Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni announced Wednesday that Antoni Falgueras, a master cellarer at the historic Celler de Gelida, will serve as the official pregoner (proclaimer) for the La Mercè festivities in 2026. Falgueras will deliver the opening speech that formally launches the city’s major annual festival.
Jaume Collboni names Antoni Falgueras for La Mercè 2026
During a press event introducing the first updates for the city’s upcoming major festival, Mayor Jaume Collboni confirmed the appointment of Antoni Falgueras. The mayor cited Falgueras’ deep roots in Barcelona and his standing as a reference figure in wine culture as the primary reasons for the selection.
As the pregoner, Falgueras holds the traditional responsibility of delivering the pregó, the proclamation that signals the start of the festivities. La Mercè is Barcelona’s major annual celebration, honoring the city’s patron saint with a wide array of cultural, musical, and sporting events across the metropolitan area.
The role of the Celler de Gelida in Catalan culture
Antoni Falgueras operates as a master cellarer at Celler de Gelida, an institution recognized for its contribution to the preservation of traditional viticulture.
Timeline and expectations for the 2026 festivities
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