Discover the Magic of La Mercè During DrupalCon Barcelona 2024

Make the most of your visit to Barcelona for DrupalCon Europe from September 24-27 by also enjoying the traditional La Mercè festival. 

This local event is a great way to experience the culture and excitement of Barcelona. La Mercè is the annual festival of the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It has been an official city holiday since 1871. The festival takes place from 20 - 24 September, with its main celebration day on 24 September.

If you're arriving early for DrupalCon or looking for a fun activity on the evening of the 24 September, keep La Mercè in mind! The festival features about 600 events spread throughout the plazas, streets, museums, and parks. All entertainment is free, and Barcelona's metro trains run all night during the festival. This massive celebration allows you to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and traditions. Explore the highlights and individual events of the festival here.

La Mercè has religious origins, honoring the Virgin of Grace (Mare de Déu de la Mercè). In Catalan, the word mercè signifies service, help, compassion, and loving mercy. Each day of the festival is marked by parades filled with mythical characters and traditional drumming. These vibrant processions offer a glimpse into Catalan traditions.

A notable feature introduced in 1902 is the inclusion of papier-mâché "giants" known as gegants i capgrossos. These larger-than-life figures parade through the streets, captivating audiences of all ages. Additionally, the festival highlights the Sardana, a popular dance that gained prominence throughout Catalonia during the early 20th century. Whether you join in or simply watch, the parades are a beautiful display of unity and rhythm.

La Mercè is not just a celebration of Catalan culture but also a global cultural exchange. In order to bring Barcelona's people closer to different cultures, Each year, through the "Guest City" program, another city from around the world is invited to present its culture and artists. Last year's guest city was Kyiv, Ukraine, and this year, the honor goes to Casablanca, Morocco.

Just like the structure and teamwork in building a human tower, our Drupal community thrives on collaboration, contributions, and shared goals. Join us at DrupalCon and La Mercè to celebrate the power of community in the heart of beautiful Barcelona. See you there!