Mercè
/məɾˈsɛ/
CA
A major annual public festival held in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, celebrating the city's patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy (La Mare de Déu de la Mercè).
La Mercè és la festa major de Barcelona que se celebra cada setembre.
La Mercè is the main festival of Barcelona that is celebrated every September.
Etymology
The word comes from the Catalan term for 'mercy', referring to the Virgin of Mercy, the patron saint of Barcelona. The festival was officially sanctioned in its current form in 1871, combining older religious and civic traditions.
Memory Aid
Mercè sounds like 'mercy' — it's the festival of Barcelona honoring the Virgin of Mercy.
Collocations
la MercèFesta Major de la MercèMercè festivalactes de la Mercècavalcades de la Mercè
Synonyms
Festa Major de Barcelona
Related Words
patron saintfestivalBarcelonaCataloniafireworkshuman towers