Expanded security across festival zones

The Guàrdia Urbana, Mossos d'Esquadra, Port Police, and Barcelona’s Civil Protection, Prevention, Fire Extinction, and Rescue Service will implement a coordinated security operation during La Mercè 2026. Officers will increase patrols in high-traffic areas and at access points to prevent uncivil behaviour, crime, and unauthorised street vending.

As part of Operation Ferro, authorities will intensify checks for bladed weapons and dangerous objects at entrances and exits of major events. Police will use metal detector wands, and conduct alcohol and drug tests along access and exit routes. Drones will provide aerial surveillance to support emergency coordination in real time.

Measures to prevent and address sexist, sexual, and LGTBI-phobic violence will also be reinforced this year.

To improve personal safety, especially at night, the Guàrdia Urbana will expand safe routes between leisure areas and public transport stops. Fixed 'purple points' and mobile response teams will offer information, prevention, and assistance for potential aggressions. A new pilot initiative will launch a mobile 'purple point' using NFC-enabled bracelets and keychains to discreetly trigger emergency alerts.

City-wide cleaning and waste management

From 23 to 27 September, 530 cleaning teams made up of 1,156 operators will reinforce waste collection across nearly 25 festival zones. The city will install 1,233 waste bins and 205 containers at key sites, with intensified cleaning before, during, and after events, particularly in concert and crowd-heavy areas.

Cleaning efforts will focus on night shifts and adapt to each venue’s needs, including mechanical and manual sweeping, groundwater washing, and waste removal. Beach cleaning services and the city’s graffiti removal plan will continue as part of the operation.

Transport and mobility adjustments

Public transport will be reinforced to accommodate festival crowds. The metro will run all night on 23, 25, and 26 September, and extend service until midnight on the 24th and 27th. TMB will increase metro frequency by around 30% during peak event times and strengthen select bus lines.

A special traffic plan will be in place in the city centre and around major events, featuring detours and parking restrictions. Alcohol and drug controls will also be stepped up at key vehicle checkpoints.

Reported by beteve.cat, betevé.