Barcelona Port marked its third annual open days on Saturday, 15 June, with its first-ever boat dance, a choreographed display staged near the World Trade Center. The event was designed to bring city residents closer to the port and the vessels that work there every day.
The performance featured mooring boats Mooring 2 and Mooring 5, pilot boats Antares BCN and Spica BCN, and tugboats Balahu, Cala Mesquida and Cala Gat. The ships carried out tight manoeuvres, turned around each other and sent up water salutes, with some appearing to “kiss” as part of the display.
Spectators watched from the dock and from Golondrinas tourist boats. Port president José Alberto Carbonell said the idea was inspired by Hamburg’s Schlepperballett, a tugboat ballet that has been part of a major maritime festival there since 1977. For more on the port’s official work and public events, see the Port of Barcelona website.
The open days also reflected the port’s wider push to open up more of its space to the public. Areas such as Muelle de Pescadores and the Torre del Rellotge now have more access than before, while plans continue for a pedestrian and cycling link from Drassanes to Marina del Prat Vermell under the Morrot. You can also read more local coverage on our Community and Sport pages.
Another new feature this year was public access to the Llobregat lighthouse, built in 1852 and previously closed to visitors. The lighthouse once helped ships avoid the sandy shoals at the mouth of the Llobregat river. Officials also said future open days may include the Portal de la Pau, the former port headquarters, which is set to become the Port Center, although it is not expected to be ready until 2028.
Originally published by La Vanguardia Barcelona. Read original article.
