Toc d’inici [Opening Ceremony]: Communal procession and Ministrils del Camí Ral

Toc d'Inici [Opening Ceremony]: Communal procession and Ministrils del Camí Ral

With the Toc d'Inici [Opening Ceremony], Barcelona dives into La Mercè in all its splendour. When the clock tolls seven, the opening speech takes to the street, where the real festival begins with the Opening Procession. 

The City Giants, the Pi giants and the Giants of Santa Maria del Mar with their majestic, choreographed steps, lead the retinue. The Capgrossos Macers [mace-bearing bigheads] and the Cavallets Cotoners [cotton merchants' hobby horses] fill the air with colours and laughter, while the Eagle, the Lion, the Mulassa [giant mule], the Vibria [she-dragon] and the Drac [dragon] solemnly parade. The human towers of the Falcons de Barcelona add an impressive touch to the parade, while the Ministrils del Camí Ral, conducted by Eduard Casals, set the beat with powerful tunes that fill every corner.

Fireworks and tradition come to life with the Perot Rocaguinarda Trabucaires [blunderbuss troupe] and the devils, whose bursts of flame will illuminate the streets as the festival gains momentum. La Mercè begins with a burst of life, tradition and joy that fills the city with light and festivities. Let the festival continue!