Video: 300 Drones Light Up La Mercè 2024 at Barceloneta Beach
Display of Light and Art Celebrates Barcelona’s Iconic Festival
Last night, I experienced one of the most visually captivating moments of La Mercè 2024: 300 drones soaring above Barceloneta Beach, performing a mesmerizing dance of light, colour, and sound. The spectacle, titled *Formes de Barcelona*, was a masterful presentation by Flock Drone Art, a collective that has redefined how we view the city's skyline.
At 10 PM sharp, the Espigó del Gas was on the stage, but the entire beach was the audience. With every passing second, more people filled the sandy shore, their faces reflecting the anticipation of the show. Thanks to the organizers’ foresight to extend the show across two nights, crowding was less intense, allowing more people to enjoy this stunning display.
As the drones took to the sky, their flight seemed like a digital symphony, each one performing a specific role in this aerial ballet. Over the next 16 minutes, the fleet of drones shifted from shape to shape, drawing the recognizable outlines of Barcelona’s landmarks and telling the story of its identity through light. From abstract geometric patterns to iconic forms, each transformation felt deeply connected to the heartbeat of the city.
The creative team, led by Fran Arnau and Ernest Biosca, choreographed an experience that was both futuristic and poetic. As vibrant beams of light danced in perfect harmony with the music, it was impossible not to be moved by the artistry and technical precision. Behind the scenes, a highly skilled team of pilots, animators, and designers—Vasyl Zhurman, Joel Johera, and their colleagues—ensured the drones followed their route with pinpoint accuracy. Special mention must go to the 3D animators Carlos Delgado and David Fernández, whose work gave life to these aerial acrobats, and the designers Naila Gordils and Èric Julià, whose vision brought the show’s artistic core to life.
Watching this futuristic display from the beach, I was struck by how deeply Barcelona embraces innovation while still honouring its culture and traditions. La Mercè, always a festival of light, joy, and community, found a new expression in these 300 drones dancing above the Mediterranean—a reminder of the city's endless ability to evolve and inspire.
For those lucky enough to witness the show, it wasn’t just entertainment—it was a glimpse into the future of urban art, where technology and creativity blend to create something magical.
If you missed it, keep an eye out for the next time Flock Drone Art takes to the skies. This isn’t just an event; it’s an experience you’ll never forget.