Barcelona and Colombia unite at Biblioteca García Márquez with an unpublished portrait of the Nobel laureate and Petro's visit

A gathering at the Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez brings Barcelona and Colombia together. The city receives a previously unseen portrait of the Nobel laureate. Latin American culture gains prominence in the Eixample. Gustavo Petro’s visit shapes the local cultural agenda.

This Friday, the Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez became the epicentre of the cultural relationship between Barcelona and Colombia. The visit by President Gustavo Petro, accompanied by Mayor Jaume Collboni, put the spotlight on the importance of the literary and emotional ties that unite both cities. The event, marked by anticipation and the leaders’ delayed arrival, served to highlight the weight of Latin American literature in Barcelona’s cultural life.

During the event, the Colombian Government presented the city with a portrait of Gabriel García Márquez by Mauricio Vélez. The Colombian delegation highlighted the symbolic value of this work, considering it an emotional and cultural heritage asset that strengthens the connection between Barcelona and Colombia. President Petro emphasised the city’s revolutionary character and the power of the word over any other tool for social change.

In a gesture laden with meaning, Gustavo Petro signed the city’s book of honour, where he compared the magic of Barcelona with that of Colombia and championed creativity as a driving force for transformation. The presence of figures such as Joan Manuel Serrat added a special touch to a day that coincided with the Global Progressive Mobilisation taking place in the city.

The Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez, opened in the Eixample, has quickly established itself as a leading destination for lovers of Latin American literature in Barcelona. Its regular programme includes meetings with authors, exhibitions and activities that bring Latin American culture closer to residents of the neighbourhood and the entire city. The modern, bright space pays tribute to the Colombian Nobel laureate and has become a meeting point for those seeking new literary voices and perspectives.