At the end of September Barcelona begins to limber up for the largest event on its festival calendar. The Mercè Festival marks the coming in of the autumn season. La Mercé is a celebration of the city's saint "Mare de Deu de la Mercé".

The festival has a really big value for the people of Barcelona and the still temperate weather means that, in true Mediterranean fashion, most of the fun takes place outside. Events popping up all over the city and over 3000 artists and performers on display with over 500 activities to watch or take part in. Most popular theme throughout the festival: the celebration of fire and one of the most exhilarating experiences of La Mercé is the "Correfoc" we can tra

nslate it as the "Fire Run" where costumed devils rampage around the streets in a colorful pyrotechnic display.

The festival first took place in 1902 with parades containing the first appearance in Catalonia of paper maché "giants" (known as "gigantes y cabezudos" in Spanish), the first Castell (human tower) competition and the importation from the Empordà region of a dance that was spreading throughout Catalonia: the Sardana. The holiday has enjoyed immense local popularity ever since and today it's a fantastic blend of tradition and innovation.

For tourists La Mercé offers a perfect opportunity to see Barcelona at its best. It also offers visitors the perfect opportunity to see more of this wonderful city. No matter whom you are or where from, you’ll be sure to find something that suits you in the program.