Thousands fill Passeig de Gràcia for Barcelona's grand Christmas lights switch-on

Barcelona officially welcomed Christmas with a huge lights switch-on on Passeig de Gràcia, which brought together around 46,000 people according to the Guardia Urbana. The turnout was so high that access to the Urquinaona and Passeig de Gràcia metro stations was closed to avoid overcrowding.

The show, held between Ronda de Sant Pere and Gran Via, combined music, aerial dance and lighting installations. One of the highlights was the performance of Barcelona’s official Christmas song, “Un cor que batega”.

The countdown to the switch-on was led by mayor Jaume Collboni and the mayor of Bethlehem, Maher Canawatique, who activated the button that illuminated both Passeig de Gràcia and the rest of the city. Large screens made it possible to follow the simultaneous switch-on in other parts of Barcelona.

Among those attending, Maribel and Maria, two friends from Badalona, said that they arrived without knowing about the event and decided to stay when they discovered it. Although one of them confessed that she was not a fan of Christmas, both appreciated the festive atmosphere, while also admitting that the number of people was overwhelming.

With thousands of people in the streets, live performances and an exceptional display of lights, Barcelona officially began the Christmas season with enthusiasm and a festive atmosphere that spread throughout the city.