Barcelona’s famous Magic Fountain of Montjuïc has returned to action after three years out of service, timed to coincide with the city’s La Mercè celebrations.
The landmark, designed by engineer Carles Buïgas for the 1929 International Exhibition, had been closed due to drought restrictions and restoration works. The city council invested around €3 million to refurbish the fountain, replacing its outdated systems with modern technology. Among the improvements were the substitution of 4,760 incandescent lamps with 680 LED projectors, reducing power consumption while maintaining brightness.
The first show will form part of Sunday’s piromusical, the traditional fireworks and music display that closes the festival. Further upgrades are planned, including a new electroacoustic system once the celebrations are over.
Mayor Jaume Collboni marked the reopening by attending traditional Mercè events in Plaça de Sant Jaume, alongside senior Catalan officials. The celebrations followed Tuesday’s opening speech delivered by actress Emma Vilarasau, who used her platform to call for greater housing protections, criticise the tourism model and defend the Catalan language.
The Magic Fountain’s return is part of a broader effort by the city to restore and maintain its ornamental water features. Currently, 65% of Barcelona’s fountains are operational, with a €6.6 million investment planned through to 2028 covering 78 installations.
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