Barcelona switches on its Christmas lights on Thursday, 23 November, in the Rambla

• Creu Coberta and El Born shops are taking part in the “You can't turn your back” campaign against gender violence

The traditional switching-on ceremony for Barcelona’s Christmas lights is ready go this Thursday, 23 November, at 7 pm. The Rambla de Santa Mònica has been chosen to play host to this event, during which homage will be paid to the victims of the 17 August terrorist attack and to the response from the Rambla’s retailers and local residents.

The lighting-up ceremony will also signal the start to a programme of activities taking place in the city’s 10 districts. It should be noted that each district will have its own Christmas-lighting ceremony. The activities will mainly be initiatives for livening up the street, the idea being to forge links between the public and commerce that go beyond the Christmas period.