
Giants, devils and incredible human towers are the calling cards of the Barcelona's Festes de la Merce, or Festival of the Virgin of Mercy, the colourful annual event taking place now in the Catalan capital.

Held in the name of the city's patron saint, who apparently conquered a plague of locusts in 1637, La Merce is a combination of some 600 events throughout the city.

Adults and children in Dancing Devil costumes (Correfocs) are ever-present, armed with fireworks and crackers, while 'fire beasts' - more elaborately costumed participants or creations - shoot pyrotechnics at the gathered throng.

The daredevil art of the Castellers is world renowned as they build remarkable human towers possible in the Placa de Jaume. Thousands pack into the square as the groups, distinguished by colour, skillfully rise into the air before a child climbs to the top at the end.

The Giants of Santa Maria del Mar, massive papier-mache effigies of kings, queens and nobles, can also be seen dancing on the stage in front of the Town Hall or in the streets as part of their own parade.

The festival has run in some form since 1871, becoming more of a general Catalan celebration from 1902 onwards one local government official recognised its potential. Catalan dances, music from the region and around the world, and a range of other activities take place to bring their huge community together and make this one of the world's great festivals.

La Merce runs until September 24.

A Correfoc, or Dancing Devil, wears a protective costume and shouts as fire crackers go off during the Festes de la Merce (Festival of the Virgin of Mercy)

Thousands pack into the Placa de Jaume as the Castellers de Vilafranca in green begin the early stages of building a human tower at the Barcelona festival

A young Correfoc with protective eyewear as well as clothing takes part in the unique festival at which fireworks play a prominent role

A fire beast sets off pyrotechnics during the La Merce Festival in Barcelona which runs until September 24

Not for the faint of heart, La Merca's most outlandish event involves a parade of fire beast who shoot fireworks at those gathered

Children parade before the adults using less dangerous crackers and with greater protection from their clothing

The Castellers de Barcelona build on a solid foundation as they show their human tower prowess in the Catalan capital

The 'Castellers de Barcelona' gather to build the base for their human tower in what is a remarkable feat of trust and teamwork

A human tower is almost complete for Minyons de Terrassa as their smallest member climbs to the top

The Giants of Santa Maria del Mar dance in front of the town hall before thousands as the Barcelona festival is inaugurated

Traditional drums play as children and adults alike duck shooting fireworks in the street during the festival

A junior Correfoc holds his fireworks as he works through the crowd

A festival-goer pushes a giant fire beast creation on wheel as it unleashes a spectacular stream of fireworks

Correfocs gather as their fireworks are set alight in sparkling tradition during the La Merce Festival

Catalan locals and brave tourists steer clear of a devil in red as its fireworks shoot in all directions

A man sets off the fireworks on a three-headed fire beast worn by two other participants

Studio Nueveojos's projections tell a story on the wall at the front of Barcelona's town hall