On Sunday 25 September, Passeig de Gràcia will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the laying of the first stone. The day will be part of the La Mercè festivities, and the street will be hosting the Matí Bastoner (stick-dance morning), the Ballada de Gegants Modernistes (Modernista giants dance) and all the events that make up the Fire Run.

Modernista giants dance

Take a close look at them. The participating couples are Noucentista or Modernista giants, as Barcelona’s residents would have seen them 100 or so years ago. You’ll see the American giants from Sitges, the new ones from Torredembarra, Argentona, Sallent, the UAF de Valls, Rubí, as well as the Antoni Gaudí from Riudoms, and you’ll also find traditional characters from the city of Barcelona, such as the giants of La Pedrera, Gràcia, La Crespinella, the Ocellaire de l’Eixample and Gaudiamus del Coll.

But be warned! This event will not involve a musical procession. The idea is for city residents to take a stroll and find out more about the participating giants, who will dance in front of the avenue’s emblematic buildings. To make things easier, the entertainment group Xarop de Canya will start a tour at 11 am from Palau Robert with a view to presenting the participants and inviting everybody to take a stroll down the avenue. There will be various figures in period dress and a lively band playing.

Stick-dance morning

Another of the events to celebrate Passeig de Gràcia’s 200th anniversary is the Matí Bastoner – stick-dance morning. This exhibition and street parade by the city’s ‘bastoners’ or stick dancers involves groups from neighbourhoods like Gràcia, El Gòtic, El Clot and Poble-sec. It is the only time of the year that they can be seen together.

On this occasion, the festival groups will perform at a single location on Passeig de Gràcia, demonstrating all their splendour to the sound of the grallas, flabiols, drums and other traditional instruments. Don’t miss this opportunity to take in Passeig de Gràcia while enjoying the unique dances of each of the groups.

The Fire Run

The most diabolic night of the year is almost upon us. The last hours or daylight serve as a prelude to the festival of fire, culminating in the La Mercè Fire Run.

First of all, while the city’s groups of devils and fire beasts prepare to let the sparks fly, their musical companions will be announcing their imminent arrival to all with the drum session known as the ‘Tabalada’ (5 pm), which will start out from C. Roselló, making its way to C. Aragon. There, the children’s Fire Run will begin, making its way up to C. Rosselló.

This event has been specially designed for the city’s little ones. Here, the firecrackers are smaller, but everybody is still guaranteed to have a good time. However, it is important to enjoy this fascinating occasion with all the precautions: long sleeved clothing, long trousers and a hat or hood to cover your head, all made of cotton. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes and keep a safe distance from the devils and beasts, in particular if this if your first time participating. It might also be a good idea to wear safety glasses and ear plugs.

After the drum session known as the ‘Tabalada Infernal’ (8 pm) a short firework display and the Ceptrotada (8.25 pm), the Gates of Hell will open at 8 30 pm and the city’s most fearsome devils and fire beasts will start to emerge. More than 60 groups from most of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. On this occasion, the devil groups will emerge from the Gates of Hell and head down the avenue launching rockets, bangers and fire crackers while onlookers are immersed in sparks.

Many happy returns, Passeig de Gràcia!