The Barcelona City Council has activated ‘Operation Christmas,’ a broad municipal initiative set to run until January 19, 2026. This extensive operation aims to ensure safety, coexistence, mobility, and cleanliness throughout the period of heightened commercial and tourist activity in the city. The council positions this operation within the framework of its ‘Pla Endreça’ (Order Plan).
Enhanced Security and Public Order
The deployment will primarily focus on commercial hubs and high-traffic areas, including the vicinity of the Sagrada Família, La Rambla, Park Güell, Turó de la Rovira, Passeig de Gràcia, the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta, and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i La Ribera. In anticipation of an increased influx of visitors and commercial activity, the Guardia Urbana of Barcelona will boost its presence on public roads, prioritizing foot patrols and community engagement tasks.
As part of this initiative, local police will coordinate with the Mossos d’Esquadra to deploy joint patrols in areas with higher footfall, such as Christmas fairs and markets. Actions will concentrate on crime prevention through a deterrent presence and rapid response to incidents like thefts. They will also address civility infractions, such as public alcohol consumption and illegal street vending.
Furthermore, the city council has announced that the Guardia Urbana will intensify inspections of public establishments, paying particular attention to noise levels, capacity limits, underage alcohol consumption, and compliance with closing times, including those for outdoor terraces.
Optimized Mobility and Road Safety
To ensure smooth traffic flow, a specific road safety operation will be activated. This includes alcohol and drug checks for drivers at strategic points, particularly on days with higher mobility. From December 12 to 21, a coordinated campaign with the Servei Català de Trànsit was conducted to reduce risky driving behaviors. The city council advises residents and visitors to walk or use public transport, avoid peak hours, and plan purchases to mitigate overcrowding.
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) will reinforce metro services on weekends and holidays in December, coinciding with extended commercial opening hours, to facilitate travel leading up to Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Three Kings’ Day. Additionally, as is customary, the metro will operate continuously throughout New Year’s Eve.
Construction Restrictions and Enhanced Cleaning
During the Christmas period, construction work affecting public roads in areas of high commercial activity will be prohibited. The only exceptions will be for urgent works or those already scheduled, such as those on La Rambla or the L8 line of Ferrocarrils. For other active construction projects between December 22 and January 6, additional safety, signage, and cleaning measures are required.
From December 6 to January 7, the Barcelona City Council is also deploying 132 operators and 70 vehicles to intensify cleaning efforts in high-traffic areas, commercial zones, and locations hosting Christmas activities. The cleaning of graffiti in tourist areas will also be reinforced with five additional teams throughout December.
Moreover, on December 31 and January 1 (New Year’s Day) and January 5 (Three Kings’ Parade), cleaning services will be further strengthened with special operations, including additional personnel and cleaning vehicles. After the holidays, from January 7 to January 17, designated Christmas tree collection points will be set up across the city for citizens to dispose of their trees.
Source: https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20251223/operacion-navidad-barcelona-2025-seguridad-movilidad-limpieza-124230971
