Inaugural Sardana Dancing—La Mercè 2026

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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 inaugural sardanas are a moment of fellowship and shared festive joy—the first of many to come during the La Mercè festivities.

What to Do for La Mercè

Celebrated in the days surrounding September 24th, the La Mercè festival program is packed with things to do and see. From parades and exhibits filled with gegants (giants), capgrossos (bigheads) and fire-breathing beasts to giant castells (human towers), traditional dances, correfocs (fire runs), drone light shows, fireworks displays and free concerts, you're sure to find something to delight and amaze you.

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). To make the most of your time, take a look at 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.

See our Guide to La Mercè for a list of the festival's events and discover the story behind one of the biggest celebrations on Barcelona's calendar and the many traditions that make this beloved Catalan holiday so special.

For more events during the Festes de la Mercè check our online events calendar.