La Mercé – Patron Saint of Barcelona.

Barcelona actually has 2 patron saints –accompany the celebrations. Many of the museums
Santa Eulalia, who is often called thealso have free entrance on the 24th.
children’s saint, and Our Lady of Mercy, orThe city transforms during the week of La
“La Mercé”. Find out hereMercé and each neighbourhood closes streets
about traditions and festivities marking the week ofto put up concert stages, street performing and
September 24th.other activities. The weekly events are always
What started out as paying homage to a Saintpublicised in programmes – but interestingly,
– Our Lady of the Sea – has nowthe council never translates these into English
transformed itself into a full-blown– only Spanish and Catalan, which goes to
“fiesta” in Barcelona, and ifshow hoe much of a “local” feel
you’re lucky enough to be visiting during theyou get to the various activities – Mardi gras
week of September 24th, then you’ll bethis is not.
able to experience the fun and games that