This week the Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias, activated Barcelona’s Christmas lights in Plaça Catalunya.
Thanks to LED technology, Barcelona is upping the ante while many cities cut back on their Christmas decorations. New LED technology means the city is able to put on
the lights for longer at less cost; the Christmas lights go on two days ahead of schedule, and off a day later than usual but the cost is down from 200,000 euros to 10,000 euros. This innovation is keeping the streets bright and cheerful in the face of the economic downturn, and the aim is to stimulate activity and commerce in the city centre.
Rambla Catalonia can exhibits another curious and novel aspect of the Christmas festivities in Barcelona, in the shape of 27 enormous pieces of pasta about half the size of a person, grouped on the walkway between Provença and the Gran Via.
One other important innovation this year is the installation of an ice rink at Plaça Catalunya, the rink is 40 x 30 feet wide, covered by a semi-transparent dome and has capacity for 300 skaters. Another highlight this year are the large six feet tall Christmas trees the city council is installing all throughout Barcelona.
If you are visiting Barcelona this Christmas you will be sure not to miss the decorations if you venture into the city centre. The gothic quarter is wonderfully atmospheric and should not be missed at this time of year.
