The Barri Vell of Girona registered a high influx of visitors this Saturday on the occasion of the start of the new edition of the Temps de Flors festival. The organization has implemented access control measures due to the forecast of rain for the afternoon.
Security devices have established one-way circuits on the narrowest streets. People counters have been installed at strategic points to regulate pedestrian traffic and prevent dangerous crowds.
Surveillance restricts the passage of bicycles
Carlos Vargas, in charge of surveillance on the ascent to the Cathedral, has assessed the development of the initial day. The official has highlighted the effectiveness of the operations in maintaining order in the most densely populated areas.
"Quite calm" - Carlos Vargas, surveillance manager, Temps de Flors
The security team has focused its efforts on preventing access by bicycles among the crowd. This measure seeks to guarantee the integrity of pedestrians who travel through the slopes of the old town.
The artistic installations have acted as focal points of attraction for the public. The work Quiosco de las flores, located on the ascent of the Pont de Pedra, has concentrated a great demand for photographs.
Laura Bartra Riera and Anna Sancho Rutllant are the authors of this visual proposal. Its design has managed to capture the attention of attendees since the early hours of the morning.The Cathedral's Stairs Pay Tribute to Gaudí
Teresa Vidal's installation on the Cathedral stairs pays tribute to the Gaudí Year. The installation incorporates the figure of the Cocollona, a mythical being based on a local legend.
This fantastic animal is described as a creature half crocodile and half butterfly. The piece integrates Gerundense folklore with the modernist aesthetic of the Catalan architect.The diversity of opinions among attendees reflects the heterogeneous impact of the proposals. Diana Nieves, a visitor from Canada, has expressed her reservations about the integration of certain works.
"I guess it doesn't quite fit in an old city" - Diana Nieves, Canadian visitor
Luis Palma, who arrived from Barcelona, has indicated that the experience is positive. However, he has admitted that he expected a smaller turnout on this first day.
Andrea Coste, from Romania, has maintained her loyalty to the event for twelve years. The tourist has described the current edition as beautiful and different from previous ones."It is different; it is beautiful" - Andrea Coste, Romanian visitor
The massive attendance has generated constant movement in the local hospitality industry. Bars and businesses in the historic center have experienced a temporary transformation of their usual dynamics.
Coste has indicated that he still has part of the planned route left to see.