We are finally in September, and the end of the month brings one of Barcelona’s biggest festivals, La Mercè! As has become tradition, ShBarcelona will be talking about the events and cultural activities you’ll be able to enjoy for these days in the Ciudad Condal. Make sure to pay attention so you don’t miss any of the amazing things taking place over these dates (trust us, there’s a lot to see). With that, let’s discuss to Barcelona’s most spectacular festival – welcome to La Mercè 2018!
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Everything you won’t want to miss at La Mercè
Photo via Pixabay
As with everything in life, it’s best to start from the beginning. When it comes to major festivals, referred to as “fiestas mayores”, such as La Mercè in Barcelona, everything starts off with the annual proclamation that announces the beginning of the festival, lasting from September 21 to 24, the latter being the grand final day of the festival. The person in charge of the proclamation this year will be actress, screenwriter and director Leticia Dolera, a native Barcelonesa. Leticia is a staunch supporter of gender equality, and is sure to share her sense of feminism in her message. All this will take place on September 21 at Plaza Sant Jaume at 6:30 p.m. Later, at 8:30 that same evening, there will be a concert by RAC 105 in Ciutadella Park. You’ll get to enjoy the best singers and bands of Catalonia’s music scene including Nil Moliner, Animal, Ramon Mirabet and Buhos. This will be an excellent time to enjoy the best Catalan music in an environment that makes for a great venue, starting off the days of La Mercè at full speed. These are not the only concerts taking place the night of the September 21, however – La Banda Municipal de Barcelona, Balago, Maisha and Nakani Kanté will also be playing their music for audiences at different locations throughout the city.
Photo via VisualHunt
On September 22, celebrations for La Mercè will continue. In particular, we want to highlight a children’s event put on by the company Teatro Dom Roberto, who will be performing a puppet show. You can find this event at Ciutadella Park on Monday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. In the evening, the company Avelino Chantre will be offering a mesmerizing performance of African dance at the park on Monday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 7:15 p.m. The music continues into the night, with the talents of Surma, OBC and La laia, among others. Audiences will also be delighted with the fire show taking place at Barceloneta beach on Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.
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On September 23, there will be a variety of shows and concerts. We want to specifically highlight performances from Ferran Palau, Dr. Prats, l’Orquestra Sinfònica i Cor del Gran Teatre del Liceu, Pantanito, The Mani-las. Celtas Cortos, Els Catarres and Maite Martín. Finally, on September 24, don’t miss the singing of habaneras (an traditional style of singing popular at Catalan festivals) by Port Bo, Big Band Jam Session, La Bien Querida and La Plata. You can view the full program of concerts, shows and pyrotechnic events scheduled by date for further information.
*Main photo by marimbajlamesa via Visualhunt
What are you excited to see at 2018 La Mercè? What is your favorite part of the festival?
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