Barcelona International Community Day returns on October 23

Expats from around the world in Barcelona will gather for the 7th International Community Day on October 23, as the annual event returns to its in-person format.

Over 70 exhibitors, including Catalan News, will be present at the fair where more than 50 activities are planned, including informative talks to get to know the city and its services, round tables, guided workshops, participatory spaces and entertainment activities such as live music and children's workshops.

According to 2020 city registration statistics, over 21% of residents of Barcelona were born abroad, and the International Community Day aims to be a meeting point for as many of them as possible. 

Registration for the event, taking place at the Maritime Museum in the Catalan capital, is already open and you can sign up for your free ticket here. 

Under the slogan ‘Back to (net) work!’, the event acts as a welcome to new arrivals to the city, as well as an opportunity for foreigners already here to meet people and network. 

The event, organized by the Barcelona City Council, was presented on Tuesday evening at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona.

Pau Solanilla, Commissioner for City Promotion in the Barcelona city council, told Catalan News that the “competitiveness and reputation” of the city is based on what the international community and talent can bring and “tell us about the city.” 

Solanilla explained that he wanted internationals to “feel part of the project of the city” as well as the future of Barcelona. 

Activities scheduled are broken down into six different categories: Personal landing, Work and Business, Enjoy Barcelona, Activities for Children, Networking Activities, Entertainment Activities. 

‘Personal landing’ activities will deal with topics such as healthcare, financial services, and housing. ‘Work and Business’ and ‘Networking Activities’ will give people the chance to find professional opportunities at the fair, while an entire room will be devoted to networking. 

At sessions themed ‘Enjoy Barcelona’, people will learn about things like eating sustainable food and social media influencing, while the museum garden will host the entertainment side of things with two concerts and a dance performance. For children, an area to “build a new world” with Lego will be present, as will face painting. 

Solanilla expects around 2500-3000 people to attend and believes that people are looking forward to getting away from screens and meeting again in person.

Click here to see the full programme of events scheduled for the Barcelona International Community Day on October 23 at the Maritime Museum.