Barcelona wants to become a city that is famous for its New Years Eve celebrations. This year Barcelona is planning an all out New Years Eve extravaganza in a bid to project the city’s image globally and put on the kind of show cities such as Sydney and New York are famous for.
Montjuic Fountains (between Plaça Espanya and Monjuic itself) and Avenida Maria Cristina will be used for the opening ceremonies. Barcelona Tourism are responsible for organising the proceedings, with the support of the Fira de Barcelona, The Chamber of Commerce, The Hotels Association and Movistar Telecoms.
Artistic and technical direction will be provided by La Fura dels Baus who have designed a stunning visual display and fireworks show with an unusual star, the ‘Millennium Being’, a 15 metre tall figure representing “the spirit of the city” which Barcelona used to welcome in the year 2000. In total the budget for the event is 400,000 euros, a significant investment given the economic climate.
To welcome in 2014 , two large screens will be placed on either side of Avenida Maria Cristina, both projecting the image of a clock will be responsible for playing the clock chimes at midnight, but with a special touch according to the artistic director of The Fura dels Baus , Carles Padrissa. At midnight, a series of “volcanos of fire” will explode consecutively, culminating with the sound of the bell and a large explosion behind the magic fountains.
The Mayor of Barcelona Xavier Trias has stated that his goal is an inclusive and family friendly event. No alcoholic drinks will be sold nor will any music be played after the show, which will start at 23.30 and end at 12.15 hours. “I think it will be a great success for the future of our city” says Trias, who also noted that the Barcelona New Year Party will become an ongoing fixture in the cities calendar.
The Catalan capital also wants to break into the international TV coverage of New Years Eve, such as is seen in cities like Sydney, London, New York or Berlin. President of Tourism Barcelona, Joan Gaspart, has clearly stated his intentions “we want the city more known in the world and this event will provide invaluable promotion”.
If you are in Barcelona for New Years Eve do not miss out. Or if you are looking for a plan still, look no further. Check out our great range of apartments in Barcelona for your accommodation.
