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The Mobile World Congress will be held in the Catalan capital for the seventh time. It will take place between 14th and 17th of February and will bring have an economic impact of 200 million euros on the city. Visitors are predicted to occupy 30,000 hotel rooms, 25% higher than last year. However, Barcelona could lose the Mobile World Congress’ organisation contract as the current one ends and other cities put forward their candidature.

The town of Vall de Boí hosted a 10th anniversary celebration of their recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mayor of Vall de Boí, Joan Peralada, hopes to promote more international exposure of the town’s many Romanesque churches.

The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage declared the Catalan tradition of human castle building, or ‘castells’, as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition was also awarded to the Mallorcan ‘Sibil·la’ chant, the traditional dance Flamenco and the Mediterranean Diet.

Human towers are one of the most unique traditions in Catalonia. This week at the UNESCO meeting in Nairobi (Kenya), "castells" may join the prestigious list of world heritage cultural assets.

The Barcelona World Music Festival will kick off the first week of October, bringing a wide offer of renowned music to the city. The festival will feature African music this year, showcasing artists such as Victor Demé, Nino Galissa, Bino Barros, Lokua Kanza and Don Bigg.

The most important conference on Middle East studies is being held close to Barcelona from today until the 24th of July. In the opening ceremony, Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, uncle of King Abdullah, has denounced the current situation in Gaza

Spanish team features no less than seven regulars from the Catalan champions. In a surprising week, Brazil and Argentina were sent home, while Spain reached semi-finals for the first time in its history.

FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola knew that by signing David Villa, the team would have a guarantee when it comes to scoring goals. The World Cup in South Africa is not proving them wrong.

Marquez and Messi stand out for Mexico and Argentina as Catalan players form part of Spain?s surprise defeat against Switzerland.