This year’s La Mercè festivities in Barcelona falls on a Saturday this year and thus will last a day less than normal. A packed and exciting schedule is guaranteed.
La Mercè offers young audiences theatre, circus, magic, art workshops, free access to toys and games, and dozens of popular culture Cercavilas (street theatre processions), all certain to delight your children between the 22nd and 25th of September.
During the festival many public and private spaces including local museums and galleries offer free workshops to children.
One of this year’s most novel offerings is a sundial workshop at the Museu dels Invents (MIBA) where children can make their own working sundial to take home with them. Entrance for all is charged at the price of a child’s concession.
Contrasting this event is a night of astronomy at the CosmoCaixa Museum celebrating the 7th anniversary of its renovation on Saturday from 8pm to 1am. Telescopes and binoculars will be available.
Attractions such as Las Golondrinas and the sailing schooner the Santa Eulalia, offer free nautical attractions this Mercè. Las Golondrinas are giving free passes to the first to come to their tent at the Portal de la Pau, starting at 10 am. The Santa Eulalia is offering free boarding in the afternoon from 2pm to 7.30pm. Back on terra firma Barcelona Zoo offers a 50% discount for tickets purchased online for entrance on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd of September.
Traditional Catalan activities also have a role in the program of events, including parades of Geants and Cap Gros’s and Catalan folk dances – all perfect spectacles to enjoy with children.