> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Barcelona May Move Christmas Festival Over Protest - URL: https://barna.news/barcelona-may-move-christmas-festival/ - Published: 2026-10-23T12:59:06.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T12:59:58.000Z - Description: The city council is considering relocating the Christmas Festival from Plaça Catalunya due to an ongoing housing protest encampment. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: whats-on, Trending Now Barcelona’s city council is evaluating whether to move its annual Christmas Festival from Plaça Catalunya to Parc de la Ciutadella, as the central square remains occupied by a housing protest encampment. The Institut de Cultura de Barcelona (Icub) confirmed that alternative scenarios are being assessed, though no final decision has been made. The Christmas Festival typically features a large stage and a fair of seasonal stalls, with performances in storytelling, circus, and dance scheduled between 20th and 30th December. Preparations begin weeks in advance, and last year’s edition included commissioned acts from nearly twenty theatre, dance, and circus companies, six of them international, as well as nine musical groups. The encampment, established by around 600 tents and occupied by approximately a hundred people, has been present in Plaça Catalunya for several days. The city council cut off electricity to part of the site on Tuesday 20th October after the fire brigade warned of an imminent risk due to an irregular electrical connection made without technical safeguards. Despite the disruption, Deputy Mayor for Security Albert Batlle ruled out an immediate eviction, calling such action ‘irresponsible’. Speaking on Wednesday 21st October, Batlle stressed that protests over housing affordability reflect broader social concerns and involve rights to protest and use of public space. He added that the municipal Guardia Urbana is prepared to act if necessary to restore normal use of the square, particularly after the 29th November general elections. The People’s Party (PP), led by Daniel Sirera, has called for the immediate removal of the encampment, arguing it breaches city ordinances and disrupts public events. A motion to dismantle the protest was rejected in city council on 22nd October, with votes against from PSC, BComú, and ERC, while Vox supported and Junts abstained. --- ## What This Means for Residents While festival organisers have not yet confirmed a venue change, residents and visitors should anticipate potential adjustments to the traditional Christmas programme. If the move to Parc de la Ciutadella proceeds, it would mark a significant shift in the city’s festive calendar, affecting transport, accessibility, and local business activity around Plaça Catalunya. Officials have not set a deadline for a final decision, but stress that public safety and coexistence remain priorities. Updates will be published via the [Barcelona City Council’s official Info Barcelona portal](https://www.barcelona.cat/infobarcelona/en/tema/culture-and-leisure/magic-spectacle-and-emotion-in-barcelona-this-christmas%5F1572217.html?ref=barna.news). --- *Sources:* [*El Periódico*](https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20261023/barcelona-estudia-trasladar-festival-de-nadal-parque-ciutadella-acampada-plaza-catalunya-135664626?ref=barna.news)*,* [*barna.news*](https://barna.news/pp-asks-illa-to-clear-placa-catalunya/)*,* [*Tot Barcelona*](https://www.totbarcelona.cat/societat/govern-collboni-desallotjament-acampada-748228/?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [600 Tents in Plaça Catalunya Protest](https://barna.news/600-tents-in-placa-catalunya-protest/) - [Barcelona Cuts Power to Housing Protest Camp](https://barna.news/barcelona-cuts-power-to-housing-protest/) - [Updated: PP Demands Legal Action Over Housing Protest Damage](https://barna.news/pp-demands-legal-action-over-housing/)