The lighting of the Christmas lights has been one of the first official acts where the new president of the Port de Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó, could be seen. This Monday night, he was accompanied by councilors Xavier Marcé and Neus Munté in an emotional event where not only light but also music played a leading role.
As every year, a group of children ---Martina, Leire, Víctor, Hugo, Pau, and Maria--- were in charge of pressing the button that lit up the gigantic Christmas ball installed at the Moll de la Fusta, which filled with a thousand dancing colors, as it could not be otherwise, to the rhythm of the most universal Christmas anthem, Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You.
This explosion of light and color by the sea ---which adds up to 85,000 LED lights--- truly marks the beginning of Christmas in the Catalan capital, although it has only been four years since the Port de Barcelona decided to launch this entertainment space, which has progressively gained square meters and now occupies the entire Moll de la Fusta. Both young and old can enjoy this new edition of Nadal al Port until next January 6. This year, another great attraction has been added to the 85-meter-high Ferris wheel: a sustainable and ecological ice rink of 400 square meters.
To inaugurate the venue, and in a very festive atmosphere, there were performances by the Cors de Palau Vincles ---the socio-musical project of the Palau de la Música---- and the Cor Mitjans de l'Orfeó Català, who performed several songs, such as the carol Silent Night. Attendees also enjoyed a free concert by Edu Esteve, a participant in the Eufòria contest, who covered several songs widely known by the public, such as Backstreet Boys' Everybody, or Sau's El Tren de Mitjanit.
According to Port de Barcelona, the objective of Nadal al Port is "to create excitement, foster maritime culture and heritage among citizens, and consolidate the Moll de la Fusta as a meeting point that strengthens the relationship between the port and the city." In addition to the Ferris wheel, the ice rink, and other children's attractions, the space features a street food area to recharge; a Christmas market where gastronomic products can be purchased and artisanal and gift items found; and various stands from entities that will contribute to spreading port and maritime culture.
Workshops and activities will be organized for children where they can learn to be stevedores by moving cargo containers, get started in the world of rowing, or enjoy the sea by playing. The educational initiatives will be carried out by: the Catalan Sailing Federation; the America's Cup; the Nautical Institute and Faculty; the Real Club Marítimo, the Club Natación Barcelona or Veles per l'alzheimer, among others, and will have the support of other companies in the port sector such as Hutchison Ports Best.
Port de Barcelona explains that, once again, the Christmas market will be the meeting point for entities and music schools from neighboring neighborhoods, which will fill the stage with different performances. More than 500 people will perform on the main stage during the celebration of the Christmas Market, which will also host a charity dance to raise funds for La Marató of TV3 and Catalunya Ràdio, dedicated this year to cardiovascular health.
On the maritime side, a nativity scene and the Three Wise Men will illuminate the water surface, while, moored at the Moll de la Fusta, the historic ships of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona ---the Pailebote Santa Eulalia and the Far Barcelona---, will be decorated for the occasion and can be visited.
The opening hours of Nadal al Port will be from 11 AM to 10 PM, while the light and color show will take place every day starting at 5:30 PM.