La Merce
The mother of all Barcelona festivals. Five days of sensory overload — fire, towers of humans, free concerts, and incredible food at every turn.
About La Merce
Barcelona's biggest festival, honouring the city's patron saint. Five days of free concerts, castellers (human towers), correfocs (fire runs), and giants parades. Food stalls across the city serve everything from paella to crema catalana, and restaurants offer special Merce menus.
La Merce is an outdoor event held at City-wide in the City-wide area of Barcelona. Entry is free.
What to Eat & Drink
Food
Paella, crema catalana, regional specialities, special restaurant menus
Drinks
Cava, wine, beer
Cuisine: Catalan, Spanish
Expect to find paella, crema catalana, regional specialities, special restaurant menus among the highlights. On the drinks side, look out for cava, wine, beer.
Entertainment & Activities
La Merce features live music performances throughout the event.
Getting There
La Merce takes place at City-wide, Plazas and streets across Barcelona, in Barcelona’s City-wide neighbourhood.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
When is La Merce?
La Merce takes place Wednesday, 23 September 2026 – Sunday, 27 September 2026 · 10am–2am. It starts at 10am.
Where is La Merce held?
The event takes place at City-wide, Plazas and streets across Barcelona, in the City-wide area.
How much does La Merce cost?
Entry to La Merce is free.
What food and drinks are available?
Food highlights include paella, crema catalana, regional specialities, special restaurant menus. Drink offerings include cava, wine, beer.
Is La Merce suitable for English speakers?
Yes, La Merce is English-friendly. Barcelona is an international city and most food events welcome visitors from around the world.
