The Llum BCN Festival once again captured the attention of Barcelona’s residents, transforming Poblenou into an experimental space for modern lighting technologies and art. This event not only revitalized the district but also demonstrated how creative projects can change the perception of urban environments and attract thousands of people. For many locals, the festival became an opportunity to see familiar streets in a new light and reflect on the future of urban spaces.
This year, the organizers focused on bold artistic choices and technological innovation. Among nearly forty installations, a special highlight was Albert Serra’s piece dedicated to his music group Molforts. A concert by the group was projected on the wall of the Dhub building, where close-ups of the musicians’ faces and unusual music created an enigmatic atmosphere. The presence of the band members at the premiere added excitement to the event and sparked a lively response from the audience.
Equally striking was the Laser Faces installation by designer Antoni Arola. Bright green beams cut through the night air, forming three-dimensional trajectories along Diagonal Street and engaging in a dialogue with the district’s architecture and the iconic Torre Glòries. This approach not only highlighted Poblenou’s industrial past but also invited visitors to see the city as a space for experimentation and new ideas.
Unusual imagery
Lola Solanilla presented the Bulla installation at Ágora Berta Cáceres (Parc de les Glòries)—a cloud of nearly four thousand green spheres evoking a sense of fragility and wonder. This piece became one of the festival’s most photographed artworks, drawing the attention of both adults and children. Social projects by Institut del Teatre, which criticize aggressive urban architecture, sparked discussion among visitors and highlighted the importance of a humane approach to city planning.
At the TNC theater, Marc Vilanova created a wave of light out of pipes, visualizing the city’s invisible vibrations. Meanwhile, on the RBA building facade, MO:YA studio unveiled the Mantra Intervention project, where light and music blended into an immersive audiovisual tapestry. These works not only captivated the imagination but also invited reflection on the role of technology in contemporary art.
A special highlight was The Whispering Mountains installation by Eness studio in Poblenou park. Giant inflatable sculptures reacted to people’s approach, ‘whispering’ mysterious phrases. This interactive work quickly became a social media favorite for photos and discussions.
Technology and emotion
Laia Estruch amazed visitors with a holographic human figure floating in the air at Oliva Artés History Museum. Using Pepper’s Ghost technique, she created an illusion of presence that touched on themes of memory and time. This innovative approach to light and image became one of the festival’s most talked-about highlights.
This year, Llum BCN expanded its reach: ten installations combined light and dance across various districts of the city. Among them were the aerial show Sacude Danza at Fort Pienc square, the Xavier Bové Studio project at the former Canódromo, and an imaginative walk by Toni Mira i Quartet at the Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. Each of these projects offered its own interpretation of the ‘Night Passages’ theme set by the organizers.
The festival once again affirmed its reputation as a laboratory for exploring new ways art, technology, and city life can interact. The participation of students and young designers from specialized schools brought a fresh perspective to familiar spaces and inspired further experimentation.
Impact on the city
Visitor turnout reached a record high: over several days, hundreds of thousands attended the festival. This not only boosted the local economy but also demonstrated the strong demand for such cultural initiatives. Locals noted that thanks to Llum BCN, Poblenou is now seen as a dynamic neighborhood open to change, where art becomes part of everyday life.
Organizers paid special attention to sustainable development: many installations were created with ecological standards in mind, and the use of light as the main creative element helped minimize energy consumption. This approach received positive feedback from both experts and the general public.
The Llum BCN Festival has been held since 2018, and over the years, it has become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Barcelona. Each year, it attracts more participants and spectators, while its influence on the development of the urban environment is increasingly evident. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in light festivals throughout Spain: similar events take place in Madrid, Valencia, and other cities, where artists and engineers experiment with new technologies and ways of engaging with the public. Such events not only adorn the city but also boost tourism, support local creatives, and shape the modern image of Spanish metropolises.
