Sagrada Família's newly finished Evangelist towers to light up on November 12
Celebrations for the tower completion will include a concert and castellers at the Basílica
Barcelona's unfinished Sagrada Família will celebrate the completion of two more towers by lighting them up on November 12.
The towers, depicting Evangelists Matthew and John, were crowned with the statues in late September. To celebrate this milestone there will be various activities and celebrations that begin on November 4 with a concert at 11 am by the Barcelona's Municipal Band.
Directed by José Rafael Pascual-Vilaplana, Barcelona's Municipal Band will play "Between Heaven and Earth" (Entre el cel i la terra), a repertoire of music that pays homage to the connection between nature, faith, and art.
On November 11, a human-tower "casteller" reunion will take place in front of the Nativity façade at 11 am with four of the city's "colles" groups.
Castellers de la Sagrada Família will be hosting the event, representing the four Evangelist towers together with Castellers de Sants, Castellers de Sarrià, and Colla Castellera de l'Esquerra de l'Eixample.
Then, on November 12, a service will be held by cardinal Joan Josep Omella at 5:30 pm as he blesses the towers.
Following the service, Sagrada Família will light up its four Evangelist towers for the very first time.
The celebration will continue past the towers’ lighting inauguration. On November 16, at Casa de l'Almoina in the Diocesan Museum, a conference will take place to discuss the meaning of the four Evangelists and their artistic representation in the towers.
Finally, on November 18, a painting contest will be held for art students aged 16 to 25 from 8.30 am to 2 pm.
Closer to completion
The towers of Matthew and John have brought Sagrada Família closer to its ultimate completion; it's expected that in 2026, the basilica will reach its highest point at 172.5 meters above sea level.
There are currently five towers still pending completion.
Podcast: Sagrada Família – one step closer towards its (tricky) completion
Learn more about the symbolism and hidden meanings behind every detail of the Basílica in Filling the Sink's podcast episode focused on Antoni Gaudís' most famous architectural work.