Decostumari brings tradition and innovation to Park Güell
On Thursday 24 September 2026, Park Güell hosted a major cultural event as part of Barcelona’s annual La Mercè festival. The performance, titled Decostumari, combined reinterpreted traditional Catalan dances and music in a tribute to architect Antoni Gaudí and the 100th anniversary of the park’s inauguration. Presented on the terrace of Park Güell, the show featured around 50 performers, including dancers from L’Esbord and musicians from the Orquestra de Músiques d’Arrel de Catalunya (OMAC), alongside members of seven local folk dance groups: Ballets de Catalunya, Esbart Català de Dansaires, Esbart Ciutat Comtal, Esbart Gaudí, Esbart Joventut Nostra, Esbart Maragall, Esbart Sant Martí and Esbart Vila de Gràcia.
This is a great ritual of roots, Pere Seda, artistic director and choreographer
Choreographed and artistically directed by Pere Seda, Decostumari was described as a "unique and unrepeatable" production that blends sardana, contrapàs, jota and ball pla with modern staging and strong lighting effects. Musical director Magí Capdevila said OMAC contributed fictional melodies designed to sound familiar: "We invent tunes that seem like they’ve been heard all our lives."
Free access and high turnout mark centenary celebration
As part of the festivities, Park Güell opened its gates free of charge for the second consecutive year during La Mercè, increasing public attendance compared to last year. The viewing area on the terrace reached full capacity, with crowds gathering to experience the fusion of heritage and contemporary artistry.
The event was co-produced by the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona (ICUB), the Department of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and Park Güell. It formed part of the official La Mercè 2026 programme, which highlights culture popular and street arts across the city. Residents and visitors interested in future events can consult the full schedule via Barcelona City Council’s Gràcia district website.
Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ajuntament de Barcelona, barcelona.cat, agenda.cultura.gencat.cat. Reported by firamediterrania.cat, elmercurio.cat, lavanguardia.com, Enderrock.cat, Betevé.
