Barcelona and the Generalitat reaffirm their alliance with a light installation that will transform Sant Jaume square this Christmas

From 22 November to 5 January, Barcelona City Council and the Generalitat de Catalunya will present Simfonia d’Estels, an artistic intervention that combines tradition, technology and a clearly contemporary approach. The institutional collaboration thus remains a firm commitment to opening accessible, high-quality cultural spaces in the very heart of the city.

Simfonia d’Estels is not a conventional show, nor conventional mapping. The installation embraces the square with a continuously moving image, designed to be contemplated without haste. Inspired by classic Christmas iconography, it reinterprets stars, garlands and lights through a contemporary aesthetic dominated by golden tones that create a warm atmosphere. On significant dates — 24, 25 and 31 December, as well as 1 and 5 January — the piece will change chromatically to emphasise the exceptional nature of these nights.

At the heart of the intervention are 25 stars that evoke a luminous Advent calendar. They light up independently until they synchronise in a shared cadence, a visual play that engages with the square's architecture thanks to meticulous technical work. Low-consumption laser projectors and unprecedented resolution allow every detail of the buildings to be integrated into the visual narrative without harshness.

Behind the work is Xavi Bové Studio, a team internationally recognised for its ability to unite light, image and sound in contemplative experiences. Its language, always between the organic and the digital, defines a proposal that champions Barcelona as a laboratory for light and digital arts.

The installation can be seen every day from 18:30, with free access and extended hours at weekends. An open invitation to experience the Christmas spirit through a contemporary lens, without giving up its enduring symbolism.