The La Mercè Festival 2025 is just around the corner, and Barcelona is getting ready for its most vibrant days of the year. From September 23rd to 28th, the city honors its patron saint, the Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy), with a unique program of music, performances and popular traditions that attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Origins and history of La Mercè
The celebration of La Mercè dates back to the 13th century, when, according to tradition, the Virgin of Mercy appeared to several saints asking them to create an order dedicated to redeeming captives. In 1687, after protecting Barcelona from a devastating plague of locusts, the Virgin was officially proclaimed patron saint of the city.
Since then, every September, Barcelona has celebrated its patron with a unique blend of faith, tradition and culture. Over the centuries, La Mercè has transformed from a purely religious holiday into a modern cultural festival that maintains the essence of Catalan traditions—giants and big-heads parades, castellers (human towers), correfocs (fire runs), and sardana dances—while embracing contemporary art, music and international performances.
With more than three centuries of history, La Mercè is today one of the most iconic urban festivals in Europe.
A city that becomes a stage
For nearly a week, Barcelona transforms into an open-air stage:
Giants and big-heads parading through the streets.
Castellers building breathtaking human towers.
Correfoc with devils, fire and sparks lighting up the night.
Free BAM concerts (Barcelona Acció Musical) featuring national and international artists.
Street arts through MAC (Mercè Arts de Carrer) in squares and parks.
Family activities, open museums, and the grand finale: the piromusical at Montjuïc, a dazzling show of music, water and fireworks that closes the festival.
La Mercè: more than a festival
La Mercè is not just a local festivity—it’s a cultural experience that showcases the very best of Barcelona to the world. It’s a time to enjoy Catalan identity, from traditional dances to Mediterranean gastronomy, which always plays a central role in gatherings with family and friends during these days.
That’s why, between events, concerts and shows, taking a break to enjoy the city’s authentic Mediterranean cuisine is an essential part of the experience.
미쿠 마쿠: your Mediterranean stop during La Mercè
At Micu Maku, we celebrate the spirit of Barcelona with you. Our restaurants, located at:
📍 Eixample – Carrer d’Aribau, 22
📍 Castillejos, 208 next to the Sagrada Familia
are just steps away from some of the main stages of La Mercè. Here, you can escape the crowds and indulge in dishes that ignite your senses: paellas, black rice, fideuà, fresh pasta, gourmet burgers, house wines and artisanal sangrias, all in a lively yet Mediterranean atmosphere.
The perfect La Mercè 2025 plan
Stop by for lunch or dinner before enjoying a concert in Plaça Catalunya or on Avinguda Maria Cristina.
Take a break after street performances and recharge at our Aribau location.
Visiting the Sagrada Familia? Join the festive vibe of the neighborhood and taste our menu at Castillejos.
End your day after the Montjuïc piromusical with a toast at Micu Maku.
This September, Barcelona comes alive and Micu Maku comes alive with it. Celebrate the culture, embrace the city, and discover why we say: The Mediterranean lights up your senses.
