21st European Cultural Days 2025 in Berlin featuring Catalonia
Catalonia’s vibrant culture celebrated at the Museum of European Cultures with support from the Spanish Embassy
August 12th, 2025
The Museum of European Cultures (MEK) recently concluded the 21st edition of its annual European Cultural Days, dedicating this year’s program to the rich heritage of Catalonia. Organized in cooperation with the German Representation of the Government of Catalonia, the Ibero-American Institute PK, the Friends of the Museum of European Cultures Association, and with the official support of the Embassy of Spain, the event offered an immersive exploration of Catalonia’s identity through history, language, and the arts.
Catalonia, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula along the Mediterranean coast, has long been defined by a unique interplay between political autonomy, cultural independence, and historical challenges. During the Cultural Days, visitors attended a series of lectures and discussion panels where university scholars, writers, and cultural experts analyzed Catalonia’s varied past, the role of the Catalan language, and its influence on literature from the modernist period to contemporary works. The event also showcased Catalan and mixed bands, illustrating how traditional roots continue to inspire innovative and diverse musical expressions.
Beyond observing, attendees were encouraged to participate actively in the cultural experience. Workshops allowed visitors to learn basic expressions in the Catalan language, take part in the building of castells — human towers recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage — and explore traditional dances presented with a modern twist. Culinary elements also played a key role, with tastings of premium olive oils from the region, highlighting Catalonia’s strong gastronomic traditions. In parallel, the MEK hosted the exhibition “Vamos a la playa. Holidays under Franco”, offering a historical perspective on leisure and tourism under the Franco regime.
This year’s European Cultural Days successfully combined education, performance, and hands-on activities, fostering greater understanding of Catalonia’s cultural distinctiveness. The involvement of the Spanish Embassy and other partners underlined the event’s importance as a platform for cultural diplomacy, strengthening connections between Germany and Spain. By bringing Catalonia’s heritage to Berlin, the program created an opportunity for audiences to experience the region’s multifaceted identity in a way that was both intellectually enriching and emotionally engaging.
