Toc d’inici [Opening Ceremony]

The Àliga, the Gegants, the mythical beasts, the dance and fire groups, and the Popular Procession will make their way from the Palau de la Virreina to the City Hall, performing their unique and ceremonial dances for the gathered crowd. Providing the music for this formal event is the renowned group Ministrils del Camí Ral, who perform exclusively at this moment of the Mercè... just once a year. 

During the Opening Ceremony, you’ll also get to meet two new figures: the Beast Bee and the Giant Bee. These have been created by artisans and folk culture groups from both cities. Representing Manchester, they take the form of bees – a symbol of the British city. So while they resemble the traditional beasts and giants of Barcelona, they incorporate distinctive features drawn from English folk culture.