Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, opened this year’s La Mercè festivities with a striking message of solidarity for the people of Gaza. Speaking from the historic Saló de Cent at City Hall, he declared: ‘Today, Gaza burns and Barcelona weeps. Today, Gaza burns and Barcelona denounces these inhuman attacks.’
The inauguration, held on Tuesday evening, set the tone for a week of celebrations that will run until Sunday 28 September. The event featured the presence of Manchester’s mayor, Bev Craig, who introduced her city as the official guest for La Mercè, and Catalan actress Emma Vilarasau, praised by Collboni as a cultural icon, who delivered the traditional opening speech.
The audience included Barcelona councillors—though not those from Vox—along with British ambassador Alex Ellis, consul Lloyd Milen, senior military officials, and Catalan government representatives. Collboni used the occasion to underline Barcelona’s internationalist ethos, emphasising the city’s support for both Palestinians and Ukrainians. ‘Citizens of Gaza, and of other Palestinian towns, know that they have a supportive Barcelona at their side. As do the people of Ukraine,’ he said.
Beyond politics, Collboni reminded attendees that La Mercè remains a celebration of the city’s identity—its people, traditions, street arts, music and food. He invited residents to see the festivities as a ‘collective, unique and vibrant experience’, while also linking the city’s festive spirit to its broader commitments on housing and economic policy.
Bev Craig highlighted the energy and dynamism of Barcelona, stressing the potential for Manchester and the Catalan capital to strengthen ties ‘in a period of such global uncertainty’. She unveiled a diverse cultural programme curated by Manchester for the occasion, which she described as ‘international, first-class and contemporary’.
As Barcelona bursts into celebration, Collboni’s words ensured that La Mercè 2025 opened not only with festivity but also with a reminder of the city’s political conscience and solidarity with those suffering abroad.
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