This new facility will be home to animals from the Zoo affected by the maintenance and improvement work going on across the site

It will be a comfortable, naturalised space adapted to the needs of the different species

On Tuesday, Zoo de Barcelona will begin building work on a new animal reserve, thought up and designed to house species at the Zoo that are temporarily taken away from their usual spaces. Specifically, this new facility will be home to species that have been moved so that maintenance and improvement work can be carried out on the Zoo grounds. 

The animal reserve is located on the land of the old Aquarama. In total, it consists of 3,500 m2 with 5 outdoor spaces, 3 indoor areas and 2 aviaries, all of which are comfortable, naturalised and adapted to the needs and size of the different species they will house, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, among others. As well as rest and temperature-controlled areas for different species, there are also areas for the keepers in the indoor spaces. 

This new facility requires investment of €1.9 M and will be ready in the spring of 2026. The well-being of the animals at Zoo de Barcelona will be guaranteed throughout the works.

The agreement will allow for the introduction of automatic number plate recognition and digital payment in Barcelona's small and medium-sized car parks

SMOU already provides users with information on the location and services of more than 300 car parks belonging to the Gremi de Garatges de Barcelona i Província, and for 100 of these, it also provides real-time information on available spaces

SMOU, the personal mobility service App, is moving forward with its commitment to support the digitalisation of the city’s car parks and contribute to better planned and more sustainable mobility. A new agreement with the Gremi de Garatges de Barcelona i Província will allow for the introduction of this BSM App as a payment method for pay-as-you-go parking in car parks operated by other providers. The alliance will particularly benefit small and medium-sized car parks, as it allows them to offer digital payment options.

Specifically, the features to be introduced in the Gremi de Garatges car parks include automatic number plate recognition for access and digital payment for pay-as-you-go parking. Until now, SMOU only offered these features in the BSM network of car parks, the largest network in the city with a total of 44 car parks.

For over a year, SMOU has also provided information on the location and services of more than 300 car parks belonging to the Gremi de Garatges and for 100 of these, it offers real-time information on available spaces.

For Ricard Barrera, the BSM representative in the Gremi de Garatges, “the partnership between SMOU and the Gremi de Garatges de Barcelona i Província is an example of how public private partnership helps tackle the major challenges of urban mobility. Barcelona is a compact city and car parks are essential for freeing up public space. Everything that facilitates and streamlines their use helps to make car journeys more efficient, with better planned routes and less time spent looking for a parking space.

For the president of the Gremi de Garatges de Barcelona i Província, Xavier Ferrer, “the agreement highlights the guild’s innovative spirit and the collective ambition to foster public-private collaboration. Car parks are looking to the future and we will play a key role in urban mobility. The alliance with SMOU is a step towards the digital transformation of our sector”. 

More than 600 car parks in the Guild 

The Gremi de Garatges de Barcelona i Província has 460 affiliated car parks in the city and more than 600 if we include those in other towns in the Metropolitan Area. These facilities have capacity for around 120,000 vehicles, with a total of 2.6 million square metres that are, in the majority of cases, accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

SMOU, the leading personal-mobility services app in Barcelona and the metropolitan area

SMOU has 1.5 million users and is available in Barcelona and 14 other towns in the metropolitan area. The BSM app features personal mobility solutions such as pay-as-you-go parking in car parks, the management of AREA parking spaces for residents, Bicing and Endolla Barcelona. 
It also provides information on bike sharing, car sharing and scooter sharing services; information on public transport stations and timetables, including a route planner; and a taxi service that allows users to book and pay for rides. Last year, Smou recorded a total of 22.5 million uses.

This Saturday, 7 June, the Port Olímpic will be offering a free programme of activities for families with workshops, activities and a clown show  

This Saturday, 7 June, the Port Olímpic will be welcoming families to a new edition of 'Dissabte Blau' a free programme of workshops and activities to enjoy this new space in the city. 

From 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, the Moll de Mestral will be hosting a series of activities for children. There will be sea-themed games, a reading area, drawing materials, and a bookmark-making workshop, among other activities. 

What’s more, at midday, the clown Mariela Puebla will be performing the show  “Margarita presenta: amb vaixell vaig”. This is a show that combines circus, magic and humour and tells the story of the adventures of Margarita, a clown who encounters a whole heap of obstacles on her way to the party at the Port Olímpic. 

This is the third edition of Blue Saturday, which has become established as a family festival at the Port Olímpic. This year, for the first time, Blue Saturday will be returning in July, September, October and November with lots of new activities. 

Guns N’Roses, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Post Malone and Lola Indigo are just a few of the names that will take to the big stage on Montjuïc over the coming months

By the end of the year, the Anella Olímpica will play host to more than 70 concerts with around 740,000 people in attendance   

The Anella Olímpica is looking towards the second half of the year with a line-up that confirms its leading position on the international live music circuit. Between the months of June and December, more than 70 national and international artists will stop off at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the Palau Sant Jordi and the Sant Jordi Club, and for many of them, this will be their only performance in Spain. These concerts will be attended by around 740,000 people.

The season at the Estadi Olímpic will be opened by Guns N'Roses (9 June) in what will be their only concert in Spain. Others who have chosen Estadi Olímpic for their only concert in Spain include rappers Kendrick Lamar and SZA (30 July), Post Malone (12 September) and the K-Pop band Blackpink (9 August), consolidating the Catalan capital as one of the favourite destinations for K-Pop fans.

The Estadi Olímpic season will be rounded off by, among others, big names like Imagine Dragons (1 July) and two national artists: Lola Indigo (10 July) and Aitana (19 July), two important dates considering that, until now, the only national group to have performed at the Estadi Olímpic was Estopa. 

When it comes to the line-up at the Palau Sant Jordi in the coming months, highlights include the only concerts in Spain to be played by Billie Eilish (14 and 15 June), Japanese phenomenon ADO (29 June), Lady Gaga (28, 29 and 31 October), Jamiroquai (6 November) and Mumford & Sons (23 November). 

Other names that will be stopping off at the Palau Sant Jordi are Rigoberta Bandini (28 June), Rauw Alejandro (11 and 12 July), Juan Luis Guerra (13 July), Jennifer Lopez (15 July), Quevedo (8 and 9 September), Bunbury (18 September), Mora (23 September), Joaquín Sabina (2 and 4 October), Los Pecos (26 October and 28 December), Leiva (8 November), Katy Perry (November 9), Antonio Orozco (28 and 29 November) and Nil Moliner (27 December), among others.  

Between June and September, the Sant Jordi Club will play host to artists including Amaral (13 June), Damiano David (21 September), Till Lindemann (13 November) Lágrimas de Sangre (14 and 15 November), Roxette (16 November), Tom Odell (30 November) and Loquillo (27 December).

Commitment to sustainable mobility 

Coinciding with the start of the concert season at the Estadi Olímpic, the Anella Olímpica is strengthening its campaign to promote sustainable mobility around Montjuïc.   
Under the slogan "Choose the most sustainable way to get there", the Anella Olímpica management recommend using public transport or walking to its facilities. And remember that the new X3 bus line adds to the transport options already available, which include funicular rail, bus, metro and shuttle services, as well as Bicing (public bike hire) and the escalators. 

The free activity combines sailing with expert skippers and a visit to the restaurant deck at the Port Olímpic 

Port Olímpic is holding the first edition of “Dijous de Vent”, a beginners’ regatta open to the public and aimed at bringing sailing to new audiences. The first edition was held on Thursday, with 35 participants chosen in a draw. 

The activity is aimed at complete beginners, as well as professionals and sailing enthusiasts, offering the chance to spend an afternoon as part of the crew on one of the boats operated by nautical companies at the Port Olímpic. This first session was led by Masnavega with the active participation of the Business Yacht Club, Escola Port, Neptuno, BDA Sailing, Sailing Experience and Wind Charters. Back at the port, participants also enjoyed some refreshments at Casa Carmen, located on the Balcó Gastronòmic restaurant deck. 

The activity, which will be held again in July, September and October, is part of the Port Olímpic’s commitment to making sailing more accessible to the people of Barcelona and creating community through shared experiences at sea. 

These public regattas are completely free of charge and are managed with a draw system, through the Port Olímpic’s Instagram page (@portolimpicbarcelona). 

The project involves ex-situ breeding of this endemic and endangered species, as part of the collaboration agreement between the Barcelona Zoo Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and the Environment of the Balearic Islands Government

Zoo de Barcelona and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and the Environment of the Balearic Islands Government are launching a pilot ex-situ breeding project to preserve the Ibiza wall lizard, one of the Balearic Islands’ most iconic species. The initiative, part of the protected wildlife collaboration agreement between the two institutions, aims to support the conservation of this endemic and endangered species and ensure its long-term survival. 

In the first phase, which is already underway, three lizard populations will be established at Zoo de Barcelona. These groups will be formed from a sample of 17 healthy, genetically diverse specimens from Ibiza and Formentera. They will be the first breeders in the ex-situ populations of this species. 

In addition, scientific studies will be carried out to explore the species’ ecology, genetics and conservation needs in greater depth, along with an assessment of the viability of reintroducing the species into the natural environment.

For Antoni Alarcon, the Director of Zoo de Barcelona, ‘It is an honour and a great responsibility for Zoo de Barcelona to continue to work alongside the Balearic Islands Government. Projects like this one are essential to our mission of preserving biodiversity, and they strengthen our position as a leader in the conservation of Mediterranean wildlife, which is especially vulnerable to climate change. The Balearic lizard project, like that of the Majorcan midwife toad, is a clear example of Zoo de Barcelona going beyond its boundaries to become directly involved in protecting endemic species in the Mediterranean ecosystem.’

Similarly, Anna Torres, Director General of the Environment and Forest Management within the Balearic Islands Government states, ‘This initiative will help to guarantee the preservation of the Ibiza wall lizard and allow us to assess the viability of reintroducing the species. However, to reverse the current trend, efforts to control invasive snakes must continue. At present, they pose the most serious threat to lizards.’

Also participating in the project, alongside Zoo de Barcelona and the Balearic Islands Government, are the herpetology experts at the Spanish Herpetological Association (AHE) and the Centre for Ecological Research and Forest Applications (CREAF). Technicians from the Species Protection Service, Zoo de Barcelona and the Committee for the Recovery of the Balearic Islands’ Wildlife (COFIB) are also involved.

An endemic species endangered by the introduction of invasive species

The Ibiza wall lizard is one of the most iconic species native to the Pityusic Islands. Today, the introduction of invasive species, such as snakes, which prey on these lizards, threatens their survival. Due to this situation, in 2023, two lizard species found on the Balearic Islands were listed as Vulnerable in the Balearic Catalogue of Endangered Species: the Lilford’s wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) and the Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis).

An alliance to preserve the Balearic Islands’ native wildlife

In 2024, the Barcelona Zoo Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and the Environment of the Balearic Islands Government signed a partnership agreement to ensure the conservation of protected wildlife in the islands. The agreement builds on more than 15 years of collaboration between the two institutions and aims to facilitate ex-situ conservation, as well as the management and breeding of protected species for purposes of repopulation or reintroduction into the wild. 

The lizard project now underway follows on from the captive breeding programme for the Majorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis), which has been led for years by Zoo de Barcelona in collaboration with the Balearic Government and has made it possible to create new populations in the wild while improving the conservation status of this endemic amphibian, which is classified as endangered.
 

The event, organised by BSM and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia-BarcelonaTech (UPC), is part of BSM’s STEAM educational programme to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology

This year, Fisidabo was awarded the National Research Prize in the Scientific Communication category for its contribution to making physics and other scientific disciplines more accessible to students by combining learning and entertainment

The 8th edition of Fisidabo, an event organised by BSM and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia-BarcelonaTech (UPC) to make physics and other scientific disciplines more accessible to baccalaureate and 4th-year compulsory secondary education students, was held today at Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo. A total of 2,700 students from 83 schools in Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia explored the principles of physics by conducting experiments in the park’s fun and dynamic setting. 

From early in the morning, students, grouped by class, applied the physics knowledge acquired in the classroom by experimenting with attractions such as the Roller Coaster, Merlí, Tibidabo Express, and the Piratta ship, among others. The experiments involved different levels of difficulty and allowed students to measure physical quantities such as acceleration, speed, force, and energy. This year, four new experiments allowed participants to not only experience the free fall of the new Merlí drop tower but also measure its exact movement.

To support the secondary school students, a group of more than 30 volunteer undergraduate students from the Engineering Physics degree programme at the UPC’s Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB) were present throughout the event. Participants also had access to an open classroom located in the Piratta area, where they could ask any questions. After completing the experimental and educational activities, the students were free to enjoy the rides. 

Fisidabo, organised by the UPC, is part of BSM’s STEAM educational programme, which focuses on encouraging young people, particularly girls, to pursue careers in science. 

Winner of the National Research Prize for Scientific Communication 

This year, Fisidabo was awarded the 2024 National Research Prize in the Scientific Communication category for making physics and other scientific disciplines more accessible to students by combining learning and entertainment in a fun environment: Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo. 

This recognition, granted by the Catalan government and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI), highlights both research activity and initiatives in scientific communication and outreach, scientific patronage, and public-private partnerships in R&D projects in Catalonia. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 17 June, at the National Theatre of Catalonia. 

Fisidabo, initially called Fisidabo Hipatia, was launched in 2012 as a collaboration between BSM and the Engineering Physics degree programme at the UPC’s Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB). At first, the programme was an opportunity for small groups of International Baccalaureate students with scholarships from the CiMs+CELLEX Programme, along with Engineering Physics undergraduate students from the UPC, to spend a day conducting physics experiments at Tibidabo.  
Since then, the project has continued to grow and now involves more than 10,000 participants. 

A quartet from the foundation will perform classic Italian songs inspired by the exhibition “José Guerrero. Concerning Landscape”, which is on view at the KBr Fundación MAPFRE photography centre until 18 May

The free concert will take place on Saturday, 17 May, at 8 pm at Moll de Mestral 

Next Saturday, 17 May, Port Olímpic will participate in Museum Night with a special concert as part of the KBr Live series—a cultural programme resulting from the partnership between BSM, Fundación MAPFRE, and the Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB) to bring photography and the performing arts to the new Port Olímpic. 

This free evening concert, taking place at Moll de Mestral at 8 pm, will feature a quartet of students from the Liceu Conservatory Foundation playing classic Italian songs inspired by the exhibition “José Guerrero. Concerning Landscape”, which is on display at the KBr Fundación MAPFRE photography centre until 18 May. 

The quartet consists of Blanca Funes (vocals), Roque Garcia (tenor saxophone), Ursula Wienken (double bass), and Pau Serra (drums). 

That evening, as part of Museum Night, the KBr Fundación MAPFRE photography centre will be open with free admission from 7 pm to 1 am, including free guided tours. 

On Sunday 18 May at 7:30 p.m., the park will be kicking off Members’ Month with the start of the new weekend show schedule, which will run until the end of the summer

Since it was launched 20 years ago, TibiClub has signed up 80,000 annual members, or approximately 24,000 families

On Sunday 18 May, Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo will kick off Members’ Month, a celebration that will offer exclusive benefits and surprises for members of TibiClub, the annual family pass programme celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The celebration will also coincide with the launch of Tibidabo’s new programme of family shows, which will run until the end of the summer. 

Early access to rides for TibiClub members

During Members’ Month, TibiClub members can enter the park from 10 a.m., one hour before other visitors (prior registration required). Until the rest of the visitors arrive, they will have exclusive access to their favourite rides: the Roller Coaster, the Piratta ship and the Tibiexpress. All members had their say in the selection of these three rides. What’s more, TibiClub members who sign up for this experience will also start the day with a free hot chocolate. 

New arts events: Music, dance and family fun 

Coinciding with this special celebration, on 18 May at 7:30 p.m., Tibidabo will launch its new programme of arts events, packed with new features and amazing shows. Until the end of August, all visitors can enjoy a wide range of shows for the whole family: from live drumming to walkabout music and dance shows that will fill every corner of the park with rhythm and joy.

Some of the most noteworthy new offerings include the family show ‘Peti qui peti’ by Ambauka, the entertainment group Pentina el Gat, the walkabout show ‘A la fresca amb Anna Confetti’ and the percussion performance ‘Glowdrums’ by Brincaderia. The new programme also includes exciting disciplines such as tightrope walking, hip-hop workshops and dance and theatre performances. These afternoon shows will further Tibidabo’s commitment to offering unique, unforgettable experiences while boosting the park’s trademark festive family atmosphere.

Over 80,000 people have enjoyed TibiClub benefits

All of these new additions are coinciding with the 20th anniversary of TibiClub, the family pass launched in 2005 and enjoyed by 80,000 people, or around 24,000 families, every year. 

The typical TibiClub member is 43 years old, holds a family pass with 1 to 3 children and visits the park more than 4 times per year. In terms of origin, 64% of members are from Barcelona or the Metropolitan Area, highlighting the park’s position as a leader for family entertainment and leisure. 

A unique, inclusive end-of-school-year celebration at Tibidabo

In the next few weeks, Tibidabo will open exclusively to schools celebrating the end of the academic year. Specifically, on 5 and 12 June, schools will have access to discounted prices that include entry to the park via the Cuca de Llum funicular. 

In addition, in line with the park’s dedication to giving back, it will host ‘Summer Without Borders’ on 13 June. Thanks to this initiative, organisations and associations for people with disabilities can enjoy the park for free. In this way, the Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo is remaining faithful to its inclusive spirit and strengthening its commitment to making its spaces and rides more accessible. 

The plant incorporates a natural filtration system and has already started treating the water in the hippopotamus area with excellent results 

This initiative is part of the 'Water Resource Management in Urban Parks–FIT4USE Water Recirculation Technology' project funded by the European Union through the LIFE programme

Zoo de Barcelona launches a pilot plant for water treatment and reuse as part of the European LIFE project 'Water Resource Management in Urban Parks–FIT4USE Water Recirculation Technology,’ This project, coordinated by the Technical University of Liberec and also involving the University of Barcelona and the University of Girona, with the support of students and young researchers, aims to develop solutions to help zoos optimise the use of water, a vital resource in their daily operations.

The pilot plant is located opposite the Doñana area at Zoo de Barcelona and incorporates a natural filtration system that regenerates water by mimicking the natural processes of wetlands, retaining particles and naturally removing contaminants. Specifically, the water passes through a vertical and horizontal circuit of vegetation and substrate that retains particles and eliminates contaminants and pathogens through the combined action of plants, microorganisms, and filtering materials. Essentially, it is a living and dynamic ecosystem that, over time, increases its capacity to purify water while also creating new habitats for biodiversity.

The first tests to regenerate water began in late February, using water from the artificial lake in Zoo de Barcelona’s hippopotamus enclosure. Since then, between 2 and 3 m³ of water have been treated each week, with very promising results, according to the research group leading the project. 

In these initial weeks, reductions exceeding 95% have been observed in water contaminants such as ammonia, suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand, along with a reduction of more than 99.99% in E.coli bacteria. These outcomes suggest that the treated water could be safely reused to irrigate green spaces, replenish artificial lakes, or clean public areas.  

A circular and sustainable water management project 

Soon, the plant will also treat water from the tapir and aquatic bird enclosures, among others. The plan is to continue testing for 18 months to develop a model that can extend this circular water management project to other areas of Zoo de Barcelona. 

In addition to regenerating water, artificial wetlands like the one currently being tested at Zoo de Barcelona also serve as areas for biodiversity restoration and observation, as well as a tool for environmental education, demonstrating how nature contributes to efficient and sustainable water management.

Another meeting of the various institutions involved in the project in Barcelona

The fourth follow-up meeting of the 'Water Resource Management in Urban Parks–FIT4USE Water Recirculation Technology' project took place this week. Representatives from the different institutions involved in the initiative met in Girona and Barcelona and visited the pilot plant at Zoo de Barcelona. 

In addition to Zoo de Barcelona and the Technical University of Liberec, the project also involves the University of Barcelona Solidarity Foundation; the University of Girona, through the Environmental Chemical Engineering Laboratory (Lequia) research group; Liberec Zoo; Photon Water Technology; and a group of experts, including representatives from Bioparc Valencia and Cabárceno Nature Park, among others.