La Mercè 2025 in Barcelona: Everything You Need to Know

La Mercè 2025

If you're new to Barcelona, there's no better introduction to the city’s energy and culture than La Mercè, the biggest annual festival in Barcelona.

Here’s everything you need to know about La Mercè 2025: what it is, when it happens, what to expect, and how to enjoy it like a local.

What Is La Mercè?

La Mercè is Barcelona’s festa major (main city festival), held every September in honour of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy (La Mare de Déu de la Mercè).

For nearly 150 years, this event has transformed the entire city into one massive open-air stage. Expect a mix of Catalan traditions, free music festivals, fireworks, street art, and vibrant cultural programming.

It’s one of the best times of year to explore Barcelona, especially if you’ve just arrived.

When Is La Mercè 2025?

• 📅 Dates: September 23–28, 2025

• 🏛️ Public Holiday: September 24 is a public holiday in Barcelona

• 📍 Where: Events take place across all districts of the city – in parks, plazas, streets, and cultural venues

Highlights of La Mercè 2025

This year’s festival includes more than 100 events across six days. Here are some of the most anticipated:

🎭 Cultural Traditions

• Castellers (Human Towers) – an iconic Catalan tradition you have to experience at least once

• Correfoc (Fire Run) – fire-spitting devils and dragons run through the streets; it’s loud, smoky, and thrilling

• Gigantes – enormous papier-mâché figures that parade through the city

• Sardanes – traditional circle dancing in Plaça de la Catedral

🎶 Free Concerts & Music

• BAM Festival (Barcelona Acció Musical) – indie, electronic and global music

• Música Mercè – classical, pop, jazz, and Catalan artists

• Featured artists in 2025 include: The Tyets, Rigoberta Bandini, and Pussy Riot

🍽️ Sustainable Food Festival

• Terra i Gust at Parc de la Ciutadella (Sept 26–28)

• Local food stalls, eco-friendly producers, and culinary workshops

🎇 Piromusical (Fireworks Finale)

• Takes place on September 28 at Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina

• A music-and-fireworks spectacle that lights up Montjuïc and marks the end of the festival

Tips for Newcomers Attending La Mercè

If this is your first La Mercè, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Check the full program online ahead of time and plan your route: La Mercè 2025 Official Program

• Use public transport: Metro lines often run later, and parking can be difficult

• Arrive early to major events like Correfoc or fireworks displayed, they tend to get crowded

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water (you’ll be walking a lot!)

• Fire safety: For events like Correfoc, wear long sleeves and closed shoes — and avoid front-row spots if you’re noise-sensitive or have small children in tow

• Families: Many daytime events are kid-friendly, especially around Ciutadella Park, Montjuïc, and Plaça Catalunya

Why La Mercè Is Perfect for New Arrivals

If you've just moved to Barcelona, La Mercè is the best way to dive into Catalan culture and feel like part of the community.

• It’s an open, welcoming celebration where locals and foreigners mix

• Most events are free and easy to access, with no ticket required

• You’ll get a firsthand look at what makes Barcelona’s cultural identity so unique

Whether you want to discover traditional Catalan customs, enjoy world-class live music, or simply stroll through the city’s buzzing neighbourhoods, La Mercè 2025 is a must-experience moment in your new life here.

Need Help Settling Into Life in Barcelona?

At NOVA Barcelona, we help newcomers handle every aspect of moving to and settling in Barcelona — from visas and housing to understanding local traditions and holidays like La Mercè.

Explore our Relocation Services or contact us for expert support.