La Mercè

La Mercé is the main festival celebrated in Barcelona for the 24th September. La Mercé is the Patron Saint of Barcelona and the streets of the city centre are converted into a giant fanfare of festival fun. For a whole week, from the weekend before the 24th until the following weekend, Barcelona's streets become the central point of chaotic madness. Live music stages are located strategically round the city and folkloric Catalan festival events are held in the old town and in Sant Jaume. Look out for the massive Correfoc (Devil Fire Run) that starts at Mercat Caterina and heads down Via Laietana on the 23rd  at 9.00pm and Human Castles displays on the 24th from 11am onwards.