The major festival held on the day of La Mercè, the patron saint of the city.
The city of Barcelona is getting ready to celebrate its Major Festival in honor of its patron saint, the Virgin of La Mercè. This event, held from September 20th to 24th, is one of the most anticipated moments of the year for both locals and visitors. With a program full of activities for all tastes, La Mercè 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
At Hotel Continental, we want to invite you to immerse yourself in the culture, music, and traditions of this unique festival while enjoying a comfortable and central stay at our hotel.
A Feast of Culture and Tradition
La Mercè is not just a festival; it’s a massive cultural event that turns Barcelona into a vibrant stage of culture and tradition. During these days, the streets of the city are filled with music, dance, circus acts, and performing arts for all audiences, including the iconic “gegants i capgrossos,” “correfocs” with dragons and fire beasts, as well as the impressive “Castellers,” human towers in which various “collas” from neighborhoods and nearby towns participate. The traditional sardanas, the typical dance of Catalonia performed in circles of varying sizes depending on the number of participants, will also be present.
Main Highlights of La Mercè 2024
This year, La Mercè introduces exciting new features that will make the festival an even more special event. Among them is the addition of new stages in two key locations: Plaça de Catalunya and Pelayo Street—both just 5 minutes from our hotels: Continental Barcelona and Continental Palacete—where live concerts will be held. Additionally, Bogatell Beach will become a spectacular venue for nighttime concerts, offering a unique experience by the sea.
A must-see event will be the tribute to the 50th anniversary of Sala Zeleste, an iconic venue that has played a crucial role in the history of music in Barcelona. This concert will celebrate Zeleste’s influence on the city’s musical culture, along with other performances that will explore Barcelona’s musical roots, highlighting the richness and diversity of its music scene.
Casablanca: The Guest City at La Mercè 2024
This year, the guest city is Casablanca, bringing with it a fascinating mix of Moroccan culture that will further enrich the experience for attendees.
Here is a summary of the main cultural offerings from Casablanca as the guest city at La Mercè 2024:
- Traditional and Fusion Music:
- Gnawa music fused with flamenco by Maalem Hassan Boussou and Raúl Rodríguez (Cathedral, September 21st).
- Modern Moroccan popular music with artist Oum (Teatre Grec, September 22nd).
- Circus and Street Arts:
- Urban circus show by Colokolo Cirque (Montjuïc Castle).
- Visual Arts and Dance:
- Concert by Imad Maestro & Ali Bamba at Palacete Albéniz.
This program offers a window into the rich culture of Casablanca, from its deepest traditions to its most modern and urban expressions.
Check out the full program here so you don’t miss anything!
Remember: September 24th is a holiday
Oh! And keep in mind that September 24th, the feast day of the Virgin of La Mercè, is a public holiday, and most shops will be closed.
