Before autumn sets in and the summer ends, Barcelona’s most popular and awaited festival “Festes de la Merce” is held on September 24th each year. So, if you are looking for a short haul during this time, then Barcelona is the place to be. You can witness around 500 events from September 23rd to September 26th, September 24th being the most important day and a national holiday. All these events reflect the culture and traditions of the Catalan and Mediterranean communities. I have tried to describe some of the most popular events below:

The Sonar Festival: For all you music lovers out there, the Sonar Festival is one big multimedia festival – a three day and three night feast for your senses. You will find the cutting-edge technology in electronic music, audiovisual concerts; media lab presentations, DJ sets and many more, covering the areas of music, art and film. The Sonar Festival attracts the most prominent artists in the world of music.

“Parade of the Giants”: A procession of “gegants I capgrossos” – giant and big heads. Gegants are giant hollow paper effigies, 3 to 4 meter tall, of queen, kings and nobles marching through the streets of Barcelona, showing off their glory. These figures are carried by the strong people, called the “Geganter” – the giant carrier. A group of musical band beat the drums as the Gegants pass by.

Ball de Bastons: Meaning “the stick dance”. Each dancer holds two sticks and the rhythmic act of hitting the sticks (either their own sticks or their partner’s) reflects the dance. This is the most ancient and traditional folkdance of Barcelona.

Correfoc: A “Firerun”. A spectacular series of fireworks light up the sky. Around 400 “fire devils” and 20 “dragons” walk around Via Laietana, spitting fire and throwing fireworks. We recommend you to plug your ears and wear cotton clothes, with long sleeves and closed necks, scarf and boots.
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