The Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia Festival in Reus

Once again, Reus bids farewell to summer by proudly celebrating its Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia Festival, one of the most eagerly awaited events for locals and visitors alike. For several days, the city is transformed into a huge festive stage where popular tradition is mixed with music, culture and family activities, filling the streets and squares with joy.  

BusPlana allows you to reach Reus with its regular routes from towns such as Salou, Cambrils, La Pineda and Vila-seca; don't forget that you can check schedules on our website. Remember, too, that as we are the official airport transport service, you can purchase official tickets for your transfer from Barcelona Airport to Reus online.  

A celebration with deep roots  

Devotion to the Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia dates back to the late 16th century, when popular tradition has it that the Virgin appeared to a young girl, Isabel Besora, known as La Pastoreta, promising her that she would end the plague pandemic that was ravaging the city, and that, from that moment on, it was eradicated. Since then, the festivities have become one of the most eagerly awaited events on the cultural and religious calendar, bringing together both locals and visitors.  

From the 21st to the 25th of September, Reus is transformed into the festive epicentre of the Baix Camp region. The programme combines the most solemn traditional events with a wide range of cultural and entertaining activities that fill the squares and streets with music, colour and joy.  

The solemn eve  

On Wednesday, 24th September, at around 6.30 pm, following tradition, the Toc de Festa will mark the start of the Seguici Festiu from the bell tower, which will parade through the streets and squares of the city centre. Then, from the Plaça del Mercadal, the ‘Cercavila del Masclet’ will begin, with the different festive elements accompanied by musicians who will liven up the entire route.  

The highlight of the day will come at nightfall, starting at Plaça de la Pastoreta and continuing along Passeig de Misericòrdia, with the Rosari de Torxes, led by the cross and accompanied by all those in attendance, lighting the way to the sanctuary, where the veneration of the Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia will take place. Then, to close the festive eve, in Plaça de la Llibertat, at around 11.30 pm, young people will be able to enjoy the ‘Revetlla Jove’ (Youth Party), with the artists: Blú, Mano's Rock and DJ Anna Gisbert.  

The day of the Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia  

On the 25th of September, the day of the Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia, Reus awakens with the traditional ‘matinades’, which announce the start of the festive day. Devotion marks the early hours with solemn masses at the Sanctuary, attended by hundreds of residents to honour their patron saint.  

By mid-morning, the streets of Reus begin to fill with people participating in the Baixada del Seguici Festiu (Festive elements Procession) to the sanctuary of Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia. It will feature the Ball de Pere Joan Barceló, the Víbria, the Drac, the Basilisc, the Lleó, the Nanos, the Mulassa and the Gegants, the Carrasclet, the Ball de Sederes, the Ball de Pastorets, the Ball de Galeres, the Ball de Cavallets, the Ball de Cercolets, the Ball de Prims, the Ball de Valencians, the Ball de Bastons de l'Esbart Santa Llúcia, the Dansa de Mossèn Joan de Vic, the Ball de Gitanes, the Cos de Bastoners de l'Orfeó Reusenc, the Xiquets, the Àliga and the Banda Simfònica de Reus.  

At around 7 pm, the solemn dance that l'Àliga de Reus will offer to the Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia will take place inside the sanctuary, one of the most important moments of the festivities. The day will end with the ‘Baixada del Ball de Diables de Reus’, which, upon reaching the Plaça de Santuari, will culminate with the lighting of the Víbria and the Drac and the ‘carretillada de Misericòrdia’. At the end, the façade of the sanctuary will be lit up and there will be a pyromusical display by Pirotecnia Igual.  

BusPlana takes you to the festivities  

If you want to join in this unique experience, you can easily get to Reus with the regular BusPlana routes, which connect the city with towns such as Salou, Cambrils, Vila-seca, and many more. Check our website and plan your route. We are also the official airport transport service, so you can purchase official tickets for transfers from Barcelona Airport to Reus online.  

With BusPlana, your journey is part of the festivity. Hop on the bus and get ready to experience the Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia festivities like never before.