Barcelona Warning for planners

[RedSox68]

Now that you've booked that WBTA and will be visiting Barcelona, I wanted to give you a heads up about something I learned this morning.

They have an annual festival there called La Merce. From what I can figure from this year and last year's dates, it starts around the third Sunday of the month. In our case, since we are sailing out on the 16th, it is possible that it could start on the 17th and end on the 24th.

I'm posting this because it may affect hotel availability and you may not want to fly in on that Saturday as it could be affected by the crowds.

If anyone has any specific first-hand knowledge or experience with this event, please post whatever you can. Thanks much.

 

[RedSox68]

Anyone?

 

[gilsan]

The festival was on last year when we were in Barcelona. It didn't really affect us, they have fireworks and parades through town, but you can easily avoid the festivities if you want.

 

[m3owbox]

What month??

 

[valee]

Barcelona has three patron saints, so they know how to do festivals. La Merce is parades, concerts, and fireworks. Last year there was a parade with giant puppets down Las Ramblas followed by fireworks on Friday evening before we left. We had a great time. There may be more pickpockets than usual in the crowds, but we didn't have any problems - we just went with about five euros and our hotel key.
The exact dates of the festival aren't set yet, but you can get an idea of the events at http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/events/la-merce/la-merce-program-of-events.html

Bummer: Edited because I just saw we'll miss it: La Merce 2016 is from Sep 22 - Sep 25th.