From 28 November to 6 January. Forty days of entertainment across 24,000 m² of activities, stalls, attractions and surprises to enjoy what has already become a classic part of the city’s Christmas celebrations.
Light and sea.
Barcelonians and visitors of all ages can experience the most festive Christmas in a unique setting. A space filled with light, with the Tower of Jaime I transformed into a giant Christmas tree, the façade of the Port Authority building fully illuminated and a 17-metre star of light in the centre of the square. The marine and port universe takes centre stage. A 12-metre-high portico made from shipping containers welcomes visitors. In addition, sailing baptisms — promoted by the Barcelona Capital Náutica Foundation — invite the public to come aboard to discover the city from the sea and see that sailing can also be a sustainable, inclusive and accessible experience. Las Golondrinas, a Barcelona classic, is launching night-time tours with a Christmas-decorated boat, music for the occasion and actors to liven up the trip. And for the more curious, Salvamento Marítimo is opening one of its boats at the Astilleros dock to explain what it is like to rescue lives and protect the sea. The historic ships of the Maritime Museum, such as the Santa Eulàlia and the Faro Barcelona, will also be open to the public. On board the Santa Eulàlia, a royal mailbox awaits letters from children, who can also visit the Museum’s marquee to write them. Once again, the NGO Open Arms’ ship will showcase its rescue work and defend human rights.
Nadal at the Port and neighborhood party
Various social organisations, associations and local schools are present at the Madera pier with workshops, games and activities where children learn about port activities, maritime culture and the blue economy. This initiative strengthens the link between the Port of Barcelona, its port community and the surrounding neighbourhoods, and consolidates the open and participatory nature of Christmas at the Port.
Classic activities
Other must-see events include the Nadal Cup organised by Club Natación Barcelona, the First Swim of the Year promoted by Club Natación Atlético-Barceloneta and the Ioles regatta organised by the Real Club Marítimo de Barcelona. Emblematic spaces in the Port such as the Maremagnum, the Aquarium, the Museum of the History of Catalonia and the World Trade Centre are also joining in with their own concerts and activities. For the little ones (and the not so little ones), FunBox, the world’s largest inflatable park, returns to Miquel Taradell’s plan. And this year, two new attractions are being added: Energy and the accessible Ball Tree.
The Royal Pavilion
On 3 and 4 January, the Eastern Pier will become the headquarters of the Three Kings. Children will be able to deliver their letters, take part in workshops and discover how the most eagerly awaited arrival of the year is organised, thanks to the Old Port of Barcelona and the Barceloneta Festival Committee. A free Christmas train, provided by Marina Vela, will connect the main points of the Old Port with the Tinglado Real, located at the Tinglados on the Eastern Pier of the Port of Barcelona.
Commitment to sustainability
Christmas at the Port reinforces its commitment to sustainability for another year: recycled materials, reduced energy consumption and responsible management of waste and noise levels. In short, Christmas at the Port consolidates the Port of Barcelona as a truly vibrant port city, open and connected to its citizens. A space where economic, cultural, social and sustainable dimensions come together: revitalising the port environment and, in particular, the Old Port; bringing maritime culture and port activity closer to all audiences; raising the profile of projects in the surrounding neighbourhoods and organisations; and reaffirming the commitment to sustainability through efficient energy management, the use of recycled or second-hand materials and the reduction of noise pollution.
Circo Raluy stars in the opening ceremony of the ‘Saltiest Christmas’
A theatrical performance by Circo Raluy served to kick off Christmas in the Port on the night of 28 November. The event was attended by the president of the Port of Barcelona, José Alberto Carbonell, and the director of the Port Vell, David Pino. The event was enjoyed by children, with a show of light, magic and music that also marks the start of a month of activities centred on Christmas and interaction with the sea. Without a doubt, it is the ‘saltiest Christmas’!
