Street parties, fireworks and incredible human towers in Barcelona
La Mercè Festival 2015 in Barcelona is the biggest party of the year, with seven days of festivities and street parties. Dedicated to its co-patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy, La Mercè is the best time to experience Barcelona.
The Catalan capital transforms into a crazy street festival in late September and there’ll be more than 600 events squeezed into the city’s plazas, streets and parks.
Each day of the festival has its own special parade brimming with papier mâché characters, dancing giants and live music. Backpackers wanting to party on holiday won’t be disappointed when they arrive in Barcelona. Just don’t expect to get much sleep!
When is the La Mercè Festival?
Friday September 18 2015 - Thursday September 24 2015
Where does it take place?
La Mercè is a week-long street festival that takes place across the city, but most visitors won't need to leave La Ramblas or Barri Gòtic.
Big events at La Mercè
There are up to 600 events taking place in late September, so you can’t possibly experience them all. But any backpacker worth their salt must experience these highlight events:
Castellers – the human towers
Dating back to eighteenth century, in the nearby Catalan town of Valls, the ‘Castellers’ began building human towers (as you do) to compete in sporting events. This eccentric tradition is still going strong and it’s celebrated each year at La Mercè.
During the festival, thousands of revellers pack into the square, as the colour coded groups form human mountains, before a child climbs to the peak at the end. Performances will take place at the Plaça de Sant Jaume, in the Gothic Quarter, and this will quite possibly be the most extraordinary thing you’ll ever see on your travels!
Correfoc – a fire-breathing dragons procession
Correfoc takes place in Via Laietana after dark and the ‘fire run’ is a flamboyant riot of colour, noise and scary dragons. If you prefer the quiet life on your travels, then this is definitely NOT the event for you!
The crazy procession is accompanied by danger devils and giant monsters, who march through the streets of Barcelona scaring people with fireworks and bangers.
HC festival tip #1
We advise you to wear clothes that won’t be ruined by smoke or fire. Also, it’s advisable to wear glasses during this event. Some fireworks are directly thrown at visitors! Correfoc is a crazy and unpredictable event that pays no heed to health and safety regulations…
Gigantes – the giant parade
Gigantic kings and queens, nobles and clerics march throught the streets of Barcelona, accompanied by live street music and steel drums.
Where can you stay in Barcelona during La Mercè?
Barcelona is one of the world’s best cities for hostels. With a huge range of hostels available, you can stay in the city centre for less than ten euros a night. From bargain basement options to boutique luxury rooms, there is no better time to experience Barcelona than late September. Book your holiday today and watch human towers and midnight fireworks in Catalonia's most celebrated city!
*Header image of Castellers by Palau Robert via Flickr
**Castellers image also by Palau Robert via Flickr
**Barcelona evening image by Jorge Láscar via Flickr
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