Barcelona, December 24 – What started as a spontaneous Christmas gathering during the pandemic’s restrictions has, five years later, become a consolidated and even massive tradition. Every December 25th, thousands of people, mainly young individuals, gather from afternoon until well into the night on Mandri Street, in Barcelona’s Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district. This transforms the meeting into another Christmas tradition following family meals.
City Council Steps In to Manage Growing Event
Last year, approximately 2,000 people gathered on this street, which is home to numerous bars. Anticipating a similar turnout this year, the Barcelona City Council has proactively prepared a plan to guarantee safety and minimize disturbances for residents. The council has ruled out prohibiting the gathering, which has no official call but is widely expected, considering it would be “counterproductive,” as municipal sources explained to EL PERIÓDICO.
The district has ordered the closure of 24-hour supermarkets in the area between Paseo de la Bonanova and Ronda General Mitre, and between Muntaner and Ganduxer streets, from 6:00 PM on December 25th until 7:00 AM on December 26th. This measure aims to prevent the purchase of beverages for the street party.
Measures for Bars and Restaurants
However, those gathered in the area still have the option to consume at the bars on Mandri Street itself. The council has also taken measures in this regard: it has held several meetings with the merchants’ association to agree that establishments will close between 12:30 AM and 1:00 AM. Additionally, it has been agreed that each establishment will have security personnel at the entrance to ensure that authorized capacities are not exceeded, a measure some bars already implemented last year.
In recent years, restaurateurs have faced fines of up to 4,000 euros. Last year, the district and merchants reached an agreement to avoid these fines and specify how establishments should act if the street party recurs. The pact involved closing all terraces at 5:00 PM, ensuring that indoor capacity was never exceeded, and preventing customers from going out into the street with drinks.
Challenges for Restaurateurs and Residents
“How do you deal with someone drunk and tell them not to go out into the street with their drink when they tell you they’ve paid for it?” asks Carlos, a worker at one of Mandri Street’s bars. Having worked the last two Christmas Days, he tells this newspaper that this year he has opted to take the day off: “I’ve taken the day off. I don’t want to work on a day like that.”
A worker from another establishment doubts that the gathering will be as strong this year due to the rain forecast, which gives her some hope: “If it rains, people will stay inside.” Even so, the fear of fines and lack of control persists. “If they want to fine you, they will,” she summarizes.
Mobility, Security, and Cleanliness
The objective of this operation is also to guarantee mobility, which is why between 6:00 PM on Thursday and 1:00 AM on Friday, streets around Mandri Street will be closed to ensure road safety and mobility in the area, and public transport will be diverted. The police operation foresees an increased presence of Guardia Urbana officers on the street to ensure coexistence and safety, in collaboration with the Mossos d’Esquadra. Cleaning services will also be reinforced with the distribution of waste bins and the installation of public toilets. Furthermore, there will be a cleaning service during the early hours of December 26th to remove accumulated waste and prepare the area.
Cleanliness is one of the main concerns for residents. “Everything ends up a mess. They should go to a disco. I find it very strong that the City Council allows it,” criticizes Carmen, a resident of Mandri Street, who especially points out the dirt caused by those urinating in public. “It’s not fair,” she laments.
However, the lack of restrooms is something Sara, a regular at the party in previous years, is very aware of. “You end up learning which bars you can go to,” she explains, though she highlights the calm atmosphere of the gathering: “It’s not like La Mercè, I’ve never seen an altercation.” Other residents, like Juan, endorse the celebration and even joke: “I’d go down for a drink myself!”
Source: https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20251224/barcelona-regula-botellon-navideno-calle-mandri-125103131
