In recent days, Catalonia and Barcelona have been in the spotlight thanks to successful collaboration on the international stage. The recent delegation trip led by President Salvador Illa to Mexico was not just a diplomatic visit, but a true launchpad for a new strategy to promote the region beyond Europe. During the official program, representatives from the Catalan government and Barcelona’s city hall emphasized that working together is already yielding tangible results and opening new opportunities for Catalonia’s presence in Latin America.
Particular attention was drawn to the presentation of Catalan culture at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), where Barcelona was featured as the guest of honor. President Illa took the opportunity to highlight the successes of both the city and the region, as well as the renewal of close ties between Catalonia and Mexico. According to him, such initiatives strengthen not only cultural but also economic relations, and help build a positive image of Catalonia on the world stage.
New horizons
During the visit, the delegation attended several key events, including the president’s address in the Mexican Senate and a lecture at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). These meetings served as a symbolic culmination of a packed agenda that focused on issues of historical memory, academic exchange, and joint projects. Representatives from both sides noted that cooperation between Catalonia and Barcelona could serve as a model for other regions seeking international recognition.
Interestingly, even gastronomy became part of the cultural exchange: in Yucatán, one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations, Catalan cheesecake—a unique combination of traditional Catalan cream and classic cheesecake filling—has gained particular popularity. This dessert has become a kind of symbol of successful cultural fusion and an example of how Catalan traditions resonate across the ocean.
Joining forces
Joint efforts by the Catalonian government and the Barcelona city hall were made possible thanks to political stability and shared interests on both sides. After several years of political disagreements related to the independence movement, the current authorities have established constructive dialogue and developed a unified strategy. Their success at the Guadalajara Book Fair confirmed that coordinated efforts yield the greatest results.
President Ilia noted that it is the synergy between the city and the region that enables outstanding results on the international stage. In his view, Mexico’s experience should serve as a starting point for further expanding Catalonia’s presence in other Latin American countries, as well as in Asia and North Africa. In the coming months, efforts in these directions are set to intensify, which should strengthen the region’s position in the global market.
Spain’s Role
The central government of Spain also plays an important role in implementing the international strategy. During the visit to Mexico, Spain’s ambassador Juan Duarte Cuadrado actively took part in events, supporting the initiatives of the Catalan delegation. Although his presence was not highly visible to the broader public, representatives from Catalonia and Barcelona repeatedly highlighted the significance of such support for the successful advancement of shared interests.
In his speech at the Mexican Senate, President Ilia reminded that Barcelona ranks third in the world in terms of the number of consulates, behind only New York and Hong Kong. This underscores the city’s high international standing and its important role in global affairs. Authorities in Catalonia and Barcelona are confident that further cooperation with the central government will make it possible to carry out the most ambitious projects on the world stage.
Plans for the Future
Despite the progress made, representatives of the Barcelona city council note that not all opportunities have been fully seized. For instance, they regret not having participated in President Illa’s recent trip to Japan, where international cooperation was also discussed. In the future, they plan to coordinate more closely and align their schedules to represent the interests of Catalonia and Barcelona abroad as effectively as possible.
The Mexican experience has demonstrated that promoting Catalan culture and language is possible not only through traditional channels but also by leveraging modern scientific and technological advancements. The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (Barcelona Supercomputing Center – Centro Nacional de Supercomputación, BSC-CNS) plays a particularly important role in this process, emerging as a new calling card for the region on the international stage.
In case you didn’t know, Gerardo Illa (Salvador Illa) has served as President of the Generalitat of Catalonia since 2024. Prior to that, he was Spain’s Minister of Health and gained recognition for his effective management during the pandemic. The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) is one of Europe’s leading research institutes, specializing in high-performance computing and scientific and technological innovation. Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, actively supports the city’s international initiatives, working to position Barcelona as a key hub for global cooperation.
