Video: @jcollboni, @celler_de_gelida / IG

Mayor Highlights City Identity and Social Rights

Barcelona officially began its annual La Mercè festival on Wednesday 23 September 2026, with Mayor Jaume Collboni delivering an opening address centred on preserving the city's identity through access to housing and support for local commerce.

Speaking ahead of the official pregó (opening proclamation), Collboni stated that protecting everyday life in Barcelona means ensuring residents can remain in the city while safeguarding its unique character. He stressed that institutions have a duty to make housing accessible to all, noting this challenge affects major cities worldwide including Mexico City and New York.

The mayor highlighted recent discussions held this week with global urban leaders on shared housing challenges, reinforcing Barcelona’s role in international municipal cooperation.

Local Shopkeepers Deliver Emotional Proclamation

The official pregó was delivered by Antoni Falgueras, owner of Celler de Gelida in the Sants district, alongside his daughter Meritxell Falgueras, a certified sommelier. They were joined by Lu Shan, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, the invited city for this year’s celebrations.

"The local shop is where someone listens to you, something neither the internet nor artificial intelligence can replace."

The Falgueras family spoke passionately about how small businesses do more than sell goods: they build community, shape neighbourhoods, and give the city soul. They urged citizens to actively support neighbourhood grocers, delis, and independent retailers to keep them open.

"We shouldn’t just mourn when shops close, we must act to prevent it," they said. "The real Barcelona isn’t always on postcards, but it’s what makes those postcards possible. "

Meritxell Falgueras added that daily life in Barcelona often turns out to be cultural heritage for others, underscoring the value of ordinary moments and places.

Call for Peace and Urban Solidarity

In closing, Collboni led a toast to progress that improves people’s lives, mutual respect among residents, and lasting peace. He affirmed Barcelona’s solidarity with cities affected by conflict, naming Sarajevo, Kyiv, and Gaza as examples of places where daily life must be preserved.

This year, Barcelona holds the title of European Capital of Local Commerce, reinforcing the focus on proximity trade throughout the festival programme.

What Residents Need to Know

  • Thursday 24 September is a public holiday for La Mercè.
  • Many supermarkets and shopping centres across the city will remain open; lists are available via the Ajuntament de Barcelona’s official website.
  • La Rambla will fully reopen to vehicle traffic from Tuesday, restoring two-way circulation towards the sea.

Reported by metropoliabierta.cat, RTVE Catalunya, 3CatInfo, betevé.