Tradition vs. Innovation: The Controversial Christmas Star of Barcelona is Born
Thanks to a collaboration between the City Council and the Generalitat, La Estrella de Navidad en la Plaza Sant Jaume (The Christmas Star at Sant Jaume Square) in Barcelona has its reflections of light on the facades of the two buildings, which also share the same plant ornamentation on the balconies.
Standing majestically 9 meters in diameter and weighing 2.5 tons, the Origen star (La Estrella de Navidad en la Plaza Sant Jaume) is made of iron and methacrylate. It captivates with its geometric precision and radiant LED glow. Each of its 20 points measures 4 meters, projecting shimmering light reflections onto the facades of the City Hall and Generalitat buildings.
The designers envisioned this installation as an homage to the universe's creation, where light emerged from darkness, symbolizing balance and energy. As a sizeable 20-point star, ORIGEN projects its light reflections on the facades.
This spectacular sculpture is not merely a static decoration. It transforms into an immersive audiovisual experience with a custom-composed soundtrack at night. Visitors can enhance their experience by syncing their devices to the show’s live sound using a mobile application that is available for downloading with a QR code (the QR code can be found in several places on the square).
The mobile App can be downloaded and installed using the QR code found on the numerous lighting poles or police mobile station on the Sant Jaume square. Then, you need to locate yourself on the map within the App and press the "speaker" button to listen to pleasant psychedelic music as an audio supplement to the Stars light show.
A Metaphoric Symbol
The origin of everything we know is found in light, a primordial force that ignited the universe and shaped the stars. Evoking this birth, the Plaza de Sant Jaume will host a giant twenty-point ORIGEN ESTRELLA by Xevi Bayona and Àlex Posada - a Christmas Star that is supposed to surprise young and old alike as it expresses a tremendous explosion that transformed darkness into light and energy, and it precisely symbolizes harmony.
The artists Xevi Bayona and Àlex Posada created Estrella 2024.
With its imposing presence, this Christmas installation will become a stellar beacon that will transform the square into a space for reflection, a point of dialogue between oneself and the universe. As night comes, the star will wake up, and you can enjoy, every 15 minutes, a dance of lights on the facades of the City Hall and the Generalitat, as well as music composed mainly for this occasion.
As night comes, the star will wake up.
To ensure the highest-quality experience, attendees will be able to synchronize their mobile devices with the live sound of the piece using a QR code installed in the plaza.
Nightly Performances and Accessibility
From November 29 to January 5, the Christmas Star offers free nightly light shows every 15 minutes, starting at 6:30 PM and ending at 10:00 PM. Each performance lasts five minutes and mesmerizes onlookers with a dynamic dance of lights and music. The event’s inclusivity, with no capacity limits and free entry, makes it accessible to everyone, from curious passersby to dedicated Christmas enthusiasts.
The nativity scene moved to the Pati dels Carruatges of the Town Hall.
A Controversial Change
Replacing the traditional nativity scene in Sant Jaume Square with Origen has not been without controversy. Critics argue that moving the nativity scene to the Pati dels Carruatges of the Town Hall diminishes its prominence. The decision sparked heated debates in municipal meetings, with some seeing it as an erasure of cherished traditions.
The Star's schedule is:
Every day from 18.30 to 22.00;
the event has a free entrance;
no capacity limit;
the show happens every 15 minutes;
duration is 5 minutes.
Estrella 2024 performs every night.
However, others view the star as a progressive step towards blending modern artistry with historical celebration. Its relocation has allowed the nativity scene to be reimagined with a maritime theme, paying homage to Barcelona’s coastal heritage and poet Joan Salvat-Papasseit.
Beyond the Star: Exploring the Nativity Scene
In addition, the Patio de los Carriages of the Town Hall includes the large traditional nativity scene that the Nativity Scene Association installed in the Museu Marès. This year, the maritime-inspired nativity scene occupies a table 8 meters wide by 4 meters deep, with a height of 70 centimeters.
The relocated nativity scene offers a unique experience for those yearning for tradition. Set on an expansive 8x4-meter table, this year’s design incorporates sea-inspired elements, drawing parallels with the America’s Cup sailing competition and Barcelona’s maritime history.
The whimsical caganer figurine
Visitors can marvel at its intricate details, from the birth of Christ to the whimsical "caganer" figurine, a staple of Catalan culture.
Who is caganer, and what it means?
The caganer, a whimsical and somewhat surprising figurine, is a cherished part of Catalan Christmas traditions. Its name, derived from the Catalan verb cagar, literally means "the pooper."
Caganer Donald Trump.
This figure, traditionally depicted as a peasant wearing a red barretina (a traditional Catalan hat) with trousers pulled down and in the act of defecating, might seem out of place in the solemn setting of a nativity scene. However, it holds deep cultural significance and a sense of humor that reflects Catalonia’s unique traditions.
Symbolism and Meaning
- Fertility and Renewal
- The caganer is thought to symbolize fertility and the natural cycle of life. By “returning nutrients to the earth,” it represents the hope for a fruitful year ahead, good harvests, and prosperity.
Caganer Beatles Abbey Road
- Equality and Humility
- Including the caganer in the nativity scene reminds everyone, regardless of status or wealth, that they are subject to the exact basic human needs. It underscores humility and the idea that human nature is universal and unpretentious, even in the presence of divinity.
Caganer Lady Gaga.
- Humor and Irreverence
- Catalan culture often embraces a blend of reverence and irreverence, using humor to balance solemn traditions. The caganer embodies this duality, adding a touch of fun to the otherwise sacred nativity display.
Caganer Charles Chaplin.
Modern Interpretations
While the traditional caganer is a peasant, modern versions often depict famous figures, politicians, celebrities, or fictional characters. These figurines have become collectibles and are a way to satirize or celebrate public figures during the holiday season. For instance, you might find caganers resembling sports stars like Lionel Messi or global leaders like Barack Obama.
Marilyn Monroe Caganer.
Placement in the Nativity Scene
The caganer is usually hidden discreetly within the nativity scene, adding an element of fun as families or visitors search for the cheeky figure among the more traditional elements like the manger, shepherds, and animals.
Caganer Yeti.
Historical Roots
The caganer tradition dates back to at least the 17th or 18th century, although its exact origin is unclear. It is deeply tied to rural life and agricultural societies, where fertilizing the land was essential for survival.
Caganer Maradona.
Controversy and Tradition
While the caganer is beloved in Catalonia, it has occasionally sparked debate, especially when more irreverent figurines are introduced. However, for most Catalans, it remains a symbol of cultural pride, humor, and an enduring connection to their roots.
Incorporating the caganer into nativity scenes is an enduring example of how Catalan traditions blend the sacred and the mundane, creating a unique holiday custom that continues to delight locals and visitors alike.
Caganer Barak Obama.
The nativity scene is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on weekends and holidays until 8:00 PM, with closures on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Caganer Montserrat Caballé.
At the other end of the square, there is a 15-meter Christmas tree, which pays tribute to the magic of the stars and is created in harmony with the excellent star.
Mercabarna offered the city a Christmas tree, which Xavier Lloveras, florist and interior designer of Flores Prats, a local business that has been operating since 1891, decorated this year.
A Worthy Investment or Extravagance?
The Origen star came with a hefty price tag of €145,000, jointly funded by the Barcelona City Council and Generalitat de Catalunya. While some praise the investment in public art and culture, others question its necessity in light of other municipal priorities.
Despite this, the installation has undeniably drawn crowds and sparked conversations, achieving its goal of making the square a focal point for reflection and festivity.
Pont del Bisbe by night. Key Features:
Architectural Style: Despite its medieval appearance, the Pont del Bisbe is a relatively modern creation, designed by architect Joan Rubió i Bellver as part of a project to enhance the Gothic Quarter's ambiance. Design: The intricate design features pointed arches, ornate stone carvings, and a lattice-like ceiling, making it a popular spot for photography and a symbol of the neighborhood's charm. Skull Legend: Beneath the bridge is a small carved skull with a dagger piercing it, sparking myths. One tale suggests that those who walk backward beneath the bridge while gazing at the skull will have their wish granted. The Pont del Bisbe perfectly blends historical homage and architectural ingenuity, capturing the timeless allure of Barcelona’s oldest quarter. It is a must-visit for those exploring the city's rich history and culture.
However, the controversy over the Nativity scene in Barcelona is like energy. It is neither created nor destroyed; it only transforms. Given the impossibility of debating whether this year's nativity scene is more or less popular, the discussion revolves around the need for a nativity scene, at least inside City Hall.
CityHall of Barcelona.
The display begins without much fanfare as the arms gradually illuminate. The effect may feel subdued for those not paying attention to the music. This marks the Christmas celebration of the new stage at the City Council, which the municipal government aims to present with a touch of subtlety rather than loud extravagance.
However, when the star first shines with its full brilliance, it draws exclamations of “Oooh!” from the crowd. After a powerful five-minute performance, it concludes, met with some polite applause, though the reaction is mainly lukewarm. The show will restart in less than half an hour, continuing every thirty minutes until 10 p.m. every evening until January 5.
The debate could be more lively at night in the square. Most people are passers-by or tourists who have come across the show by chance. However, they must have arrived with the lesson well learned.
The Christmas Star at Sant Jaume Square (La Estrella de Navidad en la Plaza Sant Jaume) is a brilliant example of how art, tradition, and innovation can intersect to create a memorable holiday experience. Whether you’re drawn by the immersive light show, intrigued by the controversy, or seeking festive cheer, this installation has something for everyone. As Barcelona embraces the stars this Christmas, it invites us to ponder the origins of light, harmony, and celebration.
Christmas Tree on the Sant Jaume square.
This artistic endeavor aims to grant the star an imposing sculptural presence by day, while at night, as events unfold, it metamorphoses into something wholly captivating and mysterious.
The Pont del Bisbe (Bishop's Bridge) is an iconic neo-Gothic landmark nestled in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Built in 1928, this picturesque bridge connects two historic buildings: the Palau de la Generalitat (the seat of the Catalan government) and the Casa dels Canonges (the residence of the president of the Generalitat).
Visit Sant Jaume Square and immerse yourself in the radiant magic of the Origen star to make this holiday season unforgettable!
Illuminated Stars decorate the city.
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