CNAB. PRIMER BANY DE L'ANY SOLIDARI 2026

In 1640, a major breakwater project was finalized in the Port of Barcelona, effectively trapping sediment that would eventually bridge the gap between the mainland and the ancient island of Maians. This geological transformation created the foundation for the neighborhood of La Barceloneta, where today hundreds of swimmers gather each New Year’s Day to brave the Mediterranean winter. Organizing this tradition, the CNAB hosts the Primer Baño del Año, a community event that transforms the city’s historic waterfront into a space of shared endurance.

Views from the water

As you enter the sea from the sands of Sant Sebastià, the skyline is dominated by the Torre Sant Sebastià. Built in 1931, this 78-meter steel lattice structure acts as the terminal for the Port Vell Aerial Tramway, providing a vertical reference point that frames the start of your swim. Looking toward the heights of the city, the profile of the Montjuïc mountain catches the light. The mountain holds a somber history, taking its name from the medieval Jewish cemetery that stood on its slopes before the tragic events of 1391.

Race day logistics

This annual tradition is characterized by its accessibility, with a nominal registration fee of 4 EUR, reflecting its roots as a local celebratory gathering rather than a high-stakes competition. Unlike the more demanding 98th Port of Barcelona Crossing held in October, or the intense open water sessions during the Challenge Barcelona Triathlon, this event prioritizes the social, symbolic act of entering the water at the start of the calendar year. While the area is rich with naval history—from the 1864 trials of the Ictíneo II submarine to the more recent discovery of a 70-kilogram Civil War bomb on the seabed—the event itself remains focused on the simple, bracing experience of the winter sea. Swimmers here are part of a lineage that includes the patrons of the historic Baños Orientales, who once used these waters as a sanctuary from the strict social codes of the mid-20th century.