Dances of the Eagle and the City Giants with the Barcelona Municipal Band

Dances of the Eagle and the City Giants with the Barcelona Municipal Band

On the big day, when the opening entourage of the Seguici de la Mercè reaches Plaça de Sant Jaume, the Barcelona Municipal Band will take to the stage while the Eagle figure and the City Giants take to the middle of the square and receive the authorities and members of the public gathered there to enjoy their ceremonial dances: the Balls de l’Àliga i dels Gegants de la Ciutat. The presence of the Mayor of Barcelona is essential for this ceremony: only when the Mayor is on the balcony of the City Hall will the Eagle and the City Giants start their protocol dances. This is the most symbolic moment of the festival.

The Eagle figure is the highest form of expression within the city’s festive imagery. A symbol of justice and nobility, this figure’s most brilliant period was as a festive element for the Consell de la Ciutat in the 16th and 17th centuries, although references to it can be found from the 14th century. The Eagle has its own dance and its own music, regained from an ancient melody found in the archive at the Pi parish church. 

As for the Barcelona Municipal Band, this formation traditionally take part in the festivities for La Mercè as the city’s official orchestra. In this capacity,

they have a protocol function reserved for them: to perform the Balls de l’Àliga i dels Gegants de la Ciutat.