Around 24 September, once again Barcelona will celebrate its Annual Festival. The last blast of summer before the autumn starts, La Mercè is the festival of festivals, where, in just a few days there are hundreds of activities. La Mercè is a showcase for Catalan traditions as well as a unique opportunity to see the top street performers in action and to enjoy some great concerts. Have you got a slot in your diary? Well, set aside the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th September.

There’s no better time to discover Hostel in Barcelona than September, when the city reveals its most authentic side during its main festival. During this period, costumed figures wearing giant papier-mâché heads, known as nans, huge painted papier-mâché figures, known as gegants, and devils and beasts will take to the streets of Barcelona, and landmarks, such as the Parc de la Ciutadella and Montjuïc Castle, will become the focus of Mercè Street Performance (MAC).
During the festival, the city hosts a wide range of concerts, spanning dance to world music, as well as cutting-edge initiatives that are part of the BAM Festival.

For some years now, the Mercè Festival has combined tradition with a way of looking at the world that includes events dedicated to a guest city. This year, the guest city will be Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second city and one of the great European capitals of art, music and dance.

Come to Montjuïc Castle, which has become the circus venue for the festival, and you’ll see the funniest clowns, the most amazing magicians and the most skilled acrobats and jugglers, many of them from Saint Petersburg.

Performers from the Russian city will also be present, alongside many Catalan performers, in the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the epicentres of the festival. If you go during the day and at night, you’ll see that the park has a double life and offers different types of events.
There’s no denying that a Mediterranean festival wouldn’t be a festival without fireworks and the smell of gunpowder. This is why, anyone who wants to discover the essence of Barcelona, mustn’t miss the correfoc, a colourful procession of devils and beasts featuring loud music and fireworks, which is part of the Catalan festive imagination.

Remember, don’t miss this A fireworks display set to music bids farewell to the La Mercè!!
As in previous years, a fireworks display set to music will bring the festivities to a close, with a fire spectacular at Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, featuring songs that have shaped our lives.
The fireworks display will pay a final tribute to our co-patron saint with a music selection from Jordi Bonet, and his musicians from diverse origins.

Welcome to Hostel in Barcelona, welcome to La Mercè!