Antoni Falgueras, owner of the historic Celler de Gelida, has been appointed as the pregonero for Mercè 2026. His selection highlights the importance of local businesses in Barcelona.
The vibrant streets of Barcelona will soon echo with the words of Antoni Falgueras, a beloved figure in the city’s local commerce scene. The owner of Celler de Gelida, a bodega that has stood for131 years, was officially announced as the pregonero for this year’s Mercè festival. This appointment not only honors Falgueras but also underscores a growing appreciation for traditional businesses amidst rising competition from supermarkets and online shopping.
During a casual visit to his bodega on Vallespir Street, Xavier Marcé, the city’s cultural councilor, broached the idea of Falgueras taking on this prestigious role. Initially hesitant about speaking before a large audience, Falgueras expressed his concerns about meeting expectations. However, after a personal call from Mayor Jame Collboni, he accepted the honor.
Falgueras’s commitment to include his daughter, Meritxell Falgueras, a skilled sommelier, as part of his presentation reflects their family’s deep ties to local commerce. Together they aim to highlight what they describe as “commerce that listens and supports,” contrasting sharply with impersonal supermarket experiences.
The Celler de Gelida has roots tracing back to 1895, when Falgueras’s great-grandfather delivered wine and vegetables from Gelida using a horse-drawn cart. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Sants neighborhood culture and community spirit. “We didn’t even have time to go give birth,” joked the 78-year-old bodeguero about his family’s dedication to their business.
This year marks not only an important milestone for Celler de Gelida but also coincides with Falgueras’s 50th wedding anniversary. His wife Maria Febrer has played an essential role in supporting both family and business while their son Ferran continues to manage daily operations at the bodega.
The announcement comes alongside other exciting developments for Mercè 2026. The festival will feature an impressive mural by artist Cinta Vidal, which will be permanently displayed at Paco Candel Library. Vidal described her initial feelings of “respect and fear” upon receiving this commission but ultimately created an intricate piece that invites viewers to discover new details upon each glance.
This year’s festivities promise inclusivity by extending across all ten districts of Barcelona—an initiative aimed at engaging areas like Les Corts and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi that have often been overlooked in past celebrations. Events will take place in iconic locations such as Bogatell Beach and Grec Theatre.
The Mercè festival is set to kick off on September 23rd and conclude on September 27th with its spectacular piromusical event moving from Maria Cristina Avenue to the beach—a change designed to enhance accessibility for attendees.
As preparations continue for this year’s celebration, Mayor Collboni emphasized that events like these are vital for fostering community spirit among local merchants and residents alike. He stated that “Celler de Gelida is proof that we can look toward the future with confidence.” With elections approaching in May 2027, this message resonates strongly within Barcelona’s political landscape.
For those wishing to participate in Mercè festivities or support local businesses like Celler de Gelida, further information can be found on official city websites detailing event schedules and locations throughout Barcelona.
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