady of Mercy. Although the actual feast day is September 24, the festivities begin a few days beforehand.

If you want to see Barcelona at its best and witness all the most unique Catalan traditions, then La Mercè is without a doubt one of the best times to visit. Gone are the mad crowds of July and August, locals have returned from their summer holidays with renewed energy, and the city is bursting with life.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: CATALONIA 

There are about 600 events spread throughout the plazas, streets, museums, and parks. All entertainment is free. Barcelona’s metro trains run all night during the festival. Among more recently introduced traditions are the annual Catalan Wine Fair, a special correfoc, a 10 km race and the pyro-musical, a display featuring synchronized fireworks.

Street theater is a distinct element of the artistic events. Dance, circus, bands, fringe, and touring shows make up the bulk of the events. In order to bring Barcelona’s people closer to different cultures, each year, through the “Guest City” program, another city from elsewhere in the world is invited to present its culture and artists.

*Castellers are human towers and a prominent part of La Mercè. Castells, Catalan for castles, are a cultural phenomenon particular to Catalonia and consist of erecting human towers.

The many events of La Merce are held at various locations around Barcelona. Here’s a breakdown of the main event locations:

• Correfoc (fire run) > Via Laietana (map)
• Castellers (human towers), Gigantes (parade of giants), Projection show > Placa de Sant Jaume (map)

The public transport in the city and the surrounding area managed by Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM)

TMB • FGC • Tram + Night Bus Service

Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: How to get there / Getting around the city (barcelonaturisme.com) • Getting around Spain (spain.info)

BUS: One of the largest bus companies in Spain is ALSA, which covers most of the country with its extensive network of bus routes. Other popular bus companies include Avanza, Empresa Plana, and Socibus / Secorbus. You can also see what is all available on Movelia.es.

TRAIN: The city’s main Inter-city rail station is Barcelona Sants railway station (map). The main train operator is RENFE, including AVE (Spanish high speed train) or Talgo intercity services. (*Rail travel in Europe)

AIRPORT: Barcelona is served by Barcelona–El Prat Airport, about 17 km (11 mi) from the centre of Barcelona. Information about Spanish airports ⇒ aena.es.

FERRY: Baleària • Grimaldi Lines • Trasmediterranea. + Spain’s main sea connections (spain.info)

What is La Mercè? Concerts, parades of “big heads” and “giants”, human towers, activities for everyone, the “Piromusical” (firework display set to music) … all this and much more at Barcelona’s big festival. Partying, culture and tradition, the perfect mix to say goodbye to the summer.

Don’t miss it!

⇒ video source: Visit Barcelona / youtube.com /

When you need visas and entry requirements. Types of visas and where to get them. Visa for international digital nomads.

Renfe is the national railway company of Spain, and their website offers information about train schedules, routes, and fares.

Alsa is the leading bus operator in the Spanish. ‘We reached hundreds of destinations, some of which you cannot imagine.’