Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Barcelona! Today is Friday, September 26th, 2025, and the city is absolutely buzzing—imagine paella on a stovetop set to ‘fiesta!’ The sun’s beaming, with blue skies and a gentle sea breeze tossing hair like an Old Town statue that’s had a night out in El Raval. We’re deep into La Mercè, Barcelona’s legendary festival, and the whole city feels like it’s been sprinkled with confetti.

Let’s kick off with a whirlwind snapshot of today’s vibe: Plaça Catalunya is bursting with activity, street performers are out in force, and bursts of music are floating over from every corner, thanks to over 100 free concerts citywide from Música a La Mercè and BAM—Barcelona Acció Musical. Special mention: Manchester is this year’s guest city, dropping a bit of Brit charm into Catalonia, with performances by Children of Zeus and Space Afrika, plus a showstopping collaboration between Queralt Lahoz and Werkha. If you’re a fan of powerhouse female talent, catch Mushka, Rigoberta Bandini, and Lia Kali lighting up Bogatell beach tonight. According to barcelonasecreta.com, this might just go down as one of La Mercè’s most vibrant evenings yet.

For families or anyone channeling their inner child, you heard it here—free entry to Tibidabo amusement park! Yes, your stomach might loop-the-loop, but your wallet can chill. Art lovers are spoiled with today’s opening of the 6th UCLG Culture Summit, plus a MONDIACULT preview event at Fundació Joan Miró tomorrow will spark fascinating chats on culture and climate.

Don’t forget it’s Catalan Book Week along Passeig de Lluís Companys—snag a book from a local author, or just bask in the literary energy. And no night in Barcelona is complete without a whirlwind of flamenco at the historic Theatre Flamenco Barcelona City Hall; even the crowd reviews say the energy is contagious.

On the gastronomy front, rumors are swirling today around a new pastry contender vying for the coveted “official dessert” of La Mercè—think sugar, spice, and roughly the caloric value of a Castellers’ human tower. Fresh foodies, look out for Terra i Gust, the festival’s big open-air food fair celebrating sustainable local eats. Who says fiestas have to be bad for your health?

For transit warriors: metros and buses are running on festival hours, but give yourself extra time—crowds will be thick as sardines in a well-loved tapas bar. Some museums around Plaça d’Espanya and Passeig de Gràcia are opening their doors gratis today. Sagrada Familia, MNAC, and Glòries Tower have special access or deals—seriously, if you haven’t seen the city from the Glòries observation deck, now’s the moment.

Here’s your local tip from Oly: If you spot towering papier-mâché giants (“gegants”) marching through the street, follow them! These traditional puppet parades signal a major event and often lead to surprise street parties. And FYI, it’s rumored that the legend of it always raining during La Mercè is because Saint Eulàlia, Barcelona’s ‘other’ patron saint, is shedding jealous tears. Bring an umbrella for good luck, just in case the old rivalry brews a storm.

Looking ahead, circle Sunday night for the iconic Piromusical at Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina, where Estopa headlines a jaw-dropping fireworks and music show. And tomorrow? Even more concerts, dazzling correfoc fire runs, and possibly the debut of that mystery dessert—so stay tuned, listeners!

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