Correfoc—La Mercè 2023

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The correfoc (fire run) is one of the most anticipated celebrations of La Mercè, when the devils and a host of fire beasts from all over the city emerge from the underworld and make their way along Passeig de Gràcia, turning it into a sea of sparks.

La Mercè's correfoc begins with the ceptrotada, when each group’s most spectacular ceptrots (sceptres), pitchforks and banners are lit, with Llucifer (Lucifer), the Diablessa (she-devil), the Diable Gros (Big Devil) and other unique characters.

The lighting of the ceptrotada is the prelude to another pyrotechnic display, the lighting of porta de l’infern (Hell's gate) by La Satànica of Sant Andreu—a true celebration. Hell's gate is built specifically for La Mercè's correfoc; when the pyrotechnics burn out, the gate opens and devils, dragons and fire beasts begin to pour out. The correfoc has begun!

Celebrated September 22-25, 2023, the La Mercè festival program is packed with things to do and see. But if all the festivities of La Mercè get to be a bit too much, why not take a culture break?

Many of the city’s museums observe the holiday with a jornada de portes obertes (open doors). Check out our interactive map with all the locations that are throwing open their doors for free: Map of Barcelona Museums with Free Entry for La Mercè.

For other ideas about how to celebrate La Mercè go to What to Do for La Mercè.