Festes de la Merce - Barcelona
The main annual festival in Barcelona takes place on September 24th which
celebrates the day of the city's patron saint ... the Virgin de la Merce.
There are many events from 22nd leading up to 24th which is a public holiday.
Events include the parade of the giants when a processions through the streets
is made up of giant wooden figures (gegants) operated by people.
There are also
sports events, musical performances, fantastic firework displays and plenty
drinking as is the case at just about all festivals nationwide. There's no
better place to introduce yourself to Cava ... Catalonia's very own champagne.
One highlight that you must look out for is the competition for which group of
people can form the highest human tower. The best place to find the towers is in
Placa de Sant Jaume where participants in traditional costume (castellers) climb
on top of one another until they can hold no more. This human tower often
reaches around eight levels.
Make sure you go to the tourist information office above
Plaza Catalunya (opposite Corte Inglés) to get a programme of events so that
you'll know exactly where and when everything is taking place.
If you're in the area a few weeks later it's well worth checking out Cava
Week (around October 12th) when people from Barcelona board the Cava train
and head out to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia which is home to most of the main Cava
producers.
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