Spectacular Festivals of the World - Festes de La Merce

Barcelona’s largest annual festival dedicated to the patron Saint of Barcelona — the Virgin de la Merce — runs for 4 days around September 24th. Legend has it that the patron saint removed a tiresome plague of locusts that once visited the city. They have never returned, and some believe she still protects them to this day.



To honor her La Merce, the Mediterranean city has over 500 activities, parades, concerts, firework displays, air shows, a swimming race across the harbor, and a 6-mile (10 kilometer) run with most of events taking place in the city center of Barcelona.



Events include the parade of the giants and mythical figures of medieval Barcelona through the streets made up of gegants — giant wooden figures operated by people.



One of the most notable highlights is a competition for which groups of people attempt to form the highest human tower. ‘Castellers’ in traditional costume climb on top of one another until they can hold no more, which often reaches around 8 levels. The best place to find these ‘human towers’ is in Placa de Sant Jaume.