Every giant-figure team in Barcelona, their figures and a festival on the move crossing the city centre. The Cavalcade is one of the great moments of La Mercè. 🎪🏮

And this year, among the local popular culture groups, elements arriving from Shanghai, the guest city, join in.

🎪 LA MERCÈ CAVALCADE + ROLLING LANTERN SHOW

📅 Thursday 24 September 2026

🕐 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm

📍 Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona

🎟️ Free admission

📖 The route

Plaça de Catalunya, Fontanella, Via Laietana, Jaume I, Plaça de Sant Jaume and inside the City Hall. Just before setting off, all the giant-figure teams gather in Plaça de Catalunya: a good moment to see the giants up close before they start moving.

🏮 Shanghai in the cavalcade

Watch closely, because Chinese elements from the guest city slip in among the Barcelona groups. The Rolling Lantern Show joins the procession with its dance of illuminated spheres, inspired by the work of fishermen and associated with protection, community strength and good fortune.

👨‍👩‍👧 Going with family

This is one of the best events to attend with children: three hours of giants, bestiary, music and colour at walking pace, with plenty of spots along the route where you can watch in comfort.

ℹ️ Good to know: outdoors, free and no booking needed. Commentary and announcements are in Catalan. Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça de Sant Jaume are the busiest stretches; Via Laietana is usually clearer.

✨ Barcelona's popular culture, on the move through the city centre.