Barcelona City Council Extends Christmas Lights in Ciutat Vella to Boost Security and Commerce

The initiative aims to reuse existing festive garlands in the Gòtic and Born neighborhoods to increase safety and commercial activity during winter.

Guirnaldes lluminoses instal·lades de façana a façana en un carrer estret i antic de Ciutat Vella, Barcelona.

Guirnaldes lluminoses instal·lades de façana a façana en un carrer estret i antic de Ciutat Vella, Barcelona.

Barcelona City Council, led by Mayor Jaume Collboni, is finalizing a plan to maintain decorative lighting in the narrow streets of Gòtic and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera throughout the winter period.

The project, a long-standing demand from Ciutat Vella merchants, involves utilizing luminous garlands installed facade-to-facade, especially those used during the Christmas holidays, to make the alleys more welcoming and safer. The goal is to combat the feeling of darkness that can generate insecurity.

"We want to improve the lighting of some small streets in the Gòtic and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, to boost commercial, cultural, and social revitalization, and also to improve the feeling of security, especially during days with fewer daylight hours."

Albert Batlle · Deputy Mayor for Security and Councillor responsible for Ciutat Vella
This measure will primarily be applied to the narrowest streets of the Gòtic and the Born area, known for its artisans. The improved lighting seeks to prevent these charming corners from becoming dark refuges for muggers and pickpockets, while simultaneously boosting commercial, cultural, and social dynamism.

"This is a very effective and economical experience that never generated discomfort. We explained it to Mayor Collboni a couple of years ago, and he thought it was a good idea."

Juan Carlos Arriaga · Born Merchants Association
The merchants' associations in the Gòtic, Barnacentre, and the Born have welcomed the initiative. According to Teresa Llordés, extending the lighting period will help merchants amortize their investment and make daily life more pleasant for residents, enhancing the perception of safety and warmth.
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