Barcelona International Community Day activities will encourage newcomers to get involved in the city

The twelfth edition of Barcelona International Community Day will take place on 25 October at the Maritime Museum, with a programme of nearly 60 activities for international professionals in the city. The programme will feature information sessions, round tables, workshops, networking events, cultural and entertainment activities and much more.

The event has become the leading forum for welcoming, integrating and networking within the international community living and working in Barcelona. This year, with the theme I’m Barceloní by Choice, the focus will be on activities and resources that support newcomers’ integration and involvement, helping them to truly feel like city residents.

A helping hand to settle in

The activities designed to support newcomers as they arrive and begin building a life in the city will include a series of information sessions covering a wide range of topics. Participants can delve deep into tax issues and learn about their obligations and benefits with Entre Trámites, while Banc Sabadell will provide insights into Barcelona’s property market, along with tips on finding the right home. There will also be a talk on the Catalan healthcare system, clarifying the differences between the public and private sectors.

Families will be offered a session on educational options and models to help them choose the right school for their children, while those interested in higher education will be able to learn more about the Catalan university system. Other sessions will address topics such as the challenges of culture shock when moving abroad, with a presentation by Eres Relocation, and the impact of cultural habits on day-to-day life in a new environment.

Learning Catalan and discovering Catalan traditions

Learning the local languages is essential when starting a new life in Barcelona. The Barcelona Language Normalisation Centre will host two sessions highlighting the importance of Catalan in the city. One will be a ‘language apéritif’, giving participants the chance to practise the language, while the other will be a dynamic, participatory workshop exploring the impact of speaking Catalan through the experiences of other international professionals in the city.

Catalan culture is also a defining part of Barcelona’s identity. The international community can learn more about it through activities such as a culinary workshop on how to prepare esqueixada (a quintessential Catalan salad of salt cod, peppers, tomatoes and onion) together with performances such as a ball de bastons stick dance – one of Catalonia’s most traditional folk dances – and a typical lively cercavila street parade from Terres de l’Ebre.

Ways to get involved in Barcelona’s local life

One of the best ways to connect with the city is through volunteering. Contributing to good causes is both a way to give back and to gain a deeper understanding of the local community and its diversity. The Catalan Social Volunteering Federation will showcase some of the volunteering initiatives in the city currently seeking support.

Local tourism is another excellent way to get to know Barcelona. The event will suggest ideas for exploring the city sustainably – on foot, running or by bike. Being informed about local current affairs is also important when settling into a new home. Participants can test their knowledge of recent events in the city through a quiz designed both to challenge them and to encourage connections with other participants.

The full programme of activities is now available. Access to all activities is free  with prior registration for the event.