What does La Mercè mean in English?
In Catalan, the word mercè has meanings related to service, help, a sense of compassion, and loving mercy. In the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, there is a basilica dedicated to the Virgin, where a wooden image of her is venerated.
What is Merce Barcelona?
Barcelona La Mercè lasts for around 5 days and is a festival held in honour of Mare de Deu de la Mercè, the Patron Saint of Barcelona. The festival, which officially first took place in 1902, bids goodbye to the summer with a bang and welcomes in the cooler months of autumn.
Why is La Mercè important?
The festival La Mercè, which is held in honour of the patron saint la Mercè (the Virgin of Mercy) on September 24 each year is the “Fiesta Mayor” – the main festival – of Barcelona. It is the largest and most colourful festival in the city’s festival calendar and the absolute climax of Barcelona’s event schedule.
Where can you see fireworks in Barcelona?
Each year the pyrotechnics display is performed near Plaça España in Montjuïc to bring a close to the La Mercè festival. The pyrotechnics show is the last main event of the festival. Thousands of spectators gather at Plaça España to watch the display each year and it is truly a breathtaking experience not to be missed.
What is un Castell?
A castell (Catalan pronunciation: [kəsˈteʎ]) is a human tower built traditionally at festivals in Catalonia, the Balearic islands and the Valencian Community.
Is La Mercè a public holiday?
24 June – Midsummer’s Day / St John’s Day (CAT) 15 August – Assumption of Mary (NAT) 24 September – La Mercè (BCN) 26 September.
Who is the patron saint of Barcelona?
The city of Barcelona has two patron saints: Santa Eulàlia and the Mare de Déu de la Mercè, (Our Lady of Mercy), also known as La Virgen de la Mercè, known simply as La Mercè. While September 24 is the official day celebrating the saint, every year the city hosts a massive celebration that lasts several days.
Is Barcelona fun for New Years?
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world and offers many fun events and bars. This is why celebrating New Year in Barcelona is always a good idea because it will be fun.
Where is Los castells?
The castells have their origins in a traditional folklore dance in the city of Valls. The steps of the dance were accompanied with the flute, as it is still played today during the tower building. At the end of the dance a small human tower was built.
What is the tallest castell?
The highest castell in history was a 10-floor structure with three people in each floor. Members of Vella de Xiquets de Valls try to complete their human tower during the Human Tower Competition in Tarragona, Spain.