On 24 and 25 October, sporting and creative events under the title “Olympic Quantum” took place in the Barcelona and Alicante areas of Spain, bringing together Latvian diaspora families, children and representatives of local communities. Over the two days, approximately 55 people participated in activities that offered opportunities to enjoy sports together, speak Latvian and strengthen their sense of belonging to Latvia. Inga Madžule, Remigration Coordinator of the Vidzeme Planning Region, also attended the events, informing families about opportunities to maintain their ties with Latvia and return to their homeland.
The first event took place on 24 October in Sant Just Desvern, near Barcelona, bringing together approximately 20 participants. The event was also attended by the Honorary Consul of Latvia in Barcelona, Ricardo Tobar Pascual, accompanied by his wife. He actively participated in the event and expressed his appreciation for the initiative, which helps strengthen the Latvian community in Spain.
On 25 October, “Olympic Quantum” continued in Elche, approximately 20 kilometres from Alicante. The event took place near Miguel Hernández University and attracted around 35 participants, mainly families with children. Despite the hot weather, participants enthusiastically took part in sporting activities, spending several hours together. Between exercise sessions and creative activities, there were plenty of opportunities for conversations, networking and sharing experiences. At both events, families expressed a strong desire to maintain their connections with Latvia and pass on the Latvian language to future generations. Conversations with participants revealed a wide variety of personal stories. Some families living in Spain have two Latvian parents who chose to relocate because of the warmer climate and lifestyle, while others are multicultural families whose children grow up surrounded by several languages and cultures.
For several families, Spain is not the first foreign country they have called home. For example, one participant moved to Spain with her children from Norway, where the children were born and raised. Although Norwegian is their primary language of communication, their mother wants them to learn Latvian and become familiar with their family roots. During discussions with diaspora representatives, considerable interest was expressed in summer camps in Latvia, where children could improve their Latvian language skills, meet peers and strengthen their sense of belonging to Latvia. Many families regularly visit Latvia during the summer and want their children to maintain close ties with their homeland, even while living abroad. Alongside the sporting activities, the events provided valuable opportunities for diaspora representatives to meet and connect with the Remigration Coordinator. Discussions focused on opportunities to return to Latvia, as well as ways to strengthen the presence of Latvian language and culture in families currently living in Spain.
In Barcelona, contact was also established with a diaspora representative involved in organising Latvian Song and Dance Festivals in Spain, bringing together groups from Latvia and other countries. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss future cooperation aimed at encouraging diaspora engagement and strengthening the exchange of information. Participants also showed considerable interest in receiving up-to-date information about events, summer camps and support available to families in Latvia. Closer cooperation with local Latvian communities is planned, using diaspora communication channels and social media platforms to share relevant information.
The contacts established during the events will help reach a wider audience of Latvian nationals living abroad with information about remigration opportunities and the support provided by the Vidzeme Planning Region. Information materials are also planned to be delivered to the Embassy of Latvia in Madrid.
The “Olympic Quantum” events highlighted the importance of opportunities for Latvian families living abroad to meet, participate in shared activities and maintain their connections with Latvia. Although each family has its own story and plans for the future, many share a common desire to preserve the Latvian language and their sense of belonging to Latvia. The new connections established during the events also open up opportunities for continued cooperation with Latvian communities in Spain beyond the events themselves.
