Every year in late September, Barcelona turns into one continuous street party. La Mercè is the city’s biggest festival, held in honour of its patron saint, and it fills the streets with music, fire, giants and tradition for five days straight. If you’ll be in Barcelona around these dates, El Born is one of the best places to experience it — and not just because it’s right in the centre.
When Is La Mercè 2026
Every year in late September, Barcelona turns into one continuous street party. La Mercè is the city’s biggest festival, held in honour of its patron saint, and it fills the streets with music, fire, giants and tradition for five days straight.
The Correfoc Runs Through El Born
If you’ve never seen a Correfoc before: groups of “diables” (devils) run through the streets carrying handheld fireworks while crowds dance and dash between the sparks. There’s a calmer children’s version in the early evening and a more intense adult version at night. If you want to join in up close, wear long sleeves, a cap and closed shoes — if you’d rather just watch, keep a safe distance.
What Else to See During La Mercè in the City Centre
Practical Tips for Enjoying La Mercè in El Born
✅ Expect crowds. El Born is a small area and it fills up during La Mercè. If you want a good view of the Correfoc, get to the route early.
✅ Traffic is cut off. The neighbourhood’s main streets are closed to traffic during the events. Get around on foot or by metro (Jaume I, L4, is the closest stop to El Born).
✅ Free museums. During La Mercè, many of the city’s museums — including some near El Born — open their doors for free. It’s worth checking the official programme once it’s published, a few weeks before the event.
✅ Not everything is announced in advance. The city council usually confirms exact schedules only a few weeks before the festival. If you’re travelling from outside Barcelona, check the official programme closer to the date.
The Perfect Ending: Gelato After the Correfoc
After running, dancing and dodging sparks through the streets of El Born, there’s one plan that never fails: cross over to the Palau de la Música Catalana and end the night with an artisan gelato at La Palau, on Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 14.
The gelato is handcrafted by Menodiciotto, a workshop founded in Turin in 1986 by master gelato maker Luca Grassi, with over 80 natural flavours and gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free options.
Check out all our flavours on our menu or just stop by after the festival — we’re right across from the Palau.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is La Mercè 2026?
From September 23 to 27, 2026, with the official celebration on September 24.
Does the Correfoc pass through El Born?
Yes. The Correfoc route runs through Plaça Comercial, Carrer del Comerç, Carrer de la Princesa, Carrer de Montcada, Plaça de Santa Maria and Passeig del Born.
Is it safe to bring children to the Correfoc?
There’s a children’s version of the Correfoc, calmer and with less intense fireworks, held before the adult version. Even so, it’s recommended to keep some distance and wear appropriate clothing.
Are museums free during La Mercè?
Many museums in Barcelona open for free during the festival, though it’s worth confirming the exact list on the official programme closer to the date.
Where can I get a drink after watching the Correfoc in El Born?
At La Palau, right across from the Palau de la Música Catalana, at Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 14. Open every day until 23:30, including during La Mercè.
Do you need to book anything for La Mercè?
Most events are free and outdoors, with no booking required. Only a few specific shows with limited capacity may require registration, depending on each year’s programme.