View source for Expo 2008

{{Short description|International exposition in Zaragoza, Spain}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox World's Fair
| box_width       = 
| class           = Specialized
| category        = 3
| image           = Expo 2008 logo.PNG
| image_width     = 
| caption         = Expo 2008 official logo
| year            = 2008
| name            = Expo 2008
| motto           = 
| building        = 
| area            = {{convert|25|ha|acre|abbr=off}}
| invent          = 
| visitors        = 5,650,941 
| organized       = 
| mascot          = Fluvi
| cnt             = 104
| org             = 21 <!-- 17 communities, Ceuta, Melilla, EU + UN listed in text-->
| biz             = 
| country         = Spain
| city            = [[Zaragoza]]
| venue           = 
| coord           = {{coord|41|40|8.58|N|0|54|10.27|W|type:landmark_source:eswiki}}
| cand            = June 2003
| award           = {{start date|df=yes|2004|12|16}}
| open            = {{start date|df=yes|2008|06|14}} 
| close           = {{start date|df=yes|2008|09|14}}
| prevexpo        = [[Expo '98]]
| prevcity        = [[Lisbon]]
| nextexpo        = [[Expo 2012]]
| nextcity        = [[Yeosu]]
| suppl           = 
| prevsuppl       = [[Expo 2005]] 
| prevsupcity     = [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]] 
| nextsuppl       = [[Expo 2010]] 
| nextsupcity     = Shanghai 
| prevunho        = [[Royal Flora Ratchaphruek|Expo 2006]]
| prevunhocity    = [[Chiang Mai]]
| nextunho        = [[Floriade 2012|Expo 2012]]
| nextunhocity    = [[Venlo]]
| simuni          = 
| simspe          = 
| simhor          = 
| simoth          = 
| website         =  
}}
[[File:Expo 2008 Zaragoza.jpg|thumb|General view of the Expo 2008 site]]

'''Expo 2008''' was an [[international exposition]] held from Saturday 14 June to Sunday 14 September 2008 in [[Zaragoza]], Spain, with the theme of "Water and Sustainable Development". The exposition was placed in a [[meander]] of the river [[Ebro]]. It was coordinated by the [[Bureau International des Expositions]] (BIE), the organization responsible for sanctioning [[World's Fair]]s.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=2008 Zaragoza |url=https://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/2008-zaragoza |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=Bureau International des Expositions}}</ref>

[[Zaragoza]], the city of the international exposition, is the administrative and financial capital of the [[Autonomous communities of Spain|autonomous community]] of [[Aragon]] and [[List of municipalities in Spain by population|Spain's fifth most populous city]]. It was elected the host city of Expo 2008 on 16 December 2004 by the BIE, beating [[Thessaloniki]] ([[Greece]]) and [[Trieste]] ([[Italy]]).

The exhibition's most emblematic buildings were the [[Torre del Agua]], an {{convert|76|m}} high transparent building designed by Enrique de Teresa to evoke a drop of water, the [[Bridge Pavilion]] designed by [[Zaha Hadid]], and the river aquarium. The exposition site also hosted several events, including a daily parade by [[Cirque du Soleil]] called ''The Awakening of the Serpent''.<ref name=":0" />

Aside from the countries, non-government organizations and private companies took part in Expo 2008, always with the idea of water and sustainable development. Prior to the event, the Expo 2008 host committee estimated that the exposition could generate €135 million in tickets for admission to the exhibition center.

==Spaces and exhibitions==
===Thematic pavilions===
====Bridge pavilion====
{{main|Bridge Pavilion}}
[[File:Interior pabellon puente.jpg|thumb|right|View of Bridge Pavilion, inside.]]
The [[Bridge Pavilion]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/ThematicPavilionsExpo/BridgePavilion/seccion=112&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=110&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Bridge Pavilion |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322033031/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/ThematicPavilionsExpo/BridgePavilion/seccion%3D112%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D110%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=22 March 2013}}</ref> was one of the most emblematic buildings of Expo 2008. Designed by [[Zaha Hadid]], it was built in two levels with the shape of a [[gladiolus]] opening and closing. It joins the neighborhood of La Almozara and the Expo site with a central island in the river [[Ebro]].

The Bridge Pavilion hosted the exposition ''Water – a unique resource'', designed by [[Ralph Appelbaum Associates]], which tried to present water as a universal human right, to inform visitors how water is a unique resource and to explain water management procedures and encourage citizen participation.

====Torre del Agua====
{{main|Torre del Agua}}
[[File:Torre del agua.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Torre del Agua]]]]
The [[Torre del Agua]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/ThematicPavilionsExpo/WaterTower/seccion=113&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=110&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Water Tower |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809113606/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/ThematicPavilionsExpo/WaterTower/seccion%3D113%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D110%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=9 August 2012}}</ref> was another emblematic building of Expo 2008 and its vertical icon. Designed by Enrique de Teresa, it is {{convert|76|m}} high with {{convert|10400|m2|abbr=on}} of floor space. On the top floor, there is a {{convert|720|m2|abbr=on}} panoramic bar with fantastic views over Zaragoza. Inside the tower there is a {{convert|23|m}} high sculpture called ''Splash'', which represents a splash of water, "the arrival of life on our planet". The Splash sculpture, based on dynamic simulation systems, was designed by [[Mona Kim]], Todd Palmer, Olga Subirós and Simon Taylor from Program Collective.<ref>[http://www.programcollective.com/projects.php?m1=499&id_menu=512 Escultura Splash] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715120343/http://www.programcollective.com/projects.php?m1=499&id_menu=512 |date=15 July 2011 }} programcollective.com</ref><ref>[http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/espacios/webvida_accesible/en/equipo.html Splash Credits] expozaragoza2008.es {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828104359/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/espacios/webvida_accesible/en/equipo.html |date=28 August 2010 }}</ref>

The Torre del Agua hosted the exposition ''Water for life'' where "audiovisual media and lighting play a key role in the way the contents are communicated".

====Aquarium====
[[File:Acuario fluvial de Zaragoza.jpg|thumb|River Aquarium]]
This thematic pavilion,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/ThematicPavilionsExpo/Aquarium/seccion=114&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=110&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Aquarium |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809113650/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/ThematicPavilionsExpo/Aquarium/seccion%3D114%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D110%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=9 August 2012}}</ref> which remained in operation after the expo,{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} is the biggest [[freshwater aquarium]] in Europe, with 300 species of fauna from rivers around the world in 60 tanks or terrariums. Rivers represented are:
*The [[Nile]]: It contains species of the great African lakes. It also has crocodiles and an exhibition on the [[Mediterranean]] and the [[Red Sea]].
*The [[Mekong]]: In this river visitors will find species of the [[Himalayas]], gardens from the river's lower course, the Pacific Ocean and [[coral reef]]s.
*The [[Amazon River]]: It is divided into three different areas. The first of them is the [[Amazon jungle]] with its [[coconut tree]]s and [[mangrove]]s. The second area is about the Amazon forest while the third area is the [[mangrove swamp]] with an exhibition on the Atlantic Ocean.
*The [[Murray-Darling river]]: This exhibition begins in the flooded regions and goes through desert areas. It finishes with a video exhibition about birds.
*The [[Ebro]]: It is also represented in two areas. The first area is a mountain cave and the second is the course of the river. There will also be an exhibition on the [[Mediterranean Sea]].
*The "World River": It represents the past, when "all the continents were united as a single island surrounded by ocean".

===Thematic squares===
====Thirst====
[[File:Parque Metropolitano del Agua (Zaragoza).jpg|thumb|View of the Torre del Agua]]

This thematic square employed mirrors, audiovisual projections and combinations of light and sound to create optical illusions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Thirst/seccion=116&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=115&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Thirst |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724220305/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Thirst/seccion%3D116%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D115%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=24 July 2012}}</ref> It was {{convert|46.7|m}} in diameter, covering a total area of {{convert|1640|m2|abbr=on}} of which {{convert|820|m2|abbr=on}} were the exposition area.

====Igloo of salt====
Designed by Cloud 9 / Enric Ruiz-Geli, this plaza's architecture was that of an enigmatic building. It was an inflatable structure covered with salt that reflected the sun's rays and lit up at night as if it had stored all of the necessary energy to continue to function.

This themed plaza was designed according to Expo 2008's sustainability criteria: the use of [[PVC]] was avoided in electrical wiring, as well as tropical wood, synthetic varnish or solvent-based paints; taps made use of water-saving systems. Additionally, the frame was hired out to avoid having to [[Demolition|demolish]] it once the expo was complete.

The use of [[Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene|EFTE]] in the building's three-layered roof made air conditioning unnecessary. One of the EFTE layers was silver-plated to [[Refraction|refract light]] and prevent outside heat from penetrating the building; air in the inflatable components and a [[Brine]] system irrigating them cooled the interior. All of this created a temperate building, meaning that the [[HVAC|climate control system]] only needed to work against [[Thermoregulation|body heat]] produced by visitors and heat given off by equipment used in the exhibition. This way the organisers could make use of a system that was much more sustainable and inexpensive than conventional air conditioning.

====Cities of water====
This square had no walls, so its contents were visible from outside.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Citiesofwater/seccion=117&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=115&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Cities of Water |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724220355/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Citiesofwater/seccion%3D117%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D115%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=24 July 2012}}</ref> The exhibit was about water as an "urban resource" and a "natural element in the process of improving quality of life in cities".

====Extreme water====
[[File:Canal de aguas bravas de Zaragoza.jpg|thumb|Channel of brave waters]]
This square symbolised the moment when a wave breaks on the beach.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Extremewater/seccion=118&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=115&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Extreme Water |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024222607/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Extremewater/seccion%3D118%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D115%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=24 October 2008}}</ref> It was divided into two areas: the first was the sensorial area with 120 mobile seats where audiovisuals were projected; the second was the ideas area with interactive platforms, images and texts about water and its risks.

====Oikos, water and energy====
This exhibit was about getting energy from water.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Oikoswaterandenergy/seccion=120&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=115&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Oikos: water and energy |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802033007/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/Oikoswaterandenergy/seccion%3D120%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D115%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=2 August 2012}}</ref>

====Shared water====
This thematic square<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/SharedWater/seccion=121&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=115&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Shared Water |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229090311/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/SharedWater/seccion%3D121%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D115%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=29 December 2007}}</ref> showed visitors how political divisions affect the management of water.

====Aquatic inspirations====
This square<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/AquaticInspirations/seccion=123&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=115&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Aquatic Inspirations |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809113523/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Themedplazas/AquaticInspirations/seccion%3D123%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D115%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=9 August 2012}}</ref> hosted the show ''El hombre vertiente'', created by the Argentine Pichón Baldinu, six times a day.

===Participants pavilion===
====Country pavilions====
More than one hundred countries, plus dozens of companies and NGOs, participated in Expo 2008. The confirmed list had these 104 countries<ref>[http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Participants/seccion=106&seccionRaiz=106&seccionDesplegar=119&idioma=en_GB.do "Expo Zaragoza 2008 :: Participants"]. ''expozaragoza2008.es''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403103922/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Participants/seccion%3D106%26seccionRaiz%3D106%26seccionDesplegar%3D119%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |date=3 April 2008 }}</ref> (arranged in alphabetical order):

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Participating nations
|-
|
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-4}}
* {{flag|Algeria}}
* {{flag|Andorra}}
* {{flag|Angola}}
* {{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}}
* {{flag|Argentina}}
* {{flag|Austria}}
* {{flag|Bahamas}}
* {{flag|Barbados}}
* {{flag|Belgium}}
* {{flag|Belize}}
* {{flag|Bolivia}}
* {{flag|Brazil}}
* {{flag|Bulgaria}}
* {{flag|Cameroon}}
* {{flag|Cape Verde}}
* {{flagicon|People's Republic of China}} [[China]]
* {{flag|Colombia}}
* {{flag|Costa Rica}}
* {{flag|Croatia}}
* {{flag|Cuba}}
* {{flag|Cyprus}}
* {{flag|Denmark}}
* {{flag|East Timor}}
* {{flag|Dominica}}
* {{flag|Dominican Republic}}
* {{flag|Ecuador|1900}}
{{Col-4}}
* {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
* {{flag|Egypt}}
* {{flag|El Salvador}}
* {{flag|Ethiopia|1996}}
* {{flag|France}}
* {{flag|Germany}}
* {{flag|Greece}}
* {{flag|Grenada}}
* {{flag|Guatemala}}
* {{flag|Guyana}}
* {{flag|Haiti}}
* {{flag|Honduras}}
* {{flag|Hungary}}
* {{flag|India}}
* {{flag|Indonesia}}
* {{flag|Italy}}
* {{flag|Jamaica}}
* {{flag|Japan}}
* {{flag|Jordan}}
* {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
* {{flag|Kenya}}
* {{flag|South Korea}}
* {{flag|Kuwait}}
* {{flag|Libya|1977}}
* {{flag|Lithuania}}
* {{flag|Malaysia}}
{{Col-4}}
* {{flag|Mali}}
* {{flag|Malta}}
* {{flag|Mauritania|1959}}
* {{flag|Mexico}}
* {{flag|Monaco}}
* {{flag|Mongolia}}
* {{flag|Morocco}}
* {{flag|Mozambique}}
* {{flag|Namibia}}
* {{flag|Nepal}}
* {{flag|Netherlands}}
* {{flag|Nicaragua}}
* {{flag|Niger}}
* {{flag|Nigeria}}
* {{flag|North Macedonia}}
* {{flag|Oman}}
* {{flag|Pakistan}}
* {{flag|Panama}}
* {{flag|Paraguay|1990}}
* {{flag|Peru}}
* {{flag|Philippines}}
* {{flag|Poland}}
* {{flag|Portugal}}
* {{flag|Qatar}}
* {{flag|Romania}}
* {{flag|Russia}}
{{Col-4}}
* {{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}}
* {{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}
* {{flag|Saint Lucia}}
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
* {{flag|Senegal}}
* {{flag|Slovakia}}
* {{flag|Solomon Islands}}
* {{flag|South Africa}}
* {{flag|Spain}}
* {{flag|Sudan}}
* {{flag|Suriname}}
* {{flag|Sweden}}
* {{flag|Switzerland}}
* {{flag|Tanzania}}
* {{flag|Thailand}}
* {{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
* {{flag|Tunisia}}
* {{flag|Turkey}}
* {{flag|Uganda}}
* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
* {{flag|Uruguay}}
* {{flag|Vanuatu}}
* {{flag|Vatican City}}
* {{flag|Venezuela}}
* {{flag|Vietnam}}
* {{flag|Yemen}}
{{Col-end}}
|}

The 17 [[autonomous communities of Spain]] and two autonomous cities of [[Ceuta]] and [[Melilla]] also participated, as did as the [[United Nations]] and the [[European Union]].

The pavilions for official participants were divided into eight large buildings and into five differentiated eco-geographical areas within the Expo 2008 Exposition site. Those areas were:

* Islands and Coasts
* Oasis
* Ice and snow
* Temperate Forests
* Tropical Rainforests
* Mountains and High Plains
* Grasslands, Steppes and Savannahs
* Rivers and Flat plains

[[File:Pabellón de España Expo 2008.jpg|thumb|Pavilion of Spain]]
[[File:Pabellon Aragon Expo 2008.jpg|thumb|Pavilion of Aragon]]
The joint pavilions corresponding to the eco-geographic areas of Grasslands, Steppes and Savannahs, Tropical Rainforests and Islands and Coasts, were built by the organisers to house the pavilions of countries of [[Sub-Saharan Africa]], Latin America and the Caribbean Community ([[CARICOM]]), respectively. The total surface area of the participating countries pavilions was {{convert|61667|m2|abbr=on}}.

Spain and the region of Aragon, as hosts, had their own separate pavilions. The Pavilion of Spain was designed by Patxi Mangado, and the Pavilion of Aragon, which resembled local basketweaving, by Daniel Olano.

====Citizen's initiative pavilion====
This pavilion had the shape of a beacon,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Participantspavilion/CitizensInitiativePavilion/seccion=139&seccionRaiz=178&seccionDesplegar=124&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Citizen's Initiative Pavilion |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809113542/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Spacesandexhibitions/Therecint/Participantspavilion/CitizensInitiativePavilion/seccion%3D139%26seccionRaiz%3D178%26seccionDesplegar%3D124%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=9 August 2012}}</ref> "a symbol of hope for the future of water in our world". It expressed the vitality of ordinary people and non-governmental organisations.
The ''Beacon'' was situated by the Bridge Pavilion entrance.

===Gold Prize award===
The [[Philippines]], on 19 September 2008 won the "Gold Prize", the Expo's highest award for a participating country. The award noted the quality of the Philippine pavilion's internal and external décor, consisting of 1,000 crystal-like bubble sand, as well as its functionality, which had supreme relevance to the exposition's theme of "Water and Sustainable Development". Tourism Secretary [[Joseph Ace Durano]] said "this recognition is truly well-deserved as our country’s wealthy aquatic life has been captured by the equally rich imagination of our fellowmen. While other countries utilized ultra modern technology, we chose to highlight more community-involved practices as well as natural land irrigation, aquatic recreation and marine resources preservation".  The Philippine pavilion's attractions included the meeting of the two [[mascots]], Fluvi and Filippo, and "Filipinas Te Espera Nights", a series of marketing events.<ref>[http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080920-161861/Philippines-wins-grand-prize-in-Expo-Zaragoza "Globalnation.inquirer: Philippines wins grand prize in Expo Zaragoza"]. ''Inquirer.net''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921144228/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080920-161861/Philippines-wins-grand-prize-in-Expo-Zaragoza |date=21 September 2008 }}</ref>

==Shows==
Expo 2008 had a 93-day-long show programme with more than 3,400 acts from more than 350 companies and artists. On the expo site, there were three shows called '''''major events'''''. They were:

===''Iceberg''===
This show was intended to be the artistic part of the Opening Ceremony, although the flood of the river Ebro in the previous days forced plans to change, as the set was situated in the middle of the river. Nevertheless, the show was presented each night starting on 20 June.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://actualidad.terra.es/cultura/articulo/iceberg-expo-zaragoza-2540351.htm |title=El espectáculo del Iceberg en la EXPO de Zaragoza comenzará el 20 de junio |access-date=14 June 2008 |website=terra.es |archive-date=15 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615041308/http://actualidad.terra.es/cultura/articulo/iceberg-expo-zaragoza-2540351.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Spanish director [[Calixto Bieito]] and the scenographer Alfons Flores were responsible for the set design while the music was by José Luis Romeo. The show had a huge iceberg with a minute human figure designed by the [[Catalonia|Catalan]] company FOCUS.

===''El hombre vertiente''===
This show, created by the Argentine Pichón Baldinu, was the artistic part of the Opening Ceremony on 13 June 2008, in replacement of ''Iceberg''. It repeated six times throughout the day at the thematic square Water Inspirations.

===''The Awakening of the Serpent''===
This water-themed parade took place every day at the Expo site as ''The Awakening of the Serpent'' wandered around the site. The parade's creative director was Jean François Brouchard and its artistic director Julien Gabriel. Canada's [[Cirque du Soleil]] participated with [[acrobatics|acrobats]], actors, gymnasts, singers and musicians.

===Bob Dylan and additional American artists===
Expo 2008 officially opened with a concert by [[Bob Dylan]], the Official Artist of Expo 2008.

Additional American artists scheduled to perform on the evening entertainment stage included [[Patti Smith]], [[Robert Cray]], [[Keb Mo]], [[Ruben Blades]], Canadian [[Diana Krall]], [[Stray Cats]], [[Los Lobos]] and [[Gloria Estefan]]. A performance by [[Philip Glass]] closed Expo 2008.

==Mascot==
[[File:Expo 2008 - Fluvi en el Pilar.jpg|thumb|upright|Statue of Fluvi and Ica next to [[Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar]]]]
The Expo 2008 mascot was Fluvi,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Fluvi/seccion=230&seccionRaiz=230&seccionDesplegar=456&idioma=en_GB.do |title=Fluvi |website=expozaragoza2008.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724220226/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Fluvi/seccion%3D230%26seccionRaiz%3D230%26seccionDesplegar%3D456%26idioma%3Den_GB.do |archivedate=24 July 2012}}</ref> a little anthropomorphic drop of water.

With his best friend Ica, the smallest drop of water, and Nico and Laurita, he fought against the pollution made by Sec and Raspa, the evil Negas.

Several postal services, including [[Correos]] in Spain and [[Qatar Post]] in Qatar, issued postage stamps commemorating Expo 2008 which pictured Fluvi.

==After the Expo==
{{Update|reason=Uses forward-looking information that is now 12 years old, actual outcomes are surely available|date=April 2020}}
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2018}}
The exposition site and its facilities were planned thinking of their usage as a new extension of the city when the Expo finished in September 2008. The expectation{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} was that some the buildings would be rented or transferred to several institutions. The Aragon Pavilion was to be converted into the head office of a regional ministry, while the landmark buildings of the Expo, the Torre del Agua and the Bridge Pavilion, were expected to be purchased by local financial institutions. The Spanish Pavilion was expected to be used by the [[University of Zaragoza]] to set up a new school of architecture.

The international pavilions were to be remodelled and converted into offices so that the site would become the main [[business park]] in Zaragoza. This space was also to have recreational establishments and restaurants.

Other expectations were that a great part of the site would be used for shopping establishments and for the construction of a [[science park]] for businesses.

The Aquarium, as the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe, has continued operation till the present day.

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160129132440/http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/ Official Expo 2008]
*[http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/2008-zaragoza Official website of the BIE]
* [http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/official-journal/2016/etc/se4/p219.html European Patent Office]
* [http://www.expomuseum.com/2008/ ExpoMuseum's Expo 2008 Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809005119/http://www.expomuseum.com/2008/ |date=9 August 2018 }}
* [http://expo2008poland.pl/ Polish Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080404164655/http://www.pavillondelafrance2008.fr/ French Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090918235309/http://www.expo2008-deutschland.de/expo_de/home/index.cfm German Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090212225530/http://www.expo08.dk/ Danish Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080420102116/http://zaragoza.expo-japan.jp/ Japanese Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110722033028/http://www.exposaragozza2008.it/home/index.php?%2F Italian Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080430032821/http://www.expo2008-portugal.com/hp.html Portuguese Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080224023648/http://expo2008.irimia.org/es Galician Pavilion]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090322173558/http://aragonguide.com/534/aragon-guide-about-emblematic-buildings-of-expo-zaragoza-2008-.html Expo Zaragoza 2008 Emblematic Buildings & Pavilions from Aragon Guide .com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070629222528/http://www.expo-zaragoza-2008.net/ Basic and Practice Information about Expo 2008]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110726023447/http://www.elfaro2008.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=335%2F ''Beacon'' official website]
* [http://we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2008/10/art-futura.php  The 21 metre tall Splash sculpture.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915090013/http://we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2008/10/art-futura.php |date=15 September 2015 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081008021626/http://www.clubofpioneers.com/blog/video-series-expo-zaragoza-2008---the-zaragozakioto-project-expo-2008-zaragosa-zaragozakioto/27/stories/637/  An upgraded video-serie about the Expo2008]
{{Commons category|Expo 2008|<br>Expo 2008|position=left}}

{{List of world's fairs in Spain}}
{{List of world exhibitions}}

[[Category:World's fairs in Zaragoza]]
[[Category:2008 festivals]]
[[Category:2008 in Spain]]
[[Category:2000s in Aragon]]
[[Category:September 2008 in Europe]]