The Temps de Flors festival opened its doors last Saturday in Girona with a massive influx of visitors in the Barri Vell. The organization activated specific security protocols to manage pedestrian flows in anticipation of rain expected for the afternoon.
The control device established one-way routes and installed people counters at strategic points. This measure sought to prevent crowds in the narrowest streets of the old town and ensure fluid circulation between the floral installations.
Surveillance maintains order in the Cathedral
Carlos Vargas, in charge of surveillance tasks on the Cathedral ascent, supervised the access of attendees during the day. The official highlighted that the atmosphere remained stable thanks to the discipline of the visitors and the preventive work of the security team.
"The day is being quite calm" - Carlos Vargas, surveillance manager, Cathedral ascent
The management allowed a constant and orderly passage through the areas of greatest tourist interest. The agents monitored the carrying capacity of the routes to avoid bottlenecks that could compromise the experience or public safety.
Access control worked without notable serious incidents during the central hours of the day.
Art Installations Grab the Spotlight
The Quiosc de les flors proposal, located on the ascent of Pont de Pedra, emerged as one of the main focal points of attraction. Laura Bartra Riera and Anna Sancho Rutllant signed this installation that recovers the aesthetic of old urban kiosks.
The installation quickly became a preferred setting for tourists' photographs. The integration of floral elements with structures reminiscent of historical urban furniture generated a high visual impact among passersby.
On the steps of the Cathedral, Teresa Vidal presented a work dedicated to the Year of Gaudí. The artist incorporated the figure of the Cocollona, a creature from the popular imagination of Girona, to connect local tradition with the celebration of the architect.
The combination of historical references and contemporary design defined the aesthetic character of this edition of the event.
Visitors value the experience amid criticism
The diversity of opinions reflected the complexity of intervening artistically in a protected heritage environment. Diana Nieves, a Canadian visitor returning to the city after her last visit before the 1992 Olympic Games, showed reservations about certain proposals.
"I guess it doesn't quite fit in an old city" - Diana Nieves, Canadian visitor
Nieves considered that some facilities were "too modern" for the historical context of the Barri Vell. Her perception contrasted with that of Luis Palma, from Barcelona, who was experiencing the festival for the first time after four previous stays in the city.
Palma positively valued the experience although he admitted to having expected a smaller turnout. Andrea Coste, from Romania, had twelve consecutive years of attendance at the event and recognized changes in the artistic proposal.
Coste described the current edition as "beautiful" and different, although he qualified that previous editions had been to his greatest liking. International participation continues to be a fundamental pillar of the festival's identity.