Mexico City Confirmed for La Mercè 2027
Barcelona has named Mexico City as the guest city for La Mercè 2027, succeeding Shanghai in the annual international cultural exchange. Mayor Jaume Collboni announced the decision during an interview with public broadcaster betevé on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at a concert event on Bogatell beach. He revealed that the agreement was reached during his recent trip to New York, where he met with Clara Brugada, Head of Government of Mexico City.
They are very eager to come to Barcelona. Here we have a Mexican community that has strong ties with Barcelona and Catalonia, and it will be something very special,
said Collboni.
Cultural Ties and Shared Festive Dates
The partnership highlights deep cultural links between the two cities. Both celebrate major festivities on 24 September, Barcelona honours its patron saint, La Mercè, while Mexico City marks the anniversary of the historic La Merced Market, founded in 1957. The convergence of these dates adds symbolic resonance to the collaboration.
Mexico City’s rich traditions, including cumbia, salsa, and ranchera music, are expected to feature prominently across Barcelona’s plazas and theatres during the festival. The visit aims to celebrate not only artistic expression but also the vibrant Mexican community living in Barcelona.
A Two-Decade Tradition
Inviting a global city to participate in La Mercè began in 2006 with Medellín, Colombia. Since then, more than 20 cities have taken part, from Paris and Vienna to Havana and Shanghai. Each guest city contributes performances, art, and cultural programming to the festival. Shanghai’s 2026 appearance included traditional Chinese dance, acrobatics, circus acts, and a drone show projecting architectural silhouettes of both cities over the coastline. More details about Mexico City’s programme for La Mercè 2027 will be announced in the coming months via the official La Mercè website.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, barcelona.cat. Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, beteve.cat, larazon.es, europapress.es, PRESSDIGITAL, elprogresivo.com, 20minutos, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.
