A diverse, international and culture-driven Mercè 2025

More than a hundred concerts, over fifty popular culture performances, eighty street arts shows… Ready? From September 23 to 28, Barcelona celebrates La Mercè across twenty-six venues in eight districts.

Want to party? You’ll find it in the streets, full of diversity, local and international artists, and a popular culture that shows the world who we are. And this year, even tradition comes tinged with Manchester, the guest city of Barcelona’s Festa Major.

The city as a stage

Mercè Arts de Carrer transforms the city into a giant open-air stage with more than seventy companies and six spaces dedicated to circus, dance and theater. The program is curated by Jordi Duran, Jordi Querol, Cristina Cazorla, Sergi Ots and Tortell Poltrona from Pallassos Sense Fronteres.

Expect circus, dance, theater and music across six major locations: Port Olímpic, Parc de la Trinitat, Parc de l’Estació del Nord, Parc de l’Aqüeducte, the Joan Maragall Gardens at Palauet Albéniz, and—new this year—the Parc del Fòrum, which debuts as the epicenter of large-scale international contemporary circus, with shows like The Genesis or Wild.

Manchester brings a dozen companies to Parc de la Trinitat and Parc de l’Estació del Nord. The latter features programming blocks for families, general audiences, and late-night adult shows. At Parc de la Trinitat, don’t miss the immersive fire garden experience, among many other proposals. Meanwhile, Pallassos Sense Fronteres fills Parc de l’Aqüeducte with guest appearances from Buenafuente, Eduard Fernández and Clara Segura. For more intimate creations, head to the Joan Maragall Gardens, where Els Escarlata present a new piece. Families will find a lively mix of circus, dance, installations and workshops at Port Olímpic.

And tying in with Mondiacult—the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, hosted in Barcelona—some shows connect us with both tangible and intangible heritage close to home.

And tying in with Mondiacult—the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, hosted in Barcelona—some shows connect us with both tangible and intangible heritage close to home.

Bees and dragons

Popular culture joins forces with Manchester this year, as Catalan artisans and the UK company Global Grooves create together. The result? A new fire beast and a new giant, combining traditions from both cities under the symbol of the bee—Manchester’s emblem of industriousness.

You’ll see the new figures at the Toc d’Inici, the Parade of Beasts, the Cavalcada and the Correfoc. This year’s Cavalcada follows a new route: starting at Plaça Catalunya, moving down Fontanella and Via Laietana, and finishing at Plaça Sant Jaume. And if it’s fire you’re after, don’t miss the Correfoc on Passeig de Gràcia.

Dance lovers: celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Obra del Ballet Popular with a gathering of Catalan dance troupes (esbarts). Sardana fans: mark the 75th edition of the Sardana Sports Competition, the longest-running popular culture event at La Mercè. And for a festive close to the night, the Xambanga parade includes a special show by Marcel Caselles.

The sound of Mercè 2025 

A hundred concerts across fourteen stages make up this year’s Música Mercè and BAM programs, with local and international artists covering a full spectrum of genres.

On September 23, Música Mercè and BAM swap stages in an experiment: Tarta Relena and Space Afrika perform at Teatre Grec, while Pussy Riot and Ladilla Rusa bring activism and pop to Plaça Catalunya.

Música Mercè, curated by Gisela Sais, presents its most gender-balanced lineup yet, highlighting Barcelona’s cultural and social diversity. Key moments include a tribute to Marta Valdés at Teatre Grec and special havaneres by Óscar Sánchez and Marbis Manzanet at Plaça de Sant Jaume.

From Manchester, expect Porij, Honeyfeet, Children of Zeus, and Space Afrika, plus a special residency between Queralt Lahoz and Werkha.

BAM, curated by L’Afluent, continues to push the avant-garde, reinterpreting traditional roots for today. Performances at Plaça Catalunya, Moll de la Fusta and Rambla del Raval include Σtella, Villano Antillano, Lido Pimienta, Kiddy Smile and Anna Andreu.

BAM – Acció Cultura Viva also returns to Sant Andreu with twelve projects chosen via open call, and Barcelona reinforces its support for new talent with the Sona9 contest and showcases from local music schools.

The Piromusical

The final act of La Mercè 2025 is in the hands of Estopa. Brothers David and José Muñoz have created this year’s Piromusical, choosing the soundtrack that combines with fireworks and light design by Pirotècnia Igual. See it on Sunday, September 28 at 10 pm on Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina. Arrive early or stay late to hear a playlist of songs by this year’s festival performers.

Sustainable food and open doors

From September 26 to 28, Parc de la Ciutadella hosts Terra i Gust, the sustainable food fair of La Mercè. Meet professionals committed to environmentally responsible gastronomy and enjoy tasty dishes accompanied by top-quality live music.

And if you’ve been meaning to visit a museum, La Mercè is your chance: from September 23 to 28, museums across the city open their doors for free visits, family workshops and guided tours.

Check the full program online to make sure you don’t miss a single highlight of La Mercè 2025.