Expanded Festival Map Includes Glòries and Bogatell Beach
Barcelona will host the Mercè Arts de Carrer from 23 to 27 September 2026, transforming ten districts into stages for street performances, according to the Barcelona City Council’s official programme. The festival will feature circus, dance, theatre, music, and interactive installations across parks and public spaces, including Parc del Fòrum, Parc de l’Estació del Nord, Parc de la Trinitat, and Jardins Joan Maragall. For the first time, Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes will be integrated into the festival as a dedicated stage for street arts, marking a significant expansion of the event’s footprint. The final night’s pyromusical show will also move to Bogatell Beach, offering a new seaside setting for the traditional fireworks display.
Shanghai as Guest City Celebrates 25 Years of Twinning
This year’s edition highlights Barcelona’s 25-year sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first Asian city to be guest of honour at La Mercè. As part of the cultural exchange, over 100 artists from Shanghai and Barcelona’s Chinese diaspora will participate in performances, blending acrobatics, dance, design, and popular culture. The Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe will present an acrobatics gala, while French company Cie. Bivouac brings its production Perceptions to the programme. The collaboration extends beyond performances from China, incorporating local artists of Asian heritage to broaden the dialogue between the two cities.
The celebration of this anniversary has allowed more than a hundred artists, from both the Chinese city and the community residents in Barcelona, to participate in the programming of La Mercè, according to Barcelona's mayor.
Palauet Albéniz Reopens After Renovations
Another key development is the return of Palauet Albéniz to the festival lineup after being closed for renovations in 2025. The venue will host special performances as part of the expanded cultural programme. Port Olímpic continues its third edition under the concept Marea de les Arts, while Parc dels Auditoris will stage a tribute to 50 years of contemporary Catalan circus, with visual interventions transforming the space.
Artistic Programme Rooted in Public Space and Participation
The festival maintains a strong focus on accessibility, diversity, and public engagement. Performances are designed to involve the audience through play, dance, and collective creation, with attention to sensory well-being and inclusive design. The opening ceremony on 23 September will feature winemaker Antoni Falgueras and his daughter, sommelier Meritxell Falgueras, delivering the official address. The visual identity of the festival is created by artist Cinta Vidal, whose poster captures Barcelona’s iconic architecture through a dynamic, interconnected perspective. Full details on performances, accessibility, and schedules are available via the Barcelona City Council’s official Mercè Arts de Carrer page.
Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, barcelona.cat. Reported by barnadiario.com, Catalan News, barcelonasecreta.com, thelocal.es, elperiodico.cat, santmartieix.com, elperiodico.com, rtve.es, beteve.cat, es.teatrebarcelona.com, Barna Diario.
