Barcelona marked Europe Day on 9 May. The city held a comprehensive programme of institutional, educational, and cultural events. A main gathering at Glòries featured prominently. This marked the 40th anniversary of Spain's accession to the European Union.

Main Event at Glòries

The central event took place at the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona, known as DHub. This venue is located in the Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes area. The gathering brought together key figures from Catalan, local, and European institutions. Attendees included Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia, and Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, according to the Barcelona City Council.

Romano Prodi, former President of the European Commission and Prime Minister of Italy, delivered a notable address. His participation reinforced the pro-European character of the event. Prodi highlighted the continued relevance of the European integration project amid current global challenges.

The programme also included a round table discussion with Erasmus participants. Manuel Szapiro, Director of the European Commission Representation in Barcelona, and Sergi Barrera, Head of the European Parliament Office in Barcelona, moderated this session. The discussion emphasised the role of mobility, cultural exchange, and educational opportunities. These elements foster a more connected European citizenship.

The institutional commemoration concluded with the unfurling of a large European flag. This took place outside the DHub, in Plaça de Santiago Pey, accompanied by the European anthem. This gesture reaffirmed Barcelona's commitment to peace, democracy, cooperation, and unity. These values are represented by the European Union.

Combating Disinformation in Schools

Europe Day also featured a strong educational dimension. Primary and secondary school students participated in a gymkhana against disinformation. This activity occurred in the Jardins de la Maternitat. The European Commission Representation in Barcelona and the association Learn to Check promoted this initiative.

The gymkhana included challenges designed to help students distinguish real images from deepfakes. Participants also learned to verify sources and detect misleading content. This initiative aimed to strengthen critical thinking among young people. Disinformation presents a major challenge for European democracies today.

Iconic Landmarks Illuminated in Blue

To mark the occasion, several emblematic buildings and public spaces in Barcelona were illuminated in blue. This colour represents the European flag. Notable illuminated landmarks included the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Arc de Triomf, Torre Glòries, and the Sagrada Família. The three towers of Park Güell and the Hotel W also glowed blue.

A Citywide Musical Programme

Music played a prominent role in the Europe Day programme. On 8 May, Barcelona hosted three commemorative concerts. The Conservatory Symphony Orchestra performed the traditional Europe Day Concert. This took place at the Auditori Eduard Toldrà of the Conservatori Municipal de Música de Barcelona. Daniel Hurtado conducted the orchestra.

That same evening, the Sala Moragues at El Born, Museu d’Història de Barcelona, hosted the fifth edition of Sons d’Educació al Born. Students from the Escola Municipal de Música Eixample, Joan Manuel Serrat, performed the European anthem and other pieces. The Institut Municipal d’Educació de Barcelona, part of Barcelona City Council, organised this concert.

Also on 8 May, students from the Escola Municipal de Música Sant Andreu, Mestre Pich Santasusana, offered a concert. Their performance included the European anthem and other works. The Institut Municipal d’Educació de Barcelona also organised this activity.

The musical programme concluded on 9 May with FemJazz 2026. This European women's jazz concert was promoted by the Goethe-Institut Barcelona, the EUNIC network of European cultural institutes, and ESMUC. Performers from France, Italy, Germany, and Catalonia participated. The concert highlighted culture as a space for dialogue, equality, and understanding.

Reaffirming European Values

Barcelona transformed Europe Day 2026 into a celebration with clear institutional, educational, symbolic, and cultural dimensions. In the year marking the 40th anniversary of Spain's accession to the European Union, the day reaffirmed the European project's relevance. It also showed that cities, young people, culture, and civic participation all build Europe.

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Originally published by Barcelona City Council International. Read original article.