Ordinary days ceased to exist a few years ago; there isn’t a single spot left on the calendar that isn’t filled with a “world or international day” that (almost) no one celebrates. Some of these days serve to raise awareness of diseases, charitable causes, or truly important issues, but others are just nonsense, like World Spaghetti Day (January 4) or World Towel Day (May 25).
However, some of these “events” are indeed accompanied by interesting initiatives; European Mobility Week and World Car-Free Day are perfect examples of dates that were, at first glance, imposed but have managed to become a sort of tradition—at least in Barcelona. This year, on its 25th anniversary, they have put together a very special program featuring more than 40 activities and 2,000 free AMBici passes.
Although the week officially runs from September 16 to 22, the most notable activities and events take place this weekend, starting Friday the 18th, with some having very limited availability. You can check the full schedule for European Mobility Week on the Barcelona City Council’s website.
Free 3-Day AMBici Passes: How to Get Them
The Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) has launched a promotion aimed at encouraging residents to use the bike-sharing service and promoting sustainable mobility: 2,000 flexible 3-day passes (72 hours).
To take advantage of this offer, simply download the official AMBici app, sign up as a user, and enter the code SEM2026 at checkout. You’ll be charged one cent as a nominal fee, but this is only to register your card. The offer is available through September 22.
The X1 bus line is extending its route
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has taken advantage of this week to improve the X1 bus line. Starting Monday, September 21—coinciding with the start of the university semester— it is permanently extending its route to Albert Bastardas Avenue, right in the heart of the university district. This network change aims to improve the connection between the city center and the university campus.
Traffic closures and disruptions
On Saturday, September 19, traffic will be blocked off in the Horta “superblock” (between Fulton Street, Eivissa Square, and Horta Street). This traffic closure aims to “calm” the streets and return public space to pedestrians. It will be the only change affecting one of the city’s main thoroughfares, at least within the framework of European Mobility Week.
Free Exhibits: Historic Buses and Vehicles
TMB and the Barcelona Fire Department have taken advantage of this date to bring their historic fleet out onto the city’s streets:
- An exhibition of classic buses will be set up right on Passeig de Gràcia to trace the history of public transportation in Barcelona. The event will take place on Friday the 18th (from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and Saturday the 19th (from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). In addition, on Saturday, a children’s play about the history of the bus will be performed at 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. at the same venue.
- On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th, Bombers de Barcelona will bring a collection of historic vehicles to Gran de Gràcia Street and the Sants-Creu Coberta area, with free admission.
Sold Out: Gaudí’s Ghost Station
One of the most eye-catching activities is also the most popular—tickets to visit Gaudí’s ghost station sold out in record time. This structure was built in the 1960s but was never actually opened.
It’s not the only event that hassold out; tours of the Santa Eulàlia workshops and the ZAL workshops also filled all their slots shortly after being announced on the website.
