According to the City Council, these activities represent an expenditure of approximately €800,000 in infrastructure. The regulations provide for a series of exceptions, such as institutional events and election campaigns. The measure will also not affect the celebrations of the La Mercè Festival.
Public space
Barcelona will drastically reduce events and concerts in Ciutat Vella.
In 2024, 2,423 events were organized, an average of more than six activities per day.
18/07/2025
1 min
BarcelonaBarcelona City Council wants to reduce events and concerts in the Ciutat Vella district. During 2024, 1,994 events and 429 demonstrations were managed, which represents an average of more than six activities per day. The aim is to foster neighborhood participation and "achieve a balance" in an "area of great tourist tension."
To make this possible, the council has modified the authorization criteria for activities in public spaces and has especially focused on activities promoted by the neighborhood community of the neighborhoods that make up the Ciutat Vella, Caterina, and Ribera districts. They also want to promote events of general interest that promote education, culture, sports, and other areas that contribute to community life. In return, organizing entities will be assessed for not accumulating non-compliance or incidents in emblematic activities in the district by creating protected zones. There are a total of 19, including Plaça Sant Jaume, Avinguda de la Catedral, Passeig del Born, La Rambla, Parc de la Ciutadella, and Passeig de Lluís Companys, among others on Passeig de Lluís Companys. This avenue, in the Arc de Triomf, hosted 67 events last year, six more than the previous year.
Exceptions to the regulations
Regarding restrictions on public events, there are noise-stress zones. This criterion requires time limits for activities with music, in addition to monitoring the sound level, frequency, and duration of the events. A mandatory silence period will be established between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., in addition to limiting nighttime activity in the same space to two consecutive days.
The Ciutat Vella district will also develop a heat-control plan that will include measures such as finding shaded areas, setting up tents, and taking hydration breaks. This plan will be mandatory to obtain a license.
