Toni Falgueras, owner of the historic celler de Gelida, will open Barcelona’s La Mercè 2026 festivities. The announcement was made by Mayor Jaume Collboni. For the first time, all ten city districts will host events.
Barcelona’s city hall has chosen Toni Falgueras, owner of the century-old celler de Gelida in Sants, as the official town crier for the 2026 La Mercè festival. The announcement, made by Mayor Jaume Collboni at the Albéniz Palace, marks a notable moment for the city’s iconic celebration. Falgueras will be joined by his daughter, sommelier Meritxell Falgueras, to deliver the opening proclamation that signals the start of the festivities honoring Barcelona’s patron saint.
This year’s festival introduces several firsts. For the first time, La Mercè will extend its programming across all ten districts of Barcelona, aiming to bring the celebration closer to every neighborhood. Family-friendly performances are scheduled for Plaça de les Glòries on September 24, and a new spectacle dedicated to Gaudí will debut in Park Güell. The traditional pyromusical show, usually held on Montjuïc, will move to Bogatell beach due to ongoing construction on the mountain.
The festival’s visual identity also takes a new turn. Artist Cinta Vidal has created a 33-square-meter mural for the official poster, featuring the city’s cathedral, Plaça del Rei, and the Basílica de la Mercè in a striking composition. The mural will be unveiled at the Paco Candel library in the Marina neighborhood, adding a fresh artistic dimension to the event.
International collaboration is another highlight for 2026. Shanghai has been named the guest city, with over one hundred artists traveling from China to participate. This partnership celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Barcelona-Shanghai sister city agreement and marks the first time an Asian city has been invited to La Mercè. The move underscores Barcelona’s ongoing efforts to foster global cultural exchange, a trend also seen in other Spanish regions, as when leading culinary figures have shaped local traditions—such as the impact of Paco Ron on Asturian cuisine, detailed in this recent report on regional gastronomy.
Toni Falgueras’s selection as town crier reflects his deep roots in Barcelona’s commercial and wine culture. The celler de Gelida, founded in 1895 by his great-grandmother Ton Falgueras, remains a landmark on Vallespir street. Over the years, Falgueras has received the French Medal of Agricultural Merit and Spain’s Food Award, and he is a founding member of both Maestros Bodegueros de Cataluña and the Catalan Association of Sommeliers. He also holds honorary membership in the Cofradía del Cava. Meritxell Falgueras, his daughter, is recognized for her work as a sommelier and communicator, and together they represent a legacy spanning 131 years.
During the announcement, Mayor Collboni highlighted that Toni and his wife are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, drawing applause from those present. Both Falgueras and his daughter addressed the audience, emphasizing their commitment to representing Barcelona’s commercial community and the enduring presence of their family business.
La Mercè remains one of Barcelona’s most significant annual events, blending tradition, innovation, and international collaboration. The 2026 edition’s expanded reach, new artistic elements, and the involvement of figures like Toni and Meritxell Falgueras signal a festival that continues to evolve while honoring its roots. For residents and visitors alike, the changes promise a more inclusive and dynamic celebration, reinforcing La Mercè’s role as a central fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.
