The Mercè 2023 festivities are almost here, do you still need to book a hotel in Barcelona?
La Mercè returns to our streets for another year. The grand opening is next Friday, September 22nd, and the festivities will run until September 25th. Enjoy up to 21 venues and nearly 500 performances, including concerts, plays, stand-up comedy, circus acts, and more. Plus, experience all the traditional folk culture: street announcements, fire runs , giant figures, and more. If you're looking for a fun-filled and exciting few days packed with musical performances, exhibitions, art, culture, and plenty of entertainment for all ages, check out our special offers. We have the best prices available, and your breakfast is free just for booking through our website.
The Proclamation in the Saló de Cent
This year, the opening address will be given by the writer Najat el Hachmi. It will take place in the Saló de Cent.
The Mercé Poster 2023
The poster for La Mercè 2023 is the work of Barcelona-based illustrator Chamo San.
The graphic evokes a large human tower (castle) made up of characters representing the festival and the city of Barcelona.
Kyiv will be this year's guest city, with a special program that will be present in all aspects of the festival
Every year, Barcelona invites a city to participate in its Festa Major (Main Festival) in a cultural exchange where various artists and professionals come to La Mercè to share their traditions. This year, 2023, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, will be the guest city. Kyiv will gift two giants to Barcelona: Olga and Volodymyr, representing its two saintly princes. They will be unveiled at the Festa Major's opening ceremony and will join the city's menagerie.
Concerts
The Mercè 2023 concerts will have a new venue in Les Corts, and the iconic stage in Plaça Reial will be revived. Concerts will also be held in Menéndez y Pelayo.
Also…
- Mercè Arts de Carrer (MAC) will be held this year in the Parc de l'Estació del Nord. There will also be activities in the Consell de Cent superblock.
- This year, the Ciutadella is transformed into the stage for Terra i Gust, with musical performances and a sustainable food fair.
- Every night on September 22nd and 23rd, at 10 pm, at the Gas Pier, a fireworks display and on Sunday, September 24th, a drone show!
- These festivities will also include activities related to the 50th anniversary of the Chilean coup and the murder of Víctor Jara (concert on September 24th on Avenida Catedral).
Pyromusical
As a grand finale, there will be a pyromusical display (on Avenida de la Reina María Cristina). This year, it will be presented by Sónar, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Informative note: In case you didn't know, the main festival is called La Mercè, in honor of the Virgin of Mercy, one of the two patron saints of the city (Saint Eulalia is the other patron saint and her festivities are celebrated every February 12, although it is a more intimate celebration)
We've included a link so you can check out all the venues and the program for these festivities.
