Barcelona celebrates · 23–27 September
Only one day in town? Make it Thursday 24 September: local traditions in the morning, music after dark and drones by the sea.
Updated 20 September 2026
See the live agenda →
Human towers, giant figures, flamenco or lights over the sea? La Mercè offers all of them. This route arranges Thursday by time and area, leaving room to enjoy the city. Times are Barcelona local time and may change; check the official programme before leaving.
Image published with the municipal event listingDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 08:00–09:30Where: Plaça de la Mercè
An early start on a public holiday? This one makes sense. Traditional wind instruments and drums open the day in the old city.
Official programme ↗
Image published with the municipal event listingDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 09:00–20:00Where: Museu Picasso · Carrer de Montcada 15
The municipal listing announces free entry to the Museu Picasso from 09:00 to 20:00. Check entry conditions and whether a booking is required.
Official programme ↗
Image published with the municipal event listingDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 10:00–22:00Where: Museu Frederic Marès · Plaça de Sant Iu 5
How has the festival changed its look? The “Moltes Mercès” exhibition explores its posters. The municipal listing says entry is free.
Official programme ↗
Editorial image of BarcelonaDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 13:00Where: Plaça de Sant Jaume
Never seen a castell? Find a spot in the square and watch the base support each level. Give the teams room to work.
Official programme ↗Editorial image of BarcelonaDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 17:30–19:00Where: Plaça de Catalunya → Plaça de Sant Jaume
Looking for giant figures? The parade starts at Plaça de Catalunya at 17:30 and reaches Sant Jaume around 19:00. Choose one viewing spot.
Official programme ↗Editorial image of BarcelonaDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 20:45Where: Plaça Major de Nou Barris
The Gran Teatre del Liceu orchestra and choir perform in Nou Barris. A musical alternative to the busy city centre.
Official programme ↗Editorial image of BarcelonaDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 21:00 / 22:00Where: Espigó del Gas, Barceloneta
Two shows are scheduled, at 21:00 and 22:00. Expect crowds at the seafront. The Piromusical takes place on Sunday 27.
Official programme ↗Editorial image of BarcelonaDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 21:00 / 22:15Where: Avinguda de la Catedral
Prefer the centre? María Terremoto performs at 21:00, followed by La Barcelona Flamenca at 22:15. Choose this or the drones; the venues are far apart.
Official programme ↗Editorial image of BarcelonaDate and time: 24/09/2026 · 22:00–23:00Where: Moll de la Fusta
Want theatre and electronic music? “Emergency Exit” brings La Fura dels Baus, Satori and Eyesberg Studio to the waterfront. Choose this or the drone show; both start at 22:00.
Official programme ↗
Image published with the municipal event listingDate and time: 23/09/2026 · 20:00 / 22:00Where: Plaça de Sant Jaume
Arriving Wednesday? Toc d’Inici opens the celebrations at 20:00. The giants’ Xambanga starts and finishes in Sant Jaume at 22:00.
Official programme ↗Editorial image of BarcelonaDate and time: 27/09/2026 · 22:00Where: Platja de la Nova Icària
Saving energy for Sunday? The finale moves to Nova Icària beach this year. It starts at 22:00; check access information that day.
Official programme ↗An editorial selection based on the published programme and the Barcelona On Cue agenda. Municipal event photos use image URLs from their official listings; the lead photo shows La Mercè 2024, not the 2026 edition. Programme and updates ↗