Barcelona theaters break records in 2024 with over 3m spectators

Barcelona's theaters are enjoying a golden era, with 2024 marking the best year in their history for attendance, occupancy and revenue.

The city's venues attracted more than 3 million spectators, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year, representing an additional 270,000 visitors.

Theaters achieved an average occupancy rate of 64%, an increase of 6%, and generated nearly €93 million in revenue - €6.6 million more than in 2023.

The figures, released on Thursday by the Association of Theatres of Catalonia (ADETCA), confirm that 2024 was the most successful year ever for theatres in the Catalan capital.

Among the most popular productions was 'Mar i Cel', the beloved Catalan-language musical, which returned to the stage for its final run in 2024.

'Escape Room 2,' a comedic thriller by Catalan actors Joel Joan and Hèctor Claramunt that continues the story of a group of friends navigating a high-stakes escape room, was also a big hit.

The latest show by Catalan magician Antonio Díaz, known as El Mago Pop, was also one of the most popular productions of the year.

Smaller venues, with capacities of less than 200 people, also achieved record figures for the same indicators as larger theaters.

The sector attributes part of this success to improved funding and regulations tailored to the needs of the artistic community.

"Theatres can take greater risks and increase their production efforts both quantitatively and qualitatively, allowing for more ambitious and innovative experimentation," the ADETCA said.

Campaigns such as 'No Empty Seats' and the Christmas Season also played a key role in the sector's historic performance.