Barcelona welcomes international community for annual gathering

Barcelona International Community Day took place at the Maritime Museum on Saturday, bringing together the city's international community for its 13th edition.

Organised by Barcelona City Council, the annual event features a record 84 exhibitors – including Catalan News – alongside a programme of 68 activities.

Over 4,500 people attended from more than 120 countries, according to Barcelona City Council.

Integration

The fair includes public institutions, companies, associations and educational organisations offering information and services for people living and working in Barcelona.

This year's programme places particular emphasis on integration, with more resources dedicated to learning Catalan, volunteering and participation in local community life. 

Organisations promoting the learning and use of Catalan have doubled their presence compared with last year.

Visitors can also access advice and activities covering employment, entrepreneurship, housing, healthcare, education and other aspects of settling in the city.

The event runs until 7pm, with free admission for registered attendees.

Business idea born 

"My business actually came from Barcelona International Community Day," Amber Jackson, one of the event's host ambassadors, explained to Catalan News.

"I was looking for new services, and realized, looking at the stands, that there were so many, but I couldn't find them. That's why I decided to build a discovery platform, Penya, for expats to help them find services that they need in their everyday lives," she said.

The US citizen said being a host ambassador was a "very high honour, because there are six of us here representing different facets of the city, from different places around the world, to really show the depth and breadth of the international community here in Barcelona and how we all contribute in our different ways."

Angie, from Scotland, visiting Barcelona International Community Day for the third time, told Catalan News she was here "to explore, to connect with new people, and to see what's happening in the city."

"It's a really beautiful way to spend a Saturday morning," she said, adding that as an amateur photographer, it was the perfect opportunity to capture "the diversity of the community."

She praised the council initiative, saying it was a "great way for people to get support" in aspects such as legal advice and looking for jobs.