What to do on Europe Day in Catalonia on May 9

Europe Day on May 9 is a day to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. May 9 is the anniversary of the Schuman declaration, which is considered as the beginning of the European Union. 

This year also brings the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and takes place a month before the European Parliament election for which over 450 million people are eligible to vote. 

Barcelona city council and various European entities and public institutions have announced a program of activities to celebrate Europe Day. It's the first time that the institutions and the European citizen movement have worked together to provide an activity schedule. 

The activities will start before May 9 and will last until June 9, the day of the European elections.

More than 40 entities and institutions are organizing activities for people of all ages, which are in line with the European values of democracy, integration and dialogue. 

With over 50 cultural activities, workshops, debates and expositions, there is plenty to do in Barcelona and Catalonia. 

Light up ceremony | May 8 | Barcelona 

Around 20 buildings will be lit up in blue. This includes some monuments in Barcelona such as the Arc de Triomf, the Liceu opera hall, Palau de la Música music hall, the Torre Telefònica tower and the Torre Glòries tower are some of them. 

European flag unfurling | May 9 | Park Estaciò del Nord, Barcelona 

The European flag will be unfurled at 11:30am at the park of Estacò del Nord. The flag will be 25 by 17 meters. Highschool students from various schools in the Catalan capital will participate in the unfurling and in a workshop about disinformation. 

Movie screening | May 8 | Cinemes Girona, Barcelona 

In Cinemes Girona movie theater in the Catalan capital they will play the Belgian comedy 'King of the Belgians' on May 8 at 7:30 pm. The 2016 mockumentary comedy film directed by Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth follows King Nicolas III's Istanbul trip when Wallonia declares its independence and therefore, Belgium, no longer exists. The movie follows the King in his return by land to his home country, or what is left of it. 

European Parliament Ambassador Schools | May 9 | Teatre Lluire de Montjuïc, Barcelona 

500 alumni of European Parliament Ambassador Schools will commemorate Europe Day in the Teatre Lluire de Montjuïc theatre. They will watch a video message from the European Parliament's president, Roberta Metsola, watch the recording of the LOFT podcast by iCat, follow an AI workshop and enjoy an interpretation of the European anthem by ESMUC musicians. The general director of communication of the European Parliament, Jaume Duch, will be present.

Cafè Europa | May 9 | Estació del Nord station, Barcelona 

In the evening of May 9 there will be a concert in the Estació del Nord station at 7:30pm, called Cafè Europa. The concert is free for anyone and stands for the socialization of Europe. Catalan artists Suu, Belgian artist James de Graef, Portuguese guitarist Marta Pereira da Costa and DJ Mauro Licci form the line-up. 

Stopping extreme right debate | May 9 | Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 

At 10:30am there is place for a debate on how to deal with the rise in popularity of extreme right political parties in Europe for youth. The debate will be accompanied by journalist Manel Riu, migration official Cristina Faciaben and political-science professor Sergi Pardos-Prado. 

Election night | June 9 | Ateneu Barcelonès, Barcelona 

The results of the European elections will be live streamed at the Ateneu Barcelonès in Cuitat Vella, the old town of Barcelona. In collaboration with European entities, journalists and analysists. There will be commentaries on the results and music.