The Port of Barcelona will hold the third edition of its Open House on May 30 and 31. During this weekend, the Port of Barcelona will offer nearly 5,000 spots for visitors to explore—both by land and by sea—areas usually reserved for logistics and industrial activities. The event aims to strengthen the connection between the infrastructure and the public, providing access to iconic locations that have until now remained off the beaten path.
Among this year’s main highlights is the opening to the public of the Far del Llobregat, a facility in operation since 1852 that stands out for its dual lighting system for ships and aircraft. Additionally, the program includes charitable activities and a wide range of recreational offerings in the Port Vell, with the goal of surpassing last year’s attendance, which reached 15,000 visitors.
How to reserve your tickets
To participate in activities with limited capacity, advance reservations must be made through the port’s official website starting Tuesday, May 19, at 12:00 p.m. The process requires a symbolic contribution of 1 euro, which participants may donate to the CRAM Foundation for the recovery of marine wildlife or to the Stella Maris association, which supports seafarers.
The program includes 1,600 spots for bus tours of container terminals, such as Hutchison Port Best, 3,000 spots for maritime itineraries, and 300 for dramatized tours of the Port Vell. According to the organizers, these routes offer a close-up look at the logistical complexity of one of the city’s economic engines.
Nautical spectacle and culinary offerings
One of the highlights of the program will bethe “ship parade,” which will take place on Saturday at noon. This is a roughly 40-minute exhibition in which tugboats and other port vessels will perform coordinated maneuvers set to music and water jets. Alberto Carbonell, president of the Port, noted that this is an unusual event in Europe due to the vast amount of space it requires.
In the realm of leisure, the Moll d’Espanya viewpoint will host a culinary event featuring neighborhood cuisine and dishes from various commercial districts of the city. The atmosphere will be enlivened by local artists and DJs, blending the dining experience with the maritime setting.
The weekend’s schedule is rounded out with a variety of activities at different docks:
- Family activities: The Barceloneta Merchants Association will organize the Pelut Festival, dedicated to children’s activities and cat-themed events, while the World Trade Center will feature live music and water games.
- Sports and Solidarity: On Sunday, a race will be held inside the port to benefit cancer research.
- Boating: The Fundació Barcelona Capital Nàutica will offer free 30-minute boat rides departing from Moll de la Fusta.
- Culture and museums: The Museu d’Història de Catalunya and the Museu Marítim will offer free admission days. Additionally, the Moll de la Barceloneta will once again host the Festival de Rumba Catalana on Saturday afternoon.
