Mercè '09

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Xambanga de gegants

Join the parade of 'gegants' (giants and giant heads) at the start of the festival. Starting from the Plaça Àngels then down Pintor Fortuny along the Rambla, and finishing in Carrer Ferran and Plaça Sant Jaume. Xambanga de gegants - September 23rd, 9.30-10.30pm

Diada Castellera amb les colles locals

Be amazed and slightly nervous by watching the youngsters climb the heights of the 'castellers' (human towers). Diada Castellera amb les colles locals - Plaça de Sant Jaume, 24th September, 12.30pm

Passejada de dracs i bèsties de foc

Marvel at the daring participants of the traditional 'correfoc' (fire run) as it makes its way through the city centre. Starting in C. Bisbe it snakes its way to Sant Jaume. Passejada de dracs i bèsties de foc, September 25th, 9pm to 10.45pm

Festival Pirotècnic International

The Mercè festival normally ends with some impressive firework displays. For three days teams from over Europe compete to see who has the biggest and best roman candles and Chinese rockets. Festival Pirotècnic International - Platja de la Barceloneta, 24th, 25th & 26th - 10.30pm

Music and lightshows

As well as all the fireworks and traditional events, there is also a packed calendar of concerts and light shows. See website for full details - www.bcn.cat/merce

Fotomercè

Fotomercè is a two-part event that includes an exhibition of pictures from last year's Barcelona festival by competition participants as well as panoramic shots taken by the official photographer Carmen Secanella. La Virreina - Friday 18th September to October 25th

BAM 09

As part of the Mercè programme, the annual Barcelona Acció Musical festival brings artists from all over the world to Barcelona with a programme of free concerts that mixes established acts with those who are just starting out. Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 26th - www.bcn.cat/bam/2009

Festival Asia

A shorter programme than usual for this year's Festival Asia but no less diverse. Highlights include Chinese pop sensation Cui Jian in concert, documentaries, food stalls and sport and dance demonstrations.Festival Asia - Parc de la Ciutadella, September 24th; Ciu Jian performs in Plaça Reial, September 23rd, 10pm

Mercè '09

Other events include the 'gimcana' (treasure hunt around the city), wine and cava tasting at Moll de la Fusta, the exhibition 'Centri/fugacions' featuring artists from guest city Istanbul, and a fair of different groups and associations in Plaça Catalunya (24th-27th).Finally, we'd love to feature your photos of this year's Mercè festival in a special slideshow. Send them to: info@creativemediagroup.es