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La Sagrada Familia and other Barcelona icons go dark for Hora del Planeta
Barcelona joined in this Saturday's Hora del Planeta by turning off the lights of some of its most iconic monuments, such as the Sagrada Familia and the Castell de Montjuïc. For one hour, from 20:30 to 21:30, these sites were left in darkness as a symbol of commitment in the face of climate change.
The gesture, visible in the heart of the city, surprised those strolling through the area. Far from being a power outage, it was part of a global action inviting people to turn off the lights to raise awareness about the environmental crisis.
The initiative, driven by WWF, marks 20 years and has grown to mobilise millions of people in more than 190 countries. In Spain, other cities also joined in, turning off buildings such as Cibeles in Madrid and the Torre del Oro in Seville.
Beyond the symbolism, the organisation insists that these kinds of actions aim to generate real changes in consumption habits and in the transition towards more sustainable energy. The message is directed at both institutions and citizens.
In Barcelona, the visual impact had a special significance. The absence of light on such recognisable monuments transforms the perception of the city for a few minutes and puts the focus on the climate debate.
At a time when cities are seeking to adapt to new environmental challenges, initiatives like this connect the global with the everyday. Turning off the lights for an hour does not change reality on its own, but it does reinforce an idea that is increasingly present: that the pace of the city can also be adjusted to respond to a more sustainable future.