Barcelona celebrates its patron saint in style

In late September begins the annual festival of the city of Barcelona and you don’t want to miss it. The Catalan capital celebrates its patron saint, the Virgin of Grace, in a street five days festival.

The event includes the city’s main squares and neighbourhoods. On the Via Laietana the Correfoc is usually performed where you will see demons and dragons run the streets with fireworks.

Go and see the wonderful traditions of Barcelona, that among others, include the construction of a human tower, kings and queens images parades, shows with water and fire, and much more.

It is said that the ‘Virgin of Mercy’ appeared to a gentleman named Pedro Nolasco and asked him to create a religious order to free the Spanish prisoners in 1218. The Mercedarians, as the newly formed group was called, came to save 300,000 men.

To commemorate Barcelona’s patron saint, festivals are held in the city in late September each year. The tradition officially began in 1902, in recognition for the work of protection that the Virgin does on the Catalan capital.

The festival takes numerous streets and squares. The Correfoc is one of the most popular activities, where demons and dragons run with firecrackers and fireworks. In the Plaça de Sant Jaume (Saint James’s Square) a human tower is usually constructed, known as the ‘Castellers’ activity.

‘The Giants Parade’ is one of the most important performances. Large images of kings, queens and nobles cross the streets of Barcelona accompanied by percussion groups. The festival closes with the fountains of Motjuic’s Pyro-musical display, featuring synchronised fireworks, water fountains and music.