Update, 6th November 2026: Barcelona Oberta, the city's main commercial association, demanded the housing encampment in Plaça Catalunya be removed by 11th November to enable festive preparations, warning the Festival de Nadal could be compromised, while citing added pressure from Barcelona's status as European Capital of Christmas 2026, according to El Periódico Barcelona.

Christmas Lights Axed in Central Square

Barcelona City Council will not install Christmas lights in Plaça Catalunya this year due to the continuing presence of a housing rights encampment, municipal sources confirmed to ARA on Friday 6th November 2026. The decision, reported by El Periódico and verified by the Catalan News Agency (ACN), means the specially commissioned 'El cor de la ciutat' (The Heart of the City) light installation will not be used. The artwork, designed by Artec Light Studio, features nearly 2,000 suspended LED elements that simulate birds in flight forming hearts in the air. It was scheduled to run from 22nd November to 6th January, as detailed on the city council’s official Christmas website.

No Alternative Site for Commissioned Lights

Council sources stated the lights were designed specifically for Plaça Catalunya and will not be relocated elsewhere in the city. This means one of the flagship festive installations for 2026 will remain unused. The council has already begun installing Christmas lighting across other parts of Barcelona, including Passeig de Gràcia and Via Laietana, as part of a wider network of over 126 kilometres of festive lights planned for the season. Last year’s main lighting ceremony took place on Passeig de Gràcia on 22nd November. The 2025 festivities featured five designer-led installations, promoted in collaboration with the Industrial Design Association (ADI-FAD).

The City Council will not install Christmas lighting in Plaça Catalunya.

Business Group Calls for Eviction Plan

Barcelona Oberta, a local business association, has urged the council to agree on the removal of the encampment with activists after the general strike on Wednesday 11th November. They argue the square should be cleaned and restored for Christmas festivities, including family performances of theatre, circus, and music. In a statement, the group recognised the legitimacy of housing protests but said the prolonged occupation has led to deteriorating public conditions. They cited Madrid’s removal of a similar encampment at Puerta del Sol on 3rd November as a model for action. Barcelona Oberta has requested the council clarify its eviction timeline before the strike to allow time for restoration work. The encampment, now in its third week, has also faced restrictions, with the council cutting electricity last week citing safety risks to occupants.

Sources: Ara, Ajuntament de Barcelona.