La Mercè Barcelona is finally here! This week, from 23 to 27 of September 2020, join us for one of the biggest festivals on Barcelona’s calendar. Remember that on Friday 25 no events will be held, but the celebrations will resume on Saturday for the weekend.
La Mercè is a festival that dates back to the Middle Ages in honour of Our Lady of Mercy. As you’ll have learnt in our past articles here and here, nowadays, it unites the city of Barcelona in one huge celebration for young and old alike.
Given this year’s exceptional circumstances, there will be some changes to the celebrations for La Mercè Barcelona compared to previous years. In this article, we’ll talk you through the safety measures in place, in addition to the online events, to ensure everyone gets a chance to celebrate.
In this article on La Mercè in Barcelona we’ve got you covered. From fireworks, live music concerts, street events, and the famous La Mercè closing ceremony, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on a single thing.
Table of Contents
La Mercé Barcelona 2020: Covid-19 measures
La Mercè 2020 will take place during the day from 11:00 am to 22:00 in order to ensure better control. All events have limited capacity and must be booked online here in advance.
La Mercè Barcelona this year has unfortunately had to forgo its typical correfoc (fire run) which is normally held every year on 24 September. Likewise, the castellers (human towers) will no longer take place this year given government restrictions. The main reason is to avoid crowds of people gathering and to ensure social distancing.
The City Council has also decided to cancel all digital light mapping shows, and what’s more, the events will be spread out across 10 neighbourhoods to prevent excessive crowds. Locations this year include many of Barcelona’s greatest spots, such as Ciutadella Park, Park Güell, Camp Nou, Joan Miró Park, Grec Theatre and Montjüic castle.
La Mercé Barcelona 2020: Opening ceremony
This year the festival’s opening ceremony (the pregó in Catalan), will take place as usual at the City Hall but will not be open to the public. Be sure to watch the opening ceremony live on betevé or on La Mercè’s official website.
As you may guess, the theme of this year’s speech by entertainer and clown “Tortell Poltrona” will be to encourage citizens and visitors Barcelona to celebrate La Mercè whilst respecting the safety regulations in place.
La Mercé Barcelona 2020: Live music concerts
You’ll be pleased to know that the Barcelona City Council has made sure that many concerts can still take place this year, always following all regulations and safety measures.
This year, however, it is essential that you book your tickets online here. With a line-up that ranges from the Barcelona Municipal Band, House of Pharaohs to a selection of DJs, Sabor de Gràcia, the Barcelona symphonic orchestra, and local jazz bands, you’re sure to find something up your street.
We couldn’t possibly list all the concerts if we tried! You can also check out this link here for a list of all concerts and activities.
La Mercè Barcelona 2020: Closing ceremony
This year’s magical closing ceremony (known as the Piromusical) will take place on Sunday 27 at 10:00 pm at Plaça Espanya. However, as we’ve mentioned, this year the event will not be open to the public in order to avoid crowds and ensure social distancing.
However, not to worry! Head to your nearest rooftop or balcony, as this year the fireworks will be even bigger and better than in past years so they can be seen and enjoyed all over the city. The event will also be broadcast live on TV3 with a vintage soundtrack that pays homage to Barcelona’s oldest and wisest citizens: the over 60s.
What’s more, there will be four other simultaneous fire shows at points around the city in the areas of Sants-Montjuïc, Nou Barris, Les Corts and Sant Martí.
La Mercè Barcelona 2020: from home
As mentioned, this year La Mercé En Obert (Open Mercè) will be streamed live on TV (Betevé) and La Mercè website to ensure no one misses out on the opening and closing events, concerts, street shows, traditional celebrations, and much more, from the safety of their own homes.
What are your plans for La Mercè this year? We hope you have a blast!