Things to do this weekend in Barcelona, Festival of Merced special
It will probably seem like just another normal Friday when quite simply you’re happy to have two days off. However, in Barcelona this is not the case as yesterday the Festival of Merced, a celebration held in honour of the city’s patron saint, officially started yesterday evening. This year’s edition is shorter than previous ones, however visitors can expect a bag full of surprises, top international artists and a range of 200 different activities. Cancel all your other plans so you can take advantage of all the wonderful things on offer in the festival including incredible Russian artists given that Saint Petersburg is the guest city this year.
Friday the 23rd of September
PARK OF LIGHT – At sunset, Park Ciutadella changes completely in appearance and hosts numerous shows where light has a fundamental role. An example of what is on offer includes a performance by Russian artists from the company Handmade Che, who will be capturing the essence of the park and offering a show where they will be playing with black light to create a spectacle of great plastic beauty prior to a theatrical rendition of Swan Lake. Get ready to see this lovely show and expect a small surprise, one hundred percent by hand! Where: Park Ciutadella, Espai Cascada i Espai Geologia (assigned areas within the park). When: this weekend from 9:15pm to 9:30pm and then from 11:30 to 11:45pm.
SWAN LAKE – The stars of the Mariinsky Theatre from Saint Petersburg will be performing a 60 minute version of this masterpiece by Tchaikovsky.
Prepare to be transported to a magical world, accompanied by history’s most famous composition in the enchanting setting of Park Ciutadella. Make sure you visit the waterfall, where images projected onto this monumental fountain give it new life, relating the scene of events between Prince Siegfried, the white queen Odette and the evil Odile, the black swan. Where: Waterfall and lake in Park Ciutadella. When: this weekend from 9:30pm to 11:45pm.
BAM – Just like every year there is music, one of the highlights of the Festival of Merced. During the festival dates, Barcelona Acció Musical will be bringing a range of free concerts held on various stages across the Catalan capital for you to enjoy. Lined up to perform are national artists Animic, Antònia Font, as well as international artists such as Aloe Blacc, Zomby and Maïa Vidal who will be brightening up the festival evenings with their music. Definitely not one to miss out on. Where: Diverse stages across Barcelona. When: this weekend at diverse times.
Saturday the 24th of September
VIDEO PROJECTION – Every night the City Hall will be transformed into a “Magic House”, offering a projection show which demonstrates how the stone of the façade can come to life. Once again, light technology is used to create one of the most popular events within the Merced Festival. Where: Sant Jaume Square. When: this weekend, four different projections starting at 8:45pm.
LOVE IN THE TIME OF IKEA - Nadine O’ Garra, former student at the Rogelio Rivel circus school, will be bringing a unique act to the Merced, which is characterised by the verticality of the show combining dance, projections and climbing. From the travelling circus of Transhumance, this is a show that we are sure will surprise and astound you with every move. Enjoy! Where: Park Ciutadella at the zoo. When: this weekend, from 8:45pm to 9:05pm and again from 11:30pm to 11:50pm.
CIRCA – Dance and acrobatics form part of this show by an Australian company that goes directly to the heart, soul and mind of the spectators. An exhibition of top circus and international dance with a level of technique and mastery of the body that is truly amazing. Pure physical poetry. Where: Park Ciutadella, the Linden stage. When: this weekend, from 10pm to 11:15pm.
Sunday the 25th of September
MONTJUIC CIRCUS - Over two days during the festival, the cannons at Monjuic Castle will be blasting out good humour and laughter, bringing adults and children alike closer to the world of circus. The Russian clown company Licedei and artists from Bolshoi in Saint Petersburg will be honoured guests of this event taking place this weekend and converting the castle into a space dedicated to circus art. Where: Montjuic Castle. When: Saturday and Sunday, various shows during both days.
PYROTECHNIC SHOW – The end of a festival is always a bitter-sweet moment. With a tear in your eye and a sense of nostalgia you should watch the show created by Pyrotechnic company Igual accompanied by the famous melodies prepared by Jordi Bonet. It comprises an amazing, dancing light and fire display with a soundtrack that forms part of all our lives. Where: Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina. When: from 10pm.
Lara - Marketing Team