When and Where the Correfoc Takes Place

The correfoc of the Mercè 2026 festival will take place on Saturday 26 September, starting at 21:00. The event begins at the newly redesigned 'Gate of Hell' located at the junction of Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Provença in central Barcelona. From there, the procession of fire-spitting devils, known as the correfoc, will move south along Passeig de Gràcia, a major thoroughfare lined with modernist buildings. The route ends at Carrer del Consell de Cent, following the same path used in the 2025 edition.

The correfoc starts at the Gate of Hell on Passeig de Gràcia and runs down to Consell de Cent, it’s unchanged from last year but with a spectacular new entrance.

Children’s Correfoc and Historical Context

Earlier the same day, at 18:00, a child-friendly version of the event, the correfoc infantil, will take place, allowing younger participants to join in safely. The correfoc tradition began in 1979 as part of the revitalisation of Barcelona’s main festival. It originated as a 'Show of Fantastic Beasts' and quickly grew into one of the most iconic and crowded events of La Mercè, drawing tens of thousands of spectators annually. This year marks a milestone, as the 'Gate of Hell', the ceremonial starting point where Lucifer, La Diablessa, and other figures ignite their flamethrowers, is the largest ever built for the event.

  • Correfoc adult: Saturday 26 September, 21:00, Passeig de Gràcia (Provença to Consell de Cent)
  • Correfoc infantil: Saturday 26 September, 18:00, same route

Safety Advice for Attendees

Organisers urge participants to follow key safety recommendations due to the use of live fire and fireworks. Spectators are advised to wear natural-fibre clothing (not synthetic), keep hair tied back, and avoid strollers or loose items. Those wishing to run through the correfoc should stay in designated lanes and follow the rhythm of the music. Emergency services and stewards will be stationed along the entire route. Residents and visitors planning to attend should expect road closures and metro adjustments on Saturday evening. The event is free and open to the public.

Reported by beteve.cat, Betevé.