¿Por qué Barcelona tiene dos patronas?
La Mercè and Santa Eulàlia: Why does Barcelona have two patron saints?
Barcelona is a city full of history, traditions, and symbols. Among them, its two patron saints stand out: Saint Eulàlia and Our Lady of Mercé (La Mercè). Having two protective figures is not common in other cities, which is why it is interesting to understand why this is the case.
Saint Eulàlia, the ancient patron saint
The first patron saint of Barcelona was Saint Eulàlia, a young martyr who lived in the 4th century, during the Roman period.
According to tradition, Eulàlia was a 13-year-old girl who publicly defended her Christian faith at a time when Christianity was forbidden. For her bravery, she was arrested and endured thirteen tortures, one for each year of her life. Finally, she was executed in the city of Barcino, the ancient Roman Barcelona.
Over time, Saint Eulàlia became a symbol of purity, courage, and faith, and the city adopted her as its patron saint. Her remains rest in the Cathedral of Barcelona, also called the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulàlia, where there is a crypt dedicated to her.
Every February, around the 12th, the Feast of Saint Eulàlia is celebrated, popularly known as La Laia. These are winter festivities with a family-oriented and cultural atmosphere, including parades, castellers (human towers), and activities for children.
Our Lady of Mercè, the official patron saint
The second patron saint of Barcelona is Our Lady of Mercè (Mare de Déu de la Mercè in Catalan). Her story is connected to the Middle Ages.
In 1218, according to tradition, the Virgin appeared to three people: Saint Peter Nolasco, Saint Raymond of Penyafort, and King James I. She asked them to found a religious order dedicated to freeing Christians held captive in Muslim lands. This gave rise to the Order of Mercy (Ordo Beatae Mariae de Mercede).
Devotion to Our Lady of Mercè spread quickly, and in 1687 she was proclaimed patron saint of Barcelona after being credited with the miracle of saving the city from a locust plague.
Her feast is celebrated on September 24, during the famous Festes de la Mercè, which are now the city’s major festival. For several days, Barcelona fills with music, parades, fireworks, correfocs (fire runs), and cultural activities.
Thus, Barcelona has two patron saints because they belong to two different historical moments, both important. When devotion to Our Lady of Mercè arose, Saint Eulàlia’s role continued to be recognized and valued, so both figures were preserved rather than one replacing the other. They remain two complementary references: one, a martyr patron saint from Antiquity symbolizing the city’s Roman past and the strength of faith; the other, a Marian patron saint tied to medieval devotion and the festive spirit that represents the city’s protection and the joy of its popular celebrations.
Here you have the link to the program of Fiesta de la Mercè.
