Barcelona Apartments - Akaza Holiday Apartments in Barcelona

When autumn arrives to Barcelona, it brings a unique event with it; the fiesta de la Merce. The festival used to be a religious happening, but nowadays it is a popular fiesta with not much to do with religion. However, the name Merce comes from the patron saint of Barcelona.

If you happen to be in Barcelona during one week in the late September, you definitely shouldn’t miss La Merce. One part of the popularity and tradition is that the festival itself was forbidden in Catalunya during the Franco time.

One part of the festival is the “giants” who walk in and around the city. They are several meters tall figures with large heads. If that is not enough for you, be sure not to miss the castellers, which means people who gather together to build big human towers. That’s right, a tower made of people, many meters tall. Also you can spot dragons and people with firecrackers so don’t forget to be aware of the fire! Although, if you are not afraid, you can join the party.

A more “normal” side of this festival is the various musical performances which will take place on many of the town squares. Finally, to conclude the week there will be a fireworks opera, which means shooting some spectacular rockets to the air while the speakers play different songs to accompany the light show.

Where will all this take place? All over the city. What’s the price? Free. When will it happen? The dates for La Mercé 2011 are Thursday 22^nd September until Sunday 25^th September.

For more information, check out the official website: http://www.bcn.cat/merce/en/index.shtml