Rosalía Curates Soundtrack for La Mercè Fireworks: A More Decentralized Festival
The countdown to Barcelona's La Mercè festival has begun, with festivities set to take place from September 20 to 24. Xavier Marcé, the city's Culture Councillor, has unveiled significant details of the event's programming, including a special contribution from global music sensation Rosalía.
Rosalía's Unique Contribution
One of the festival's most exciting announcements is Rosalía's involvement. The artist from Sant Esteve Sesrovires has been entrusted with curating the soundtrack for the iconic Pyromusical fireworks display that will conclude the festivities at Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina. This initiative marks the beginning of a new tradition that the City Council hopes future artists will embrace.
"Rosalía is creating the soundtrack as a gift to us, and it is a joy for us that she is the one curating the Pyromusical," said Marcé.
Expanding Locations
This year, La Mercè 2024 will occupy more locations than ever, emphasizing decentralization. Over twenty venues around the city will host various events. New locations include the Port Olímpic and the Nova Icària beach, where activities related to the America's Cup sailing will take place.
The full program features 130 concerts, 54 cultural activities, and 80 street performances. The City Council is also keen to highlight traditional culture, with events like the International Giant Meeting, casteller performances, and the correfoc (fire run), centralized in Plaça de Sant Jaume. Additionally, this year's festivity will commemorate significant anniversaries, such as the 650th anniversary of the City Eagle and the 160th anniversary of the Clavé Choirs.
Key Concerts
Music will be a significant aspect of La Mercè once again, with performances from artists including Figa Flawas, Mama Dousha, Oques Grasses, Maria Jaume, Triquell, Miki Núñez, La Fúmiga, and Els Catarres.
There will also be a focus on emergent music, with concerts from the Sona9 contest and the Pedrera 3.8 project, promoting young creators. This year, Casablanca is the guest city, enriching the event with musical acts like Maalem Hassan Bossou and Raúl Rodríguez Ensemble, and innovative performances such as 3DNAN.
Drone Show: "Formes de Barcelona"
Besides expanding geographically, La Mercè is also growing culturally. The festival coincides with the Week of the Catalan Book, taking place at the Arc de Triomf from September 20 to 29. For the first time, the Filmoteca de Catalunya will hold outdoor screenings, and there will be a gastronomy focus with events like Terra i Gust.
Light and fire events will be highlighted at the International Pyrotechnics Festival at the Espigó del Gas beach, featuring companies Fantastika Pirotecnia from Mexico and Pirotecnia López from Santiago de Compostela. A standout addition is the "Formes de Barcelona" drone show, where 300 drones will light up the sky, creating geometric shapes inspired by the city.
The drone show will be held on September 22 and 23 at Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta. For a full lineup of events, visit the official La Mercè 2024 program.
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