The big September festival in Barcelona
The Festivals of La Mercè, celebrated in Barcelona at the end of September, have their origin in the devotion to the Virgin of Mercy, who is one of the city's patron saints along with Saint Eulalia.These festivities date back to the 13th century when, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared simultaneously to three important figures: King James I of Aragon, Saint Peter Nolasco (founder of the Order of Mercy), and Saint Raymond of Peñafort. During this apparition, the Virgin asked them to establish a religious order dedicated to freeing Christians held captive by Muslims during the Reconquista. This led to the creation of the Order of Mercy in the year 1218.
In 1687, Barcelona suffered a devastating plague of locusts that ravaged the fields. Faced with this calamity, the citizens sought the protection of the Virgin of Mercy, promising that if she delivered them from the plague, they would declare her the city's patron saint. After the plague vanished in 1687, the Barcelona City Council officially named the Virgin of Mercy as the city's patron saint, alongside Saint Eulalia.
Evolution of the Festivities
Initially, the celebrations were religious in nature, primarily consisting of processions and masses. Over time, the festival evolved, incorporating cultural, traditional, and festive elements. In the 1870s, with the official declaration of the Virgin of Mercy as the city's patron saint, the festival began to include more popular activities, becoming the largest festival in Barcelona.
Modern Festivals of La Mercè
September 24th is the day of the Virgin of Mercy, and around this date, a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities take place, including:
- Castellers: Human towers formed by groups of people (collas).
- Correfocs: Parades of "diables" and "fire beasts" that set off fireworks and firecrackers.
- Sardanas: Traditional Catalan dances.
- Giants and Big-Headed Figures**: Giant and oversized figures parading through the streets.
- Concerts and Shows: Live music, theater, circus performances, and other acts across the city.
The festivals reflect both Catalan traditions and the modern cultural diversity of Barcelona, attracting thousands of residents and visitors each year.
https://www.barcelona.cat/lamerce/es/programa
