Inaugural Sardana Dancing—La Mercè 2023

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Dancing the sardana in front of the cathedral in Barcelona, photo courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona.

As is traditional, on the first day of the La Mercè festival, the Plaça de la Catedral will be the setting for a big sardana party: people of all ages, from beginners to experts, will be forming circles to dance the sardanas played by the Cobla Sant Jordi - Ciutat de Barcelona sardana orchestra, an essential part of the event.

Led by Marcel Sabaté, one of the most important up-and-coming conductors, this much acclaimed group, which has been awarded the highest distinctions that the city has to offer, will be accompanying all who want to celebrate the beginning of this year’s La Mercè festivities.

The orchestra, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, received the title Cobla Ciutat de Barcelona in 1997, and in 2011 was awarded the Ciutat de Barcelona prize for its ability to bring the sound of the sardana orchestra closer to contemporary music. The inaugural sardanas are a moment of fellowship and shared festive joy—the first of many to come during the La Mercè festivities.

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.