The festival La Mercè, which is held in honour of the patron saint la Mercè (the Virgin of Mercy) on September 24 each year is the "Fiesta Mayor" - the main festival - of Barcelona. It is the largest and most colourful festival in the city's festival calendar and the absolute climax of Barcelona's event schedule.

What is the Merce festival in Barcelona?

La Mercè history

Barcelona La Mercè lasts for around 5 days and is a festival held in honour of Mare de Deu de la Mercè, the Patron Saint of Barcelona. The festival, which officially first took place in 1902, bids goodbye to the summer with a bang and welcomes in the cooler months of autumn.

Why do they celebrate la Mercè?

The celebration of La Mercè has religious origins, honoring the Virgin of Grace (Mare de Déu de la Mercè), patron saint of the archdiocese of Barcelona, and co-patroness—along with Saint Eulàlia—of the city. ... Since that time, an annual festival has been celebrated in the city in honor of the Virgin.