Shops and restaurants join in with the Cultural Regatta for the America's Cup with activities for all
Barcelona hosting the America's Cup is immensely important for city commerce for its capacity to draw visitors, not just during the competition itself but also for the fame the event brings with it before and after it takes place. Because of this, the city’s two main retail organisations, Barcelona Comerç and Barcelona Oberta, with the collaboration of the City Council’s Directorate for Commerce, Restaurants and Consumer Affairs, are joining forces to bring the America's Cup into the neighbourhoods and shopping hubs, getting local people, visitors and tourists involved and adding vitality to the city’s shopping areas.
Under the slogan ‘Commerce experiences the America’s Cup’, these activities are set to fill Barcelona between September and October. One of the main attractions comes in the form of some giant screens at various points around shopping spaces in the city for people to follow the competition live. In addition, retailers’ associations and shopping hubs in the city are organising various activities to add vitality to shopping areas. The calendar for activities is as follows:
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- Centre Comercial Glòries (7 and 8 September). Screen with connection to BTV’s coverage of the America’s Cup, from 2 pm to 4 pm, surrounded by gastronomy and local commerce. Taking part: El Clot shopping hub and Centre Comercial Westfield Glòries.
- Plaça de la Sagrada Família (14 and 15 September). Screen with connection to BTV’s coverage of the America’s Cup, from 2 pm to 4 pm, surrounded by gastronomy and local commerce. Taking part: Sagrada Família, Gaudí Shopping and Encants Nous shopping hubs.
- Plaça de Concha Pérez in Sant Antoni (21 and 22 September). Screen with connection to BTV’s coverage of the America’s Cup, from 2 pm to 4 pm, surrounded by family activities in the morning and gastronomy. After the regatta, a celebration from 5 pm to 10 pm with live music and DJs. Taking part: Nou Eixample, Sant Antoni Comerç and Encants Sant Antoni shopping hubs.
- Plaça de Virrei Amat (28 September). Local commerce with eating options, maritime activities and musical performances. Taking part: Nou Barris, Maragall, Cor d’Horta and Fabra Virrei shopping hubs.
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- Jardins de la Vil·la Florida (29 September). Shopping and eating options outside, children’s activities and games, shows and workshops to bring the sea to the neighbourhood. Spaces decorated with a maritime theme. Tasting area too with tables and chairs. Taking part: Barnavasi.
- Meeting Point (Creu Coberta, 26 ) (4 October). Screen with connection to BTV’s coverage of the America’s Cup, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Day with children’s activities, concerts and food trucks from associated establishments, with the emphasis on local gastronomy. Taking part: Creu Coberta, Sants Establiments Units, Sants – Les Corts shopping hub, Centre Comercial Les Arenes.
- Jardinets de Gràcia (5 October). Screen with connection to BTV’s coverage of the America’s Cup, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Display of sailing boats along Av. Diagonal, with a point selling drinks with music. Taking part: Diagonal Boulevard.
- Plaça de Catalunya (11 October). Screen with connection to BTV’s coverage of the America’s Cup, from 2 pm to 4 pm. DJ Booth decorated with a maritime theme, photocall showing the link between Barcelona and the sea and a children’s play area. Taking part: Rambla Catalunya, Pelai, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça Reial, Amics de les Rambles and Barnacentre.
- Passeig de la Reina Elisenda (19 October). Screen with connection to BTV’s coverage of the America’s Cup, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Shopping and gastronomy fair with a special zone with hammocks, parasols and artificial turf to watch the regatta on the screen. Boat also on display and a sustainable sailing-themed carousel. Ambient music and maritime decorations. Taking part: Sarrià shopping hub.
Full information on these activities and all others linked to gastronomy in the city can be found on the Cultural Regatta website.