Barcelona mayor hopes Magic Fountain of Montjuïc on display during La Mercè festivities

One of the most representative images of the ongoing drought affecting Catalonia in Barcelona has been the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc without a drop of water. 

Since November 2022, the fountain has been switched off to cope with the ongoing drought. While recent rain has increased reservoir capacity, restrictions remain in place in Barcelona. However, the fountain music, water, and light show could soon be on display after the city's mayor's announcement.

"Our goal is to have the Magic Fountain ready for La Mercè local festivities," mayor Jaume Collboni said in an interview with Catalan radio station Rac1. La Mercè takes place on the days leading to September 24.

While the city council supports reactivating the fountains, the plan still requires approval from the Catalan government.

"We would like to have the Magic Fountain on display already, but it has to be water and drought authorities who allow it," he said, hoping for these fountain displays to return in September.

Maintenance tasks have been performed during these months as the fountain has been affected due to the lack of service.

Among the fixes, there is a €3 million investment to upgrade its control systems, sound and lighting with energy-efficient technologies. For example, nearly 5,000 lights on the fountain will be replaced with LED fixtures.

Last December, local authorities already suggested that the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc could return to its normal service in August.