Reconnecting with Calm through the World of Gaudí

In the midst of the rush of urban life, here’s an invitation to pause, find some calm, and immerse yourself in the organic, dreamlike universe of Gaudí’s creations, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. On Tuesday 23 September at 10 pm, and again on Friday 26 September at 8:30 pm and 11 pm, Passeig de Gràcia—between Consell de Cent and Diagonal—becomes the stage for this moving spectacle titled El batec de la memòria.

Created by Insectotròpics, a Barcelona-based company founded in 2011, the show blends artistic languages in a unique, multidisciplinary style. The group—made up of Laia Ribas, Xanu and Maria Thorson—works with a raw, emotional and experimental vocabulary that mixes live cinema and painting, dramaturgy and music. As part of the audience, you don’t just watch: you’re drawn into the performance and become part of the final result.

For over 45 minutes, El batec de la memòria channels memory is energy in motion, inviting audiences to rediscover Catalonia’s modernist heritage through imagination and art. Gaudí’s natural forms remind us that we belong to a living whole that moves to its own rhythm.

The experience is about slowing down, but also about shared memory, living heritage, and the emotional landscapes that shape daily life. The title points to this collective pulse, a deep and steady rhythm that connects generations—reminding us of where we come from and suggesting where we might go.

The performance is a co-production between Insectotròpics and the Barcelona Institute of Culture, with support from Palau Robert (Generalitat de Catalunya). Part of La Mercè 2025, it highlights the value of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, coinciding with Barcelona’s upcoming role as host of UNESCO Mondiacult, the global forum of culture ministers and policymakers.

For details on El batec de la memòria and the full programme of La Mercè 2025, visit the festival’s website.