Festa de la Mercè
Festa de la Mercè
Get to know the history behind the festivities and this year's program
The Festa Major de Barcelona, known as Festes de la Mercè, is not only a great civic event, but also a macro-festival that reflects the cultural richness of the Catalan capital. There will be the Mercè Arts de Carrer festival, various popular culture exhibitions, the BAM and Acción Cultura Viva festivals, and the Música Mercè program. This year offers more than five hundred activities, so you can make the most of the festival.
The story behind La Mercè
Legend has it that on the night of 24 September 1218, Our Lady appeared to King James I, Saint Peter Nolasco and Saint Raymond of Penyafort. She asked the three of them to create an order of monks dedicated to saving Christians imprisoned by the Saracens, at a time of religious war.
Centuries later, in 1687, Barcelona suffered a plague of locusts and entrusted itself to the Virgin of La Mercè. After the plague disappeared, the City Council named her patron saint of Barcelona, although the Pope did not ratify this decision until two centuries later, in 1868.
It was after Pope Pius IX's declaration that Barcelona began to celebrate its festivities in September. Francesc de Paula Rius i Taulet promoted the first Fiesta de la Mercè in 1871, giving it a civic character that included popular celebrations aimed at the citizens.
The Mercè 2023 Program
This year, La Mercè's programme presents a significant novelty: for the first time, women are in the majority in the line-up of artists. Some outstanding names on the program include Selma Bruna, Meritxell Nedermann, Lia Kali, Ile, Sabina Witt, Tarta Relena and Pongo, along with Valencians Carles Dénia and Albert Sanz, Perrate, Lalo López Limited Orchestra, Spice Berberechos and Hip Horns Brass Collective & Escandaloso Xposito.
The Mediterràniament stage on Bogatell beach will offer a night with local groups and artists. BOYE will open the program with his rap, followed by the pop of Ginestà and Vicco. In addition, El Bogatell will be the stage for an exciting concert by Els 40, which will include urban rock by Sexenni, folk and rock by Suu, pop rock by Dani Fernández and pop and folk by Els Catarres.
As for the radio stations, this year they will change location: Rac 105, Cadena 100 and Europa FM will present their most popular artists on Menéndez y Pelayo street, in Les Corts. Cadena 100 will feature performances by The Sants, Buhos and Abraham Mateo, while Rac 105 will offer the pop of Edu Esteve, the urban rhythms of Triquell, the trap of Lildami, the urban pop of The Tyets and the pop, cumbia and electroswing of Doctor Prats. Europa FM will fill Les Corts with a DJ and the pop of Julen, Mosaic and Portobello.
Stay at Hotel Constanza to enjoy the Mercè this September
If you want to fully enjoy the Mercè Festivities in Barcelona this September, we recommend staying with us at Hotel Constanza. Our privileged location allows you to easily access all the festivities and events that the city has to offer during this celebration.
Don't miss the opportunity to live a unique experience in one of Barcelona's most emblematic festivities. Book your stay at the Hotel Constanza and experience the magic of La Mercè!
The Festa Major de Barcelona, known as Festes de la Mercè, is not only a great civic event, but also a macro-festival that reflects the cultural richness of the Catalan capital. There will be the Mercè Arts de Carrer festival, various popular culture exhibitions, the BAM and Acción Cultura Viva festivals, and the Música Mercè program. This year offers more than five hundred activities, so you can make the most of the festival.
The story behind La Mercè
Legend has it that on the night of 24 September 1218, Our Lady appeared to King James I, Saint Peter Nolasco and Saint Raymond of Penyafort. She asked the three of them to create an order of monks dedicated to saving Christians imprisoned by the Saracens, at a time of religious war.
Centuries later, in 1687, Barcelona suffered a plague of locusts and entrusted itself to the Virgin of La Mercè. After the plague disappeared, the City Council named her patron saint of Barcelona, although the Pope did not ratify this decision until two centuries later, in 1868.
It was after Pope Pius IX's declaration that Barcelona began to celebrate its festivities in September. Francesc de Paula Rius i Taulet promoted the first Fiesta de la Mercè in 1871, giving it a civic character that included popular celebrations aimed at the citizens.
The Mercè 2023 Program
This year, La Mercè's programme presents a significant novelty: for the first time, women are in the majority in the line-up of artists. Some outstanding names on the program include Selma Bruna, Meritxell Nedermann, Lia Kali, Ile, Sabina Witt, Tarta Relena and Pongo, along with Valencians Carles Dénia and Albert Sanz, Perrate, Lalo López Limited Orchestra, Spice Berberechos and Hip Horns Brass Collective & Escandaloso Xposito.
The Mediterràniament stage on Bogatell beach will offer a night with local groups and artists. BOYE will open the program with his rap, followed by the pop of Ginestà and Vicco. In addition, El Bogatell will be the stage for an exciting concert by Els 40, which will include urban rock by Sexenni, folk and rock by Suu, pop rock by Dani Fernández and pop and folk by Els Catarres.
As for the radio stations, this year they will change location: Rac 105, Cadena 100 and Europa FM will present their most popular artists on Menéndez y Pelayo street, in Les Corts. Cadena 100 will feature performances by The Sants, Buhos and Abraham Mateo, while Rac 105 will offer the pop of Edu Esteve, the urban rhythms of Triquell, the trap of Lildami, the urban pop of The Tyets and the pop, cumbia and electroswing of Doctor Prats. Europa FM will fill Les Corts with a DJ and the pop of Julen, Mosaic and Portobello.
Stay at Hotel Constanza to enjoy the Mercè this September
If you want to fully enjoy the Mercè Festivities in Barcelona this September, we recommend staying with us at Hotel Constanza. Our privileged location allows you to easily access all the festivities and events that the city has to offer during this celebration.
Don't miss the opportunity to live a unique experience in one of Barcelona's most emblematic festivities. Book your stay at the Hotel Constanza and experience the magic of La Mercè!