The city of Barcelona is now aware of the main details for the La Mercè 2026 festival. Master vintner Antoni Falgueras, accompanied by his daughter, sommelier Meritxell Falgueras, will kick off the celebration with the opening speech. The main festival will run from Wednesday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 27th.
This year's poster is a creation by visual artist Cinta Vidal, who has depicted iconic city landmarks with an innovative perspective, symbolizing the connections and discoveries that characterize Barcelona. Furthermore, for the first time, an Asian city will be the guest of honor: Shanghai, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of its twinning with the Catalan capital.
The festival's program will expand to new venues such as Plaça de les Glòries, Plaça de Sarrià, and Plaça Comas, aiming to extend the celebration across all 10 districts of the city. Popular culture will play a significant role with the premiere of a new Porta de l’Infern (Hell's Gate), which will precede the correfoc (fire run).
Park Güell will host a new collaboration with the Department of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya. A show will premiere, blending traditional music and dances with contemporary elements, commemorating the Gaudí Year and the centenary of Park Güell. This performance will be repeated on the 26th.
The festivities will commence on Wednesday, September 23rd, with the opening speech and musical performances, while Thursday, September 24th, a local holiday, will be dedicated to family-oriented activities, popular culture, and street arts. Friday, September 25th, will feature pyrotechnics and concerts, and on Saturday, September 26th, the new Porta de l’Infern will be unveiled. The closing event on Sunday, September 27th, will be the traditional Piromusical, which will take place for the first time at Bogatell beach.
