BATEC is a group set up by local residents to provide spaces where people can practice or learn Catalan in an informal way by taking part in different types of activities.
It arose from the need and interest of new residents from outside Catalonia to find spaces where they can learn about Catalan and practice it. Some have even studied it, but cannot find places where they can start to use it, which is how we really learn a language.
The BATEC group is made up exclusively of volunteers, and all activities are free of charge. The group also receives significant support from Ómnium Ciutat Vella. Founded in December 2024, BATEC has carried out sixteen activities over the first few months: from themed walks around the neighborhood about its origins and foundation, its architecture, cooperativism, and its illustrious figures, to board game spaces for sharing laughter, introductory yoga and body movement activities, visits to the Casa dels Entremesos where the Ciutat Vella giants are kept and where the neighborhood giants, Pep and María, are located, a color workshop, a poetry workshop, and even a karaoke workshop in Catalan.
Languages need speakers to keep them alive, and Catalan, a language with around 10 million speakers, will only survive if those who already speak it as their family language speak it normally with everyone and if newcomers have the opportunity to love it and make it their own, thus ensuring its transmission to new generations.
We need you to help drive the group forward. Contribute some of your time and your ideas.
