'From Darkness into Light': Catalonia pays homage to Covid-19 victims

"May the pain and tears of these days strengthen us and lead us with hope to a better future."

These words from Catalan president Quim Torra opened 'From Darkness into Light', an official event to pay tribute to the victims of Covid-19, and to thank the general public and essential workers for all their efforts in the fight against the pandemic over the past number of months.

Barcelona's famous Fountain of Monjuïc was the setting for the gathering on Thursday evening of some thirty political figures from the government, the parliament, and Barcelona City Council. There was no public in attendance because of the desire to avoid risks or crowds.

Tributes and thanks

President Torra gave way to a stage populated by a single olive tree, which was watered before a small bulb lit up and the first musical performance got underway, Jordi Savall playing a solo piece for viola da gamba.

The evening proceeded with videos, montages of images, testimonies read out, symbolic periods of darkness, performances, dance, and poetry.

Txell Sust and Mònica Rodas performed 'You've Got a Friend' in an emotional thank you to the essential workers who worked throughout the worst of the health crisis.

Relatives of victims described their experiences and paid tribute to their lost loved ones.

A teenage girl read out a text on hopes for the future, the Magic Fountain danced to the music of Dr. Prats' 'Al final tot anirà bé' (Everything Will Be Ok in the End), before there was a final reflection in honor of the more than 12,600 lives claimed by the pandemic in Catalonia since March.