September dresses Barcelona in its finest clothes to celebrate La Mercè 2026, the Fiesta Mayor of the Catalan capital and one of the most important cultural, artistic, and festive events in Europe. For several days, the city transforms into a gigantic open-air stage where popular tradition, street arts, gastronomy, pyrotechnic technology, and live music intertwine to offer an unforgettable experience to residents and visitors alike.
In this 2026 edition, the celebration acquires a particularly symbolic touch. With an opening speech deeply rooted in neighborhood life, an artistic poster that challenges perspective conventions, and the presence of Shanghai as Guest City celebrating the 25th anniversary of its twinning with Barcelona, the festival promises to be a historic multicultural meeting point.
From HCC Hotels, we offer you this comprehensive guide so that you don’t miss a single detail of the La Mercè 2026 schedule and can plan your stay in the city in complete comfort.
The opening speakers of La Mercè 2026: Antoni Falgueras and Meritxell Falgueras
The opening speech (pregón) that officially inaugurates the La Mercè festivities is delivered in this 2026 edition by Antoni Falgueras and his daughter, Meritxell Falgueras.
Born on Vallespir Street, Antoni Falgueras, master winemaker and living soul of Celler de Gelida—an iconic shop in the Sants neighborhood—represents the fourth generation at the helm of a historic business founded in 1895 by his great-grandfather. What began as a neighborhood establishment selling bulk wine, oil, gels, and soap was transformed over time—thanks to the pioneering vision of Antoni Falgueras and his wife, María—into one of the leading specialized wine cellars in Europe. As early as 1978, Falgueras was a pioneer in reviving the concept of young wine.
Today, Celler de Gelida houses more than 5,000 wine and sparkling wine references from all over the world, with a special focus on Catalan wines. Internationally recognized, Antoni Falgueras has received prestigious awards, such as the French Agricultural Merit Medal (2008) and the Alimentos de España award, granted by the Ministry of Agriculture. He is a founding member of Mestres Cellerers de Catalunya and the Catalan Association of Sommeliers, as well as a member of multiple wine brotherhoods in Spain and France.
The family legacy projects into the future through his children, Ferran (manager of Celler de Gelida) and Meritxell (a prestigious sommelier and communicator), who, alongside Antoni and María, have managed to turn a traditional Sants store into an international benchmark for wine retail, characterized by warmth, proximity, and excellence.
The La Mercè 2026 Poster: “Barcelona deployed” by Cinta Vidal
The official poster for La Mercè 2026 is the work of recognized Barcelona visual artist Cinta Vidal Agulló (Barcelona, 1982). Under the title “Barcelona deployed: a city of perspectives, routes, and discoveries”, the illustration transforms a neutral surface into a living composition where the shapes and reliefs of the city emerge.
Represented in the artwork are the ten districts of Barcelona and historic and architectural landmarks such as the Cathedral, Plaza del Rei, Mercè Basilica, the Mediterranean Sea, Ciutadella Park, and the Horta Labyrinth. True to Vidal’s signature style—marked by impossible architectures, fragmented perspectives, and multiple gravity points—the spaces appear oriented in various directions, symbolizing that Barcelona is a diverse city that cannot be understood from a single viewpoint.
As a participatory game within the image, the poster integrates six oversized hidden objects within the urban fabric (including espadrilles, an oil cruet, and a baritone) referencing the various dimensions of popular celebration.
Cinta Vidal trained from the age of 16 at the prestigious Castells i Planas Scenography Workshop, specializing in large-format mural painting for international theaters and operas, later completing her Illustration studies at Massana School. With solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums in London, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, the artist enjoys a consolidated international reputation, having even designed the album cover for the legendary British band Tears for Fears in 2022.
Guest City 2026: Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient
Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of its twinning with Barcelona, Shanghai becomes the first city from the Asian continent to be the guest of honor in the history of La Mercè. More than a hundred artists, hailing from both the Chinese metropolis and the Asian community residing in Barcelona, will bring the best of street arts, traditional music, dance, and acrobatics closer to the public.
Shanghai, known globally as “the Pearl of the Orient,” will display its two souls on Barcelona’s stages: cutting-edge innovation and ancient tradition.
Outstanding artistic proposals from Shanghai:
- Tradition in the parades: The Traditional Chinese Rolling Lantern Performance (a ceremonial dance evoking protection, community strength, and good fortune) will parade during the Inaugural Entourage and the Toc d’Inici, accompanied by traditional Chinese dragons sharing space with Barcelona’s festive beasts at the Fòrum Park.
- Traditional and contemporary music: Concerts by the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (including its jazz ensemble), as well as the electronic and jazz proposal by Shanghai Restoration Project featuring Angelo Manhenzane and Tebza Majaivane.
- Performing arts and acrobatics: High-level circus shows by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe at the Auditoris del Fòrum park; contemporary dance with the Shanghai Dance School and the Kernel Dance Theatre company at the Estació del Nord park; and design and performance displays with Run Design + Paloma Chen at Trinitat park.
- Pyrotechnics and light: State-of-the-art drone displays and interventions in the International Pyrotechnic Festival on the city’s beaches.
Complete schedule of concerts and shows of La Mercè 2026
The musical and performing arts offering of La Mercè is distributed in a decentralized manner across multiple iconic venues in the city, such as Avinguda de la Catedral, Teatre Grec, Platja del Bogatell, Plaça de Catalunya, Moll de la Fusta, Rambla del Raval, Avinguda Maria Cristina, and Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol, among others.
Below, we detail the musical schedule by days and time slots.
Wednesday, September 23 (Night)
- 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Concert by Shanghai Conservatory of Music Jazz Ensemble (Jazz) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol (Limited capacity).
- 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm: Concert by Pol Batlle (Songwriter, indie folk) – Teatre Grec.
- 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Concert by Humana Taranja (Rock) – La Rambla del Raval.
- 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Sabor de Gràcia (Catalan rumba) – Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Kiw & Mourad Belouadi (E-jazz & gnaoua) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Bia Ferreira (Rap, Reggae, R&B) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 11:00 pm – 12:00 am: Concert by Sunflowers (Art punk) – La Rambla del Raval.
- 11:00 pm – 12:30 am: Concert by Shanghai Restoration Project feat. Angelo Manhenzane & Tebza Majaivane (Electronic music) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol (Limited capacity).
- 11:30 pm – 01:00 am: Concert with limited capacity by Luísa Sobral (Songwriter, folk) – Teatre Grec.
- 12:00 am – 01:00 am: Concert by La 126 (Indie punk, rock) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 12:00 am – 01:30 am: Concert by Arp Frique and the Perpetual Singers (Gospel, funk) – Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 12:00 am – 01:00 am: Concert by Brama (Psychedelic rock) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 12:30 am – 01:30 am: Concert by Maria Reis (Pop, rock, traditional Portuguese) – La Rambla del Raval.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Juventude (Alternative rock) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Imarhan (Desert blues, rock) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
Thursday, September 24 (La Mercè Day / Diada de la Mercè)
Morning
- 12:00 pm – 01:00 pm: Concert by Vicente Marín Trío (Jazz) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
Afternoon and Night
- 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Catalunya Freestyle (Rap) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Concert by Bands and Vocal Group of Xamfrà Youth (Modern music) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
- 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Concert by María Terremoto (Flamenco) – Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Concert by Choir of Gran Teatre del Liceu (Choral music) – Plaça Major de Nou Barris.
- 10:15 pm – 11:30 pm: La Barcelona Flamenca (Flamenco) – Avinguda de la Catedral.
Friday, September 25
Afternoon
- 7:45 pm – 8:05 pm: Concert by Aina Machuca (Pop) – Platja del Bogatell.
- 8:30 pm – 9:20 pm: Concert by Maria Jaume (Electronic pop-indie) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Concert by Juny del 99 (Indie pop) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Concert by Sexenni (Pop) – Platja del Bogatell.
- 8:45 pm – 10:00 pm: Concert by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra (OBC) (Symphonic music) – Plaça Major de Nou Barris.
Night
- 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Concert by Fuensanta (Experimental song) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
- 9:15 pm – 10:00 pm: Concert by Werio (Rock, neosoul) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Concert by Restinga (World pop) – La Rambla del Raval.
- 9:30 pm – 10:40 pm: Concert by Markos amb “K” (Festive pop) – Avinguda Maria Cristina (Limited capacity).
- 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm: Concert by Nacho Vegas (Independent rock, folk) – Teatre Grec.
- 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Concert by Miki Núñez (Pop) – Platja del Bogatell.
- 10:00 pm – 11:15 pm: Concert by Els Amics de les Arts (Pop) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 10:30 pm – 12:00 am: Concert by Azucarillo Kings (Pop-rock) – Parc de la Ciutadella.
- 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Daoud (Nu jazz) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Les Testarudes (Ska, reggae, rocksteady) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 11:00 pm – 12:30 am: Concert by Marina y su Melao (Caribbean bomba) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
- 11:00 pm – 12:00 am: Concert by Uzi Freyja (Punk-rap, electronic) – La Rambla del Raval.
- 11:00 pm – 12:30 am: Concert by the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra (Traditional Chinese) – Avinguda de la Catedral (Limited capacity).
- 11:30 pm – 01:00 am: Concert by La Paloma (Rock-Indie) – Teatre Grec.
- 11:45 pm – 01:10 am: Concert by Els Catarres (Festive pop) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 12:00 am – 01:00 am: Concert by The Slates (Indie-rock) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 12:00 am – 01:00 am: Concert by Isla Kume (Electronic folk) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 12:30 am – 01:30 am: Concert by Queer Falafel and MadMonKey (Arab electro) – La Rambla del Raval.
- 01:15 am – 02:45 am: Concert by Buhos (Festive pop) – Platja del Bogatell.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Sandré (Punk-rock) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Teràpia de Shock (Pop-rock) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Islandman (Electroacoustic music) – Moll de la Fusta.
Saturday, September 26
Morning and Afternoon
- 12:00 pm – 01:00 pm: Concert by the Roquetes-Nou Barris Symphonic Band and Mollet Band – Plaça Major de Nou Barris.
- 12:00 pm – 01:30 pm: Concert by Jam Nation (Pop, funk, rock, R&B, jazz) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
- 01:15 pm – 02:00 pm: Concert by Carmen Aciar (Songwriter, Argentine folk) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 02:15 pm – 04:15 pm: DJ Session by Angela Blackburn (Afro-Latin music, electropical rhythms) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 02:30 pm – 03:05 pm: Performance by Marco de Ana (Flamenco dance, performance) – Parc de la Ciutadella.
- 04:30 pm – 05:15 pm: Concert by Jovedry (Alternative pop) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 05:00 pm – 05:50 pm: Concert by Peperina (Rock, hyper-pop, tango, punk) – Ateneu L’Harmonia.
- 05:40 pm – 06:25 pm: Concert by Admire (Dancehall, afrobeat, experimental pop) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 05:50 pm – 06:40 pm: Concert by María Cielos (Songwriter, folk) – Recinte Fabra i Coats.
- 06:40 pm – 07:30 pm: Concert by Grup de Ties (Indie-rock, garage) – Ateneu L’Harmonia.
- 06:50 pm – 07:35 pm: Concert by Cristina Len (Contemporary folk, electronic) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 07:30 pm – 08:20 pm: Concert by Agost (Shoegaze, dream-pop, electronic) – Recinte Fabra i Coats.
- 08:00 pm – 09:00 pm: Concert by Al·lèrgiques al Pol·len (Indie pop-rock) – Platja del Bogatell.
- 08:15 pm – 09:00 pm: Concert by Bofirax (Electronic) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 08:20 pm – 09:10 pm: Concert by Lecocq (Indie-pop) – Ateneu L’Harmonia.
- 08:45 pm – 10:00 pm: Concert by the Municipal Band of Barcelona (Symphonic music) – Plaça Major de Nou Barris.
Night
- 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Concert by Ivan Herzog (Pop) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Concert by Jester (Rock) – Plaça de Can Fabra.
- 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Concert by I Am Roze (Jazz, soul, R&B) – La Rambla del Raval (Limited capacity).
- 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm: Concert by Ana Rossi and Joana Queiroz (Contemporary music) – Teatre Grec.
- 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm: Concert by La Pegatina (Rumba, ska, fusion) – Platja del Bogatell.
- 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Concert by Marc Vilajuana (Songwriter, experimental music) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
- 9:45 pm – 10:45 pm: Concert by Banda Neon (Pop) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Aterciopelados (Colombian rock) – Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 10:30 pm – 12:00 am: Concert by Sorvina (Hip-hop, jazz-rap) – Parc de la Ciutadella.
- 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Minibús Intergalàctic (Psychedelic rock) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Concert by Gala i Ovidio (Experimental music, pop) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 10:50 pm – 11:40 pm: Concert by Revolución Guapachosa (Cumbia, psychedelia) – Plaça de Can Fabra.
- 11:00 pm – 12:00 am: Concert by Paula Koops (Pop) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 11:00 pm – 12:30 am: Concert by El Extintor + LaTorre (Folktronica) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
- 11:00 pm – 12:00 am: Concert by Tära (Arab’n’B) – La Rambla del Raval (Limited capacity).
- 11:30 pm – 01:00 am: Concert by Def Mama Def (Hip hop-African fusion) – Teatre Grec.
- 12:00 am – 01:00 am: Concert by Ypnosi (Funk, rock, punk, garage) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
- 12:00 am – 01:30 am: Concert by Maika Makovski (Rock) – Avinguda de la Catedral.
- 12:00 am – 01:00 am: Concert by Poncelam (Urban music) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 12:10 am – 01:10 am: Concert by STA (Dub) – Plaça de Can Fabra.
- 12:30 am – 01:30 am: Concert by TootArd (Syrian-Arab rock) – La Rambla del Raval.
- 01:15 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Leire Martínez (Pop) – Avinguda Maria Cristina.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Svetlana (Electropop) – Platja del Bogatell.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by La Valentina (Urban music) – Moll de la Fusta.
- 01:30 am – 02:30 am: Concert by Sandra Monfort (Electronic folk) – La Plaça de Catalunya.
Sunday, September 27
Morning and Afternoon
- 12:00 pm – 01:30 pm: Concert by the Liceu Conservatory Higher School of Music (Rock) – Jardins del Doctor Pla i Armengol.
- 01:00 pm – 02:30 pm: Concert by Tumbakin (Cuban salsa and timba) – Parc de la Ciutadella.
- 01:10 pm – 02:00 pm: Concert by De Gairó (Habaneras and folk) – Plaça de Can Fabra.
- 01:15 pm – 02:00 pm: Concert by Arar (Original music) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 02:15 pm – 04:15 pm: DJ session by Mala Freixura DJ – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 03:00 pm – 04:00 pm: Concert by Brisa Nunjo (Neo-soul, R&B, afrobeats, jazz) – Plaça de Can Fabra.
- 04:30 pm – 05:15 pm: Concert by AL-V (Dark pop / electronic) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 04:30 pm – 05:30 pm: Concert by Quintal Delas (Brazilian music, samba) – Plaça de Can Fabra.
- 05:40 pm – 06:25 pm: Concert by Asra3 (Experimental electronic) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm: Concert by La Llorería (Song) – Plaça de Can Fabra.
- 06:50 pm – 07:35 pm: Concert by MERCÈ (Experimental electronic) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
- 07:00 pm – 08:15 pm: Concert by Vozes + Marco Mezquida (Classical jazz) – Plaça Major de Nou Barris.
- 07:00 pm – 08:15 pm: Concert by Carola Ortiz (Habaneras and sea songs) – La Plaça de Sant Jaume.
- 07:30 pm – 09:00 pm: Concert by Giulia Valle (Contemporary jazz) – Parc de la Ciutadella.
- 08:15 pm – 09:00 pm: Concert by Maig (Pop-rock) – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm.
Popular tradition and major street shows: the living essence of La Mercè 2026
Popular tradition and street arts constitute the beating heart of La Mercè. From September 23 to 27, 2026, Barcelona turns into a massive participatory celebration that democratizes culture by taking it to every corner of the city, promoting citizens’ gatherings in squares, parks, and avenues across the ten districts of the Catalan capital.
This 2026 edition arrives packed with major highlights, debuts of festive infrastructures, and commemorative stagings of great cultural significance.
A historic Piromusical of La Mercè 2026 at Bogatell Beach
One of the most significant and historic changes of La Mercè 2026 is the new location for its grand closing show. Due to transformation and remodeling works at the Montjuïc venue, the iconic Piromusical on Sunday, September 27 will exceptionally be launched from Bogatell Beach (Platja del Bogatell).
This venue change will allow offering a massive spectacle of light, fire, and music over the Mediterranean coastline, designed to be viewed from multiple vantage points along the seafront with a visual impact felt across the entire city.
La Mercè 2026 in the ten districts: new urban stages
With the aim of decentralizing the Fiesta Mayor and bringing culture closer to all neighborhoods, La Mercè 2026 debuts festive stages in districts taking on a special spotlight:
- Glòries Park and Square: Incorporated as a major festive hub that will host family activities, street arts shows, and participatory proposals for all ages during the festival day on Thursday, September 24.
- Sarrià Square and Comas Square (Les Corts): Added to the network of official festival spaces, hosting popular culture displays, intimate-format concerts, and traditional dance.
Correfoc on Passeig de Gràcia and the new Hell’s Gate
Traditional fire and pyrotechnics will take over the main artery of Barcelona’s center with the celebration of the grand Correfoc of La Mercè on Passeig de Gràcia.
As a major highlight of this edition, attending crowds will witness the official premiere of a new Hell’s Gate (Porta de l’Infern), an imposing handcrafted structure that will serve as the ceremonial starting point for the diables (devils) troupes, fire beasts, and city dragons before beginning their parade under a shower of sparks.
Gaudí Year Commemoration and the Park Güell Centenary
Uniting traditional roots with contemporary expression, La Mercè 2026 will serve as the setting for a large-format performing arts show produced jointly with the Government of Catalonia. This proposal commemorates Gaudí Year and the centenary of Park Güell, combining live music and choreography performed by the city’s main folk groups to pay tribute to architect Antoni Gaudí’s universal legacy.
Traditional ritual and protocol of the Fiesta Mayor
Alongside these highlights, La Mercè keeps its most beloved ceremonial events intact:
- Toc d’Inici and Inaugural Entourage (September 23): Following the opening speech by Antoni and Meritxell Falgueras, Plaça de Sant Jaume hosts the dance of the Àliga de la Ciutat and the Gegants de la Ciutat, giving way to a parade of the festive beasts (Lleó, Mulassa, Bou, Drac) accompanied by the tunes of the Madriguera urbana.
- Castellera Days (Human Towers): Plaça de Sant Jaume reaffirms itself as the city’s great human tower square, where local and visiting colles raise majestic human towers that gravity-defy before thousands of onlookers.
- Dance and Giants Displays: Ciutadella Park, the Fabra i Coats venue, and Avinguda de la Catedral will concentrate displays by esbarts dansaires, international giant and big-head gatherings, and displays of popular and intercultural folk art.
The perfect base for your stay during La Mercè 2026: HCC Hotels
Enjoying La Mercè 2026 requires proper logistical planning to move around comfortably between the various festive stages spread across the city. Having central, quiet, and excellently connected accommodation is key to resting and recharging your batteries.
The network of HCC Hotels establishments in Barcelona provides the strategic location you need:
- Maximum urban connectivity: Hotels such as HCC Regente, HCC St. Moritz, HCC Taber, or HCC Montblanc are located just a few minutes’ walk from Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, Avinguda de la Catedral, or Rambla del Raval, also featuring immediate access to metro lines (L1, L2, L3, and L4) connecting directly to Bogatell Beach, Fòrum, and Montjuïc.
- Sustainability and comfort: All hotels in the chain are backed by the Biosphere Certified seal, guaranteeing a firm commitment to environmental management and sustainable urban development.
- 3D Booking and innovation: Through the official HCC Hotels website, users can use 3D Booking technology to virtually explore rooms and common areas before confirming their stay, guaranteeing total transparency.
Experience the intensity, art, and tradition of La Mercè 2026 with the peace of mind of staying in a welcoming and professional environment designed for your maximum comfort. We wait for you in Barcelona to celebrate the Fiesta Mayor!
