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Mercè home
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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, 9.30-10.30pm3 of 10

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, 12.30pm4 of 10

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 10.45pm5 of 10

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 - 10.30pm6 of 10

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/merce7 of 10

Carmen Secanella
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 25th8 of 10

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/20099 of 10

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, 10pm10 of 10

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.esFree concerts, Catalan traditions, fireworks, exhibitions, a treasure hunt... La Mercè is five days of action and events for everyone. Click on our slideshow for more information about what's happening and when