Discreet Alerts at Festivities
Barcelona has launched a pilot programme using NFC (near-field communication) technology to help prevent gender-based and LGTBIphobic violence during this year’s La Mercè celebrations. The city is distributing 1,500 NFC bracelets and 1,500 keychains at two 'puntos lilas' (purple points), dedicated support zones located near concerts on Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina and Bogatell beach. These devices allow users to discreetly trigger an emergency alert via their mobile phone, connecting directly with support staff at the Operational Coordination Centre (CECOR). From there, trained professionals manage each alert and coordinate responses with security and care services as needed.
Extended Protection Beyond Fixed Points
The initiative, active from Friday evening until 3 AM on Saturday morning, aims to extend protection beyond the immediate vicinity of the fixed purple points. According to the Barcelona City Council, the goal is to improve detection of risk situations, speed up response times, and evaluate how such technology could strengthen municipal prevention services during future mass events. The puntos lilas are staffed by around 20 professionals who provide information, advice, and direct referrals in cases of sexual harassment, sexist aggression or LGTBIphobia. They work alongside itinerant teams in high-traffic areas and complement enhanced safe routes operated by the Guàrdia Urbana, which guide revellers to public transport hubs in districts including Front Marítim, Poblenou, Paral·lel, and Gràcia/Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.
This new tool allows people to seek help discreetly, even if they’re not near a physical support point.
The pilot forms part of the broader Barcelona Antimachista campaign, which includes increased police visibility, preventive checks for weapons using handheld detectors, and drone surveillance at major event sites. During last year’s festival, the purple point network carried out 3,172 interventions, mostly informational, and responded to 32 distinct incidents.
How to Access the Service
Residents and visitors can collect the NFC bracelets and keychains at the purple points while supplies last. No registration is required. The service is available only during the designated hours of the festival and is designed for use within proximity to the event zones.
Primary sources: Ajuntament de Barcelona, barcelona.cat, Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona. Reported by elperiodico.com, rfidnews.co.uk, beteve.cat, El Periódico Barcelona.
