The magic of Christmas has returned to Barcelona with a dazzling show that marked the switching on of the Christmas lights in Passeig de Gràcia.
Chaired by Mayor Jaume Collboni, the event offered a unique experience combining circus, music, dance and light, inspired by the pioneering figure of Assumpció Català, Spain’s first professional astronomer.
The show, put on by the Obskené company in collaboration with Big Band Mambo Jambo and Swing Cats, was a visual delight involving some 40 dancers, bicycle acrobats and tightrope walkers.
The culmination was the thrilling task of a tightrope walker who, after an impressive balancing act on a tightrope, had the honor of turning on the lights, officially kicking off the Christmas season in the city.
The Christmas lights, which will remain on until January 6, 2024, will illuminate the streets of Barcelona at specific times. From Sunday to Thursday, citizens and visitors will be able to enjoy the illumination from 17:30 to 22:00 hours, while on Fridays and Saturdays it will be extended until 23:00 hours.
In addition, on New Year’s Eve and Epiphany nights, the lights will shine until 1:00 a.m., providing an extended festive atmosphere.
The Christmas lights return to Passeig de Gràcia
To ensure a sustainable experience, investments have been made in the efficiency of LED lights, present in 100% of municipal facilities and in most of those promoted by associations and commercial hubs.
The increase in lighting time from 45 to 46 days compared to the previous year is combined with energy savings compared to the previous Christmas.
The contract for the 2023 Christmas lighting, approved in May, represents an amount of 1,915,267.89 euros, less than that of the previous year. The lights, which cover a total of 104 kilometers of public roads, have received special attention in places where the commercial fabric could be affected by long-term works.
The City Council has earmarked funds to revitalize commerce in several neighborhoods, including Ciutat Vella, Sants, Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu and San Martí. Likewise, commercial axes in different districts have been illuminated, providing a festive atmosphere and attracting residents and tourists alike.
Illuminated streets
The commitment of the City Council is reflected in exceptional subsidies of 75% for commercial associations that illuminate the streets, a measure that is maintained for the fourth consecutive year due to the great impact that the pandemic had on the commercial sector.
This gesture seeks not only to beautify the streets of Barcelona but also to support local merchants during the holiday season.
The Christmas lights on Passeig de Gràcia are much more than decorations; they are a reminder of the hope and joy that Christmas brings.
