Mercè Dansa, Cobla Sabadell

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Photo by Vicente Zambrano González courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

Throughout Catalunya there are towns and villages that keep the traditional folk dances alive, from the counties of the principality, Northern Catalunya and the Franja de Ponent, contributing to the preservation of this rich legacy. Those who gather together to dance don't belong to groups or institutions; they're neighbors who've no doubt grown up watching previous generations dance, and are now following in their footsteps.

At la Mercè, these groups find a space where they can share the tradition: Mercè Dansa is a dance display accompanied by the Cobla Sabadell sardana orchestra, an artistic association that makes sure that the sardana, the most authentically Catalan of types of music, is well-known throughout the country, creating concert and dance music.

Organized by the Esbart Català de Dansaires, an organization dedicated to research and to the compilation, conservation and dissemination of traditional dance and customs, Mercè Dansa isn’t simply a dance exhibition. In the afternoon, the action moves to Plaça Sant Jaume, and everyone who wants to can learn the dance.

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.