| Towards the end of September Barcelona begins to | | | | Foodies and wine lovers shouldn't feel left out either |
| limber up for the largest event on its festival | | | | as there is no shortage of indulgence in those areas. |
| calendar, La Mercé, a celebration of the city's | | | | Food and wine shows run throughout the festival |
| patron saint "Mare de Deu de la Mercé". The | | | | showcasing local produce and allow you to try and |
| festival heralds the end of summer and the onset of | | | | buy the best that Catalonia has to offer. |
| the autumn months. The festival is a real big deal for | | | | Festivities aren't just kept on the ground either, La |
| the people of Barcelona and the still temperate | | | | Mercé also celebrates the sky with static hot air |
| weather means that, in true Mediterranean fashion, | | | | balloon flights, kite displays and other aerial exhibitions |
| must of the fun takes place outside. There's a | | | | taking place throughout the festival on the city's |
| massive amount to do whilst the festival is on with | | | | beaches. Other areas around the city to look out for |
| events popping up all over the city and over 3000 | | | | are the Centro de Cultura Contemperanea de |
| artists and performers on display with over 500 | | | | Barcelona where you can view street theatre, Moll de |
| activities to watch or take part in. The festival has a | | | | la Fusta which will be giving centre stage to |
| long and proud and first took place in 1902; today it's | | | | numerous circus acts and Plaza St Rei where various |
| a fantastic blend of tradition and innovation. | | | | dance troupes and performing artists will be vying for |
| You'd really need to write a novel to keep on top of | | | | your attention. There's also a museum open day |
| everything that goes on at La Mercé each year | | | | where many of the city's museums and galleries can |
| so, we'll just have to settle for some highlights. We | | | | be entered free of charge including the Picasso |
| start with one of the oldest traditions; the human | | | | museum, the Museum of History of Catalonia, the |
| towers or "Castells" are a real must-see, sometimes | | | | Maritime Museum and many more. |
| as much as ten stories high they're a fantastic display | | | | The culmination of the festivities is called "Piromusica"l |
| of teamwork, agility and balance. | | | | - the finale involves music and a huge fireworks |
| A recurring theme throughout the festival is the | | | | display choreographed together for an amazing |
| celebration of fire and one of the most exhilarating | | | | audio-visual experience. A big named music star is |
| experiences of La Mercé is the "Correfoc" (the | | | | usually brought in to play the finale and 2005 saw |
| "Fire Run") where costumed fire-breathing devils | | | | local singer and composer Pep Sala having the honour |
| rampage around the streets in a colourful pyrotechnic | | | | of closing out La Mercé. |
| display. Kids absolutely love this sort of thing and | | | | For tourists La Mercé offers a perfect opportunity |
| audience participation is a big part as the devils chase | | | | to see Barcelona at its best - it's a colourful, vibrant |
| after those foolish enough to get in their way. | | | | spectacle which offers something for all age groups |
| Another favourite of the children is the "Dragons and | | | | and all tastes. It also offers visitors the perfect |
| Giants" procession which starts in the Plaza Real next | | | | opportunity to see more of this wonderful city. |
| to Las Ramblas. | | | | |