Every September, La Mercè Festival transforms Barcelona into a vibrant spectacle of music, art, and cultural traditions. As the city’s biggest annual celebration, it honors its patron saint, the Virgin of La Mercè, with a grand mix of parades, concerts, fireworks, and public art. Over the years, its official festival posters have reflected the spirit and identity of Barcelona—but not without controversy.
One of the most infamous moments in collectible poster history came in 1992, when renowned Catalan artist Peret (Pere Torrent) was commissioned to design the official poster—only to have it banned by the city council.
Why Was "Mercè 92" Banned?
In 1992, Barcelona was preparing for its biggest moment on the world stage—the Olympic Games. Peret, a celebrated graphic designer and visual artist, was selected to create the official La Mercè Festival poster, an honor that traditionally came with full creative freedom.
His limited-edition art print, featuring an abstract, semi-cubist female figure with exaggerated features, was bold, provocative, and unmistakably Peret. However, shortly after submitting his work, the Barcelona City Council rejected it.
The Official Reason?
The authorities never provided a direct explanation, but many believe the city wanted to avoid controversy during the Olympics. Some critics speculated that the female figure resembled the Virgin of La Mercè, which made officials uneasy. Others suggest that a small, closed-door meeting dismissed the piece as “too Picassian,” and no one in the room objected.
Whatever the reason, Peret’s artwork was quietly buried, replaced with a much safer photographic design.
An Artist’s Rebellion
Peret wasn’t one to let his work be erased. Instead of hiding the rejection, he turned it into a statement.
At the time, he had a retrospective exhibition at the Convent dels Àngels, and, in an act of defiance, he hung the banned "Mercè 92" poster in the show—clearly labeled as “censored.” His move sparked conversations about artistic freedom, institutional control, and the power of visual expression.
Today, this rare, signed edition of "Mercè 92" has become a sought-after collectible print, making it a prized addition for art collectors, pop art enthusiasts, and buyers of historical posters.
The Connection to Claret Serrahima’s 2010 Banned Poster
If you look at the photo we’ve included, you’ll notice Peret isn’t alone. Sitting beside him is Claret Serrahima, another renowned Catalan designer—and like Peret, he also faced censorship.
In 2010, Serrahima created a poster for La Mercè featuring a large, ripe fig. His intention? To introduce a new festival tradition—a Mercè pastry filled with fig cream, inspired by the fruit’s short September season.
However, in Catalan slang, “fig” (figa) is a well-known euphemism for female genitalia. With elections approaching and Mayor Jordi Hereu already in political trouble, officials feared the poster would spark ridicule. The fig was censored, and Serrahima was forced to create a new design.
Both posters—Peret’s from 1992 and Serrahima’s from 2010—represent moments where art clashed with authority.
A Rare Piece of History for Art Collectors
This limited signed edition of "Mercè 92" (61/99) is more than just a piece of art—it’s a symbol of creative defiance, a relic of Barcelona’s cultural history, and an extremely rare collector’s item.
For those passionate about collectible art, banned posters, and avant-garde design, this piece stands as a testament to artistic freedom and bold visual storytelling.
Add this one-of-a-kind artwork to your collection before it’s gone.
https://moderndecorative.com/products/merce
