One of the most important days of the year in Barcelona is La Mercè, a festival that honours the Virgin of Grace (Mare de Déu de la Mercè), co-patron saint of Barcelona along with Saint Eulàlia. Celebrated since the Middle Ages, when Barcelona suffered a plague of locusts and asked for the Virgin’s assistance. After the plague was defeated, la Mercè was named patroness of the city of Barcelona and ever since the festival has been celebrated annually in honour of the Virgin. This year La ...