Contemporary tribute to tradition

This afternoon at Park Güell, audiences gathered on the terrace to witness Decostumari, a major street arts event presented as part of Barcelona’s La Mercè Festival. The production, co-produced by ICUB and the Department of Culture of the Generalitat, unites around 50 performers from leading local dance groups including Ballets de Catalunya, Esbart Gaudí, and Esbart Vila de Gràcia. Choreographed and artistically directed by Pere Seda, Decostumari is described as a "great ritual of roots", a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Catalan dances such as sardana, contrapàs, jota, and ball pla. The performance blends historical homage with modern expression, approached with what Seda calls a "respectful and reivindicative" perspective.

We invent melodies that sound as if we had heard them all our lives.

Musical direction by Magí Capdevila of the Orquestra de Músiques d’Arrel de Catalunya (OMAC) added fictional yet familiar-sounding compositions, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and new. The show featured strong lighting design and took place in two sessions, fully occupying the seated area on the terrace.

Free access marks centenary celebration

The event coincides with the centenary of Park Güell’s inauguration and falls within Gaudí Year, a city-wide programme celebrating the architect’s legacy. For the second consecutive year, the park opened its doors free of charge during La Mercè, enabling wider public access. According to organisers, attendance surpassed last year’s figures, filling the venue completely. The initiative reinforces La Mercè’s commitment to popular culture and live performance, while commemorating two key milestones: 100 years of Park Güell as a cultural landmark and the enduring influence of Antoni Gaudí.

How to see it

The performance was scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2026, aligning with Barcelona’s local holiday. Further details about the festival programme are available via the Ajuntament de Barcelona's official page and Fira Mediterrània’s event listing.

Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, firamediterrania.cat, Pere-Juventí Balcells, independent.cat, betevé.