Getting to know Ester Gallén’s Barcelona
January, 15, 2024. Written by Clara De Nadal Trias
A new year begins, as well as new plans, new places, new faces (or maybe not so new...) of interesting people and characters from Barcelona to meet and to have on our radar. Thus, this January we have the great fortune to interview Ester Gallén. A strong woman with a long history and recognition in the communication and production sector and in the process we’ll be discovering her best kept secrets in the Catalan capital.
Hello Ester, a pleasure to share time with you. Let's start from the beginning... Personally, who is Ester Gallen?
I am a close person, a friend of my friends and in love with freedom. Restless and sensitive. I like to walk and above all enjoy the times I spend with myself. I am moved by people and I am passionate about life, in general. Everything I can learn every day is important to me.
Please tell us a confessable secret:
Everyone knows that I have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), putting the cutlery on the table correctly. Everything has to be centered, straight and millimetric.
And on a professional level… What do you do? What is your background?
I define myself as self-taught and perfectionist. In 1992, journalist Joana Bonet gave me the opportunity to participate in the launch of Woman magazine and from there I was literally hooked on everything in the publishing world. After 8 years I went to work at the XXL Comunicación agency where I was the director for 16 years and where, without a doubt, Alex Estil·les was another of the great mentors in my life. Finally, to complete the circle and finish my 360 degrees, I run Magna Productions, a photographer representation agency and production company. Three years later, Eduardo Sayas called me to create LIGHTHOUSE, currently the best agency in Spain. And for two years by now, I have been working on my own in communication and production, selecting the projects that really excite me.
What do you think is your greatest professional contribution to the city of Barcelona?
My great contribution has been sincerity with the sector and with myself, and making Spanish firms known and positioned internationally: Custo Barcelona, Sita Murt, Andrés Sardá... As well as with many more firms that I have had the pleasure of working with. Truth is that in the 90s, XXL Comunicación was already clearly committed to the internationalization of these Spanish firms and had an outward vision that distinguished it.
According to your personal experience... What is the best thing about living in Barcelona?
To go unnoticed in any place and corner of the city, be an anonymous person. Barcelona is and will be a free and cosmopolitan city.
What is your favorite corner of the city? And the most curious thing about Barcelona?
The Barcelona Cathedral is my favorite place. And the most curious thing in Barcelona (to me), is having experienced the change of opening to the sea in the year 92 thanks to the Olympics Games.
What are your 3 favorite restaurants or bars in Barcelona and why?
Ca L’Estevet fascinates me. It's like going back in time, like the old inns of yesteryear. Then I will say Terraza Martínez, for its impeccable views and its good rice dishes. Also El Bilbao, a classic in which I spent a large part of my youth having lunch with my best friends. And I finish with Merendero de la Mari, for its excellent service and family tradition.
If someone who has never been to Barcelona would asked you... What can I not miss, do, or visit?
Well here I'm going to be very classic... Someone who has never been to Barcelona shouldn’t leave without first going to Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, la Pedrera and Sagrada Familia. Afterwards, I would recommend walking down the Ramblas of Barcelona until you discover the sea, the Statue of Columbus and take a boat ride on the mythical Golondrinas.
What is your favorite plan in the city?
My favorite plan is to leave the house for a walk along El Borne neighbourhood and finish with an aperitif at Xampanyet.
And what would your perfect day in Barcelona be like?
My perfect day is to get up, buy the newspaper and walk with Patxi (my dog). In the afternoon I escape to see a photography exhibition. Lately, as I’ve recently move to live in Poblenou neighbourhood, I go to the KBr at Mapfre Foundation a lot.
If you didn't live in Barcelona... Where would you live?
Definitely in Milan. It's like my second home.
If Barcelona were a person... Who would it be?
Andrés Sardá.
And to finish... Please, mention someone I should do this interview to?
The photographer Carlos Puig, or the film director María Ripoll.
Thanks Ester, all note it!
Interview and translation by Clara De Nadal Trias
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