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La Sagrada Família and other Barcelona icons switch off for Earth Hour
Barcelona joined Earth Hour this Saturday by switching off some of its most emblematic monuments, such as La Sagrada Família and Castell de Montjuïc. For an 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 right in the city centre, surprised those walking through the area. Far from being an electrical fault, it was part of a global action inviting people to turn off the lights to raise awareness about the environmental crisis.
The initiative, led by WWF, marks its 20th anniversary and has grown to mobilise millions of people in more than 190 countries. In Spain, other cities also joined in, switching off buildings such as Cibeles in Madrid and the Torre del Oro in Sevilla.
Beyond the symbolism, the organisation insists that these kinds of actions aim to bring about 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 spotlight 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 increasingly present idea: that the pace of the city can also be adjusted to respond to a more sustainable future.