David Brydon

La Mercé – Patron Saint of Barcelona.



Posted: Monday, June 02, 2008

by
BCN Rentals

Barcelona actually has 2 patron saints Santa Eulalia, who is often called the children's saint, and Our Lady of Mercy, or "La Merc". Find out here about traditions and festivities marking the week of September 24 th .

What started out as paying homage to a Saint Our Lady of the Sea has now transformed itself into a full-blown "fiesta" in Barcelona, and if you're lucky enough to be visiting during the week of September 24 th , then you'll be able to experience the fun and games that accompany the celebrations. Many of the museums also have free entrance on the 24 th .

The city transforms during the week of La Merc and each neighbourhood closes streets to put up concert stages, street performing and other activities. The weekly events are always publicised in programmes but interestingly, the council never translates these into English only Spanish and Catalan, which goes to show hoe much of a "local" feel you get to the various activities Mardi gras this is not. Recent years have seen many good groups play the various stages that are dotted around the city centre, and it's worthwhile checking the schedule as they're all free, and you can usually take in a fair few good bands. There is a great firework display along Barceloneta Beach , too.

One of the highlights of the festival is the "correfoc" or fire run, which is a dangerous parade of fire-breathing dragons that run through the Gothic quarter. In medieval times, the devil was said to roam the streets of the Gothic quarter, and this is re-created with much enthusiasm. Certain years the rain has stopped the fire-run form going ahead, so this leaves the various groups who organise the activity with even more enthusiasm for the following year. The event is well organised, but followers/spectators are advised to take precautions no loose clothing or scarves basically anything that could accidentally catch fire.

There is also usually a competition of the human statues that have cemented their place along Las Ramblas over the years, and this week is a great time to see the various acts and players at their best.

However, perhaps the most striking part of the festivities is the opening. The human castles "Castellers" gather in "Place de la Merc" and this is something you don't want to miss although it's difficult to see, as the place gets very crowded. They also broadcast live on TV. These human towers involve standing on each others shoulders, and reach dizzy heights, until a child reaches the top, waves a hand, and then begins the descent just as daring and difficult as the ascent! Recent years have seen unfortunate injuries to some of the little ones, so a helmet is now obligatory.

David writes about Barcelona apartments and Cheap barcelona apartments.
David Brydon is an Englishman living in Barcelona, Spain. He is married and has 2 children. He has been working in the vacation apartment rentals business for 7 years.
   
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Catherine Hart 147 days 22 hours ago.
Thank you for this interesting article! Finally, someone has explained about the two co-patron saints of Barcelona (or three, I suppose, if we include St. George). The reason this is such a good article, I think, is that it sounds so natural; it's as if you were chatting to us. Well done!

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