The count-down has begun for La Mercè

La Mercè, as they say, is just around the corner. With the presentation of the poster and part of the musical line-up, plus the designation of the festival inaugurator, the motors have begun to tick over for a festival which, while maintaining a foot in the door of tradition, is equally proud to assert Barcelona’s leadership as a cultural capital with one eye always on the future.
 

This year’s poster was revealed in a press conference presided over by mayor Trias. The poster is the work of Joan Fontcuberta, the latest winner of the Hasselblad awards, considered by many as the photographic equivalent of a Nobel Prize, and depicts a giant in the guise of a comic-book superhero, fusing a traditional element with the attitude and credibility of a modern-day global icon, such as is the city itself.
 

The choice of Ferran Adrià as ‘pregonero’ (the person who delivers the inaugural address) comes as no surprise. This is an internationally recognised specialist who is at the forefront of his profession, particularly in the areas of innovation and communication. It is also worth noting the inclusion of Vienna as the guest city, for reasons of its cultural history and the strong ties it maintains, and will continue to maintain, with the city of Barcelona.
 

With regard to the musical programme, and what has already been announced, we should highlight, in the Mercè Música section, Peret, Los Manolos, Niño Josele & Cobla Sant Jordi, Sanjosex & Chicuelo, Quici el Célio, el Noi y el Mut de Ferreries.