However, I think that it has a greater purpose of being a time for Barcelonians to actively engage in and enjoy local culture. La Mercè allows people here to express and be proud of their identity. It is also a massive festival with countless events taking place across the city, meaning that it requires community participation and collaboration.
In some ways, La Mercè has been a platform for sustainability and ecological awareness. While such themes were definitely not the main focus, La Mercè planners try to reduce plastic waste, encourage the use of public transportation, and use energy-efficient lighting and sound systems during events. While I personally did not see much of it, I know there was some climate/environmental activism via art exhibits and workshops.
However, I do think that all the fireworks and sparklers they were setting off during the events negatively impacted air quality. During the Correfoc, or 'fire run' with lots of sparklers, the air was very smoky since festival organizers were setting off sparklers for hours on end in mass quantities.
