Barcelona, April 17, 2026 – The Gabriel García Márquez Library in Barcelona hosted a significant meeting this Friday between Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, and Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona. Despite a notable delay, the event served to “strengthen ties with Latin America and its literature,” as emphasized by Mayor Collboni, who affirmed Barcelona’s strong connection to the region.
Cultural Exchange and a Symbolic Donation
The Colombian government, in collaboration with photographer Mauricio Vélez, officially donated a portrait of Gabriel García Márquez to the city of Barcelona. President Petro described Barcelona as a city that “has been and is revolutionary.” A representative from the Colombian delegation highlighted the portrait as “an emotional and cultural heritage,” signifying a reinforcement of cultural bonds with Barcelona through this gesture.
President Petro underscored the profound power of words, stating that “words are superior to weapons” and gain even greater force when united with the masses. Following his remarks, the President signed the city’s guest book, inscribing that Barcelona “is magical like Colombia” and that “in invention, there will always be revolution.” The event also saw the attendance of renowned artist Joan Manuel Serrat.
Context of the Meeting
This cultural exchange took place within a week that also featured the Global Progressive Mobilisation, further contextualizing the meeting as part of broader international collaborations and discussions.
The event at the Gabriel García Márquez Library highlights Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to fostering international cultural connections, particularly with Latin America, and recognizing the significant contributions of its literary figures.
