Every September, Barcelona says goodbye to summer with the La Mercè Festival, one of the city’s most eagerly awaited events of the year. Young people, families and visitors come together for several days to enjoy Catalan traditions, music, culture and a wide variety of activities.
Below, we take a look at the dates, programme, main activities and where to stay during the La Mercè Festival 2026.
When is the La Mercè Festival 2026?
The La Mercè Festival 2026 will take place in Barcelona from Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 September. For five days, the city’s streets and squares will be filled with music, tradition, culture and activities for all ages in honour of Mare de Déu de la Mercè, the patron saint of Barcelona.
In addition, Shanghai will be this year’s guest city, bringing its culture to Barcelona through a variety of music, traditional and street arts events.
What does the La Mercè 2026 programme include and what are the must-see activities?
As every year, the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona is responsible for organising the La Mercè Festival programme, offering a wide variety of activities for all audiences. These range from concerts covering different musical genres to street arts performances, family activities and displays of Catalan culture.
The opening speech and parade, which will take place on 23 September, will be the first major events marking the start of the La Mercè Festival 2026. The opening speech will be held in the Saló de Cent at Barcelona City Hall. Afterwards, the Toc d’Inici will take place, an emblematic event featuring giants, traditional bestiary figures and other elements of Catalan popular culture, accompanied by music in Plaça de Sant Jaume.
Over the following days, the programme will be packed with daytime and evening activities. Among them, there are several events particularly worth keeping in mind if you want to experience the highlights of La Mercè:
1. Piromusical
The Piromusical is one of the most eagerly awaited shows of La Mercè. It combines music and fireworks in a synchronised performance in which pyrotechnics create a spectacular visual and sound experience. This year, the Piromusical will take place on Nova Icària beach, in the Bogatell area, on Sunday 27 September from 10:00 pm.
2. Correfoc
The correfoc is one of the most popular and entertaining activities during La Mercè. During the parade, groups dressed as devils make their way through the streets surrounded by fire, firecrackers and percussion, while many spectators stand beneath the sparks to experience the event up close. This year there will once again be a junior correfoc and an adult correfoc, although the exact times and routes have yet to be confirmed.
3. Castellers
The castellers are another of the great pillars of Catalan tradition. Different groups, known as “colles”, build human towers in city squares, with the aim of having a child, known as the “enxaneta”, climb to the very top of the tower. Plaça de Sant Jaume will host this event at midday on 24 September as part of the Diada Castellera de la Mercè 2026.
4. Outdoor concerts
Music undoubtedly plays a major role during La Mercè. Throughout the festival, numerous outdoor concerts will take place at different venues across Barcelona, featuring a wide range of musical styles. Among the most notable artists appearing at La Mercè 2026 are Nacho Vegas, Els Amics de les Arts, Els Catarres, Buhos, La Pegatina, Leire Martínez and Aterciopelados. Many of these performances will take place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September.
What are the main venues for La Mercè 2026?
Barcelona will have more than 20 venues located throughout the city for La Mercè 2026. Squares, parks and iconic locations will take centre stage during the celebrations, hosting concerts, performances and cultural activities.
The main venues include the Jardins de Joan Maragall – Palauet Albéniz, Parc de la Trinitat, Parc de les Glòries, Parc dels Auditoris, Parc de l’Estació del Nord and Barcelona’s Port Olímpic, among others.
Where to stay in Barcelona during the La Mercè Festival 2026?
If you are looking for accommodation to enjoy the La Mercè Festival 2026, Pensión 45 is an excellent choice thanks to its location close to historic landmarks and its good transport connections with different parts of the city. It offers comfort, peace and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a good option if you are looking for affordable accommodation in Barcelona during your stay.
From Pensión 45, you can easily visit some of Barcelona’s main attractions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria Market, Barcelona Cathedral, Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. In addition, its convenient connections by train, metro, bus and taxi make it easy to get around the city.
Enjoy the programme and the main activities of the La Mercè Festival 2026 and complete your Barcelona getaway with a stay at Pensión 45, right in the heart of the city.