The La Mercè Festival 2025 promises to be an explosion of music, culture, and tradition in Barcelona, consolidating its position as one of the most important events on the Catalan cultural calendar. From September 23 to 27, the city will be transformed into a global stage featuring local and international artists, diverse musical genres, and activities for all audiences for free.
The Música Mercè festival, in collaboration with BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical), presents more than 100 concerts throughout the city. This year stands out for its commitment to gender equality, cultural diversity, and the inclusion of new emerging voices. Among the most notable names are Villano Antillano, Kiddy Smile, Clara La San, Biznaga, Maria Arnal, Mayte Martín, Bongeziwe Mabandla, and Pussy Riot, who will present their show RIOT DAYS.
The program covers a wide variety of genres, from modern flamenco by Niño de Elche and Rocío Márquez to electronic offerings by Safety Trance and R&B by Martha Da'ro. There will also be space for folk-fusion by La Tania, Latin trap by Villano Antillano, and indie-pop by groups like Gazella and Wallows.
The Teatre Grec will host unique moments, such as the tribute to Al corazón de Marta Valdés, featuring iconic voices such as Mayte Martín and Sílvia Pérez Cruz. On the iconic Avinguda de la Catedral, Chloe Slater and Queralt Lahoz will share the stage after a joint artistic residency, while Sidonie will present her first album in Catalan.
Other key venues include Parc de la Ciutadella, where Son de Madera, Juan Ospina, and Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet will perform, and Platja del Bogatell, dedicated to female voices such as Rigoberta Bandini, Lia Kali, and Mushkaa. Radio stations will also have a prominent role, with exclusive performances by The Tyets, Mama Dousha, and Doctor Prats.
Controversy and Creativity in the Official Poster
As every year, the official poster has sparked debate. Signed by Lluís Danés, it has been criticized by religious sectors, including the Archbishopric of Barcelona, which considers it irreverent toward the image of the Virgin of La Mercè. However, the City Council defends the creative freedom of the author, who asserts that his work pays homage to traveling theaters and Mediterranean popular culture.
Danés describes his creation as "a poetic, inclusive, respectful, and festive artifact" that seeks to connect with all Barcelona residents without exception. Despite criticism, the lineup has already become part of the festival's history, adding to past controversies such as those surrounding nativity scenes and the pre-event posters.
A Festival for All Ages
The La Mercè Festival isn't just about music; it also offers dance, circus, human towers, and giants, key elements of Barcelona's tradition. This year, town crier Emma Vilarasau, star of the film "Casa en Flames," will formally kick off the celebrations, setting the emotional and diverse tone for this edition.
The festival is also notable for its commitment to sustainability and accessibility. From intercultural activities to spaces dedicated to environmental awareness, the festival seeks to engage the entire community in a responsible celebration.
Full Program
Main Stages:
Plaza de Catalunya: Cançons Amagades (Anna Andreu, Mar Pujol, Ferran Palau, Bruna González), Grega, SVSTO, Alvilda, Biznaga.
Avinguda de la Catedral: Niño de Elche, Rocío Márquez, Chloe Slater & Werka, Sidonie, Seward.
Parc de la Ciutadella: Son de Madera, Juan Ospina, Kokoschca, Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet, Sehar Gul Khan.
Platja del Bogatell: Rigoberta Bandini, Lia Kali, Mushkaa, The Tyets, Mama Dousha, Doctor Prats.
Featured Local and International Artists:
Locals: Queralt Lahoz, Maria Arnal, Mayte Martín, Sidonie, Extraño Weyz, Mushkaa, Lia Kali, Rigoberta Bandini, Myriam Swanson, Ginestà, Triquell, 31 FAM, La La Love You.
International: Villano Antillano (Puerto Rico), Bongeziwe Mabandla (South Africa), Pussy Riot (Russia), Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet (United Kingdom), Sehar Gul Khan (Pakistan).
An Evolving Tradition
From its origins as a major religious festival, the Fiestas de la Mercè have evolved to become an inclusive event that celebrates cultural diversity. This year, with its more equal and eclectic program, it reaffirms its commitment to creativity, equality, and coexistence.
For more information on schedules and locations, visit the official La Mercè website.
This year stands out for its commitment to gender equality, cultural diversity, and the inclusion of new emerging voices