Sardana Dancing with the Associació Cultural Folklòrica Barcelona—La Mercè 2025

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

Founded in 1922, the Associació Cultural Folklòrica Barcelona (ACFB) is one of the oldest Sardana groups in the city. It has been awarded the government of Catalonia’s Creu de Sant Jordi and the Gold Medal of the City of Barcelona. It has also been given other distinctions in the worlds of sardanas and culture in Catalonia and has been recognised by UNESCO for its activity. It promotes Sardana gatherings in the city, like the Sunday gatherings, where you are welcome to dance. The music is provided by the Cobla Marinada.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a stunning musical festival in the Plaça de la Mercè!

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.