Barcelona lights up Christmas with a show, new lights and Via Laietana as the main novelty

Barcelona celebrates the official start of Christmas this Saturday with its traditional switch-on of lights, which this year includes several notable new features. The main event takes place at 18:00 on Passeig de Gràcia, where a show combining music, aerial dance and large-format lighting will be held.

The most eagerly anticipated novelty of this edition is the new decoration of Via Laietana. Following its refurbishment, the emblematic avenue unveils a design inspired by the Barcelona panot reinterpreted as a pixel screen in the shape of a flower. Between Plaça Urquinaona and Passeig Colom, around twenty arches with seven figures each will be installed, making a total of 175 light motifs.

The opening show is directed by Pep Anton Gómez and organised by Brava Arts. It includes a large-format light installation and a live performance by a 40-voice choir. The event will also be attended by the mayor of Bethlehem, Nicola Canawati, who will travel to Barcelona to accompany Mayor Jaume Collboni at the symbolic switch-on that will illuminate Passeig de Gràcia and the rest of the city.

The ceremony coincides with the return of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem after two years without festive events, adding an emotional and symbolic component to the day.