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La Mercè - Barcelona's Festival

La Mercè, Barcelona's annual festival livens up the city with 6 days of non-stop activities and events - many of which can be enjoyed by all the family. The Festa al Cel at the Parc del Forum celebrates all things aeronautical with hot air balloons and an impressive air show that can be watched from the beach. The Mercè al Mar honours Barcelona's affinity with the sea, through a host of family shows and activities by the port as well as the chance for a free boat trip on the Golondrinas...

On the 24th September, Barcelona celebrates its Patron Saint's day - Mare de Deu de la Mercè.  One day not being sufficient to mark this important event, the city honours La Mercè through 6 long days of performances, concerts, family activities and fireworks.  From the 19th September, Barcelona turns into one large street party and it is a great time of year to be in the city. Major events include the Barcelona al Cel festival, in celebration of flying, which is held at the Parc del Forum. This festival of the sky's highlight is an impressive air show on the 28th by the Playa de la Nova Icaria which attracts thousands of onlookers that stretch along the Barcelona sea front.

A festival in Catalunya would not be a festival without the inclusion of fire.  During la Mercè, Barcelona hosts a 3-day International Firework Festival offering world-class pyrotechnic displays that this year sees France, Spain and Uruguay compete  from the beaches of  Barceloneta.

Also in celebration of fire and not an event for the faint-hearted, is the Correfoc on Saturday 20th. Literally a "Fire Run", this Catalan tradition involves fire-breathing dragons and devils with flames that send sparks leaping into the crowds.

The brave (or foolish) wrap their heads with cloth in an attempt to form "protective clothing" and run through the parade dicing with danger. For a calmer, although none-the-less disconcerting experience of this original event, you may prefer to watch the children's Correfoc that takes place earlier in the evening.

Good places to head to with the family are the Moll de la Barcelona at the bottom of the Rambla where the festival of La Mercè al Mar honours Barcelona as a maritime city.  As well as various shows relating tales of the sea, there are plenty of activities and workshops for kids.  There are also free tickets for kids for lessons in navigation and a chance to experience life as a fisherman.   The Barcelona Golondrina is also offering free trips out to sea,   The city central, Parc de la Ciutadella will also be hosting various events for kids and will be providing a permanent games zone throughout the festival for 0-3 year olds with plenty of walkers, cars and toys to play with.

This year, the Castell de Montjuïc, Barcelona's castle located at the top of the hill of Montjuïc is hosting a 2-day circus event, the Circ al Castell. A great option for a day out, not only can you watch some quality contemporary and traditional circus acts, you can also enjoy some great city views while you are up there.  A Fisher Price space with toys and games will also be available for babies and toddlers.    

Another highlight of La Mercè is the opportunity to buy half-price tickets to various stage productions in Barcelona. From the 20th September, 50% off tickets can be bought for performances during the 22nd-28th (Ticket stand at Portal del Angel, 39). Many major theatres are participating including the Apolo that is currently showing Fame and children's venues, the Guasch Teatre and the Tantarantana.

For young people there are concerts, a roller disco at the Forum and a  chance to compete in a rather unusual public transport competition, the Gimcana del TMB on the 27th.  This wacky and original event is essentially an enormous treasure hunt that involves participants riding Barcelona's public transport system around the city to solve clues and answer complicated riddles and questions.

A major bonus for families during the festival is the Jornada de Portes Obertes or Open Days held by many museums and art centres. On the 24th September, there is free admission (including activities) to  CosmoCaixa, CaixaForum, the Botanical Gardens, History Museum and many art galleries such as the Fundació Joan Miró, and the MNAC, Museu Nacional de Catalunya.

Barcelona's family-friendly Poble Espanyol, a mock Spanish village, is also opening its doors on the 24th for a day of fun and fiesta. From the Poble's vantage point above Plaza Espanya there is space for 200 people to watch the spectacular musical fireworks taking place that evening at the fountains of Montjuïc and be one of the lucky ones to see the incredible festival of La Mercè go out with a bang.

See the Kids in Barcelona Events List for full details of la Mercè

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