(CUL) SPAIN'S FAMOUS FESTIVAL STARTS WITH MELODIES FROM ISTANBUL.

BARCELONA, Sep 23, 2009 (TUR) -- Barcelona's most famous art and culture festival "La Merce" has taken start on Wednesday with songs of Istanbul.

"Choir of Civilizations" from Istanbul's Metropolitan Municipality performed traditional Turkish songs at the opening of the festival.

Istanbul is the guest of honor at this year's La Merce.

A large number of Turkish artists will take part at this year's "La Merce" which is organized since 1871.

The festival will take place until September 27 with participation of hundreds of artists from around the world. It will also feature Turkish artists and Istanbul, which will be European Capital of Culture in 2010, offering the people of Barcelona a taste of Turkish culture.

Award-winning Turkish films and Turkish traditional shadow play Karagoz and Hacivat will be shown, as well as Turkish music concerts, dance shows of whirling dervishes will take place during the festival in Barcelona.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)