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Oregon State University. Information and Global Social Justice: 2016 Barcelona

Activities in Catalonia

While we were in Catalonia, Spain, we participated in numerous activities (in addition to attending class and several academic and social justice focused presentations). Click on the map or view the slideshow to learn more.

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From Wikipedia: El Raval (Catalan pronunciation: [əɫ rəˈβaɫ]) is a neighbourhood in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The area, especially the part closest to the port, was also informally known as Barri Xinès or Barrio Chino, meaning "Chinatown". El Raval is one of the two historical neighborhoods that border La Rambla, the other being the Barri Gòtic, and contains some 50,000 people. An area historically infamous for its nightlife and cabarets, as well as prostitution and crime, El Raval has changed significantly in recent years and due to its central location has become a minor attraction of Barcelona. It currently has a very diverse immigrant community (47.4% of its population was born abroad, ranging from all South America, Pakistanis and Filipinos, to a more recent Eastern European community, especially from Romania. It is home to many bars, restaurants, and night spots.
This video highlights the main areas of the Gothic Quarter, which is the heart and center of the old Barcelona. Much of the area's origins can be traced as far back as medieval times, especially the time of Romans in the area. It is elaborately designed for the streets to lead to squares, and is interesting in that it is closed off to regular traffic in general due to the historical value, but is open to service vehicles and taxis. Here we can see the architecture and political/social influences on it.
We were lucky enough to get a tour from an American who lives in the Gaixample neighborhood. According to http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/393/gaixample.html, "Barcelona is a tolerant and open-minded city. Throughout its history, its inhabitants have been aware of the breakthroughs and progress being made by society. In the 1970s Barcelona was already a pioneering city in the fight for the rights of the LGTBI community. From the beginning of the Gay rights movement to the current Eurogames and Pride, together with same-sex marriages that have been held here since 2005, Barcelona has encapsulated the spirit of a modern, forward-thinking European capital. LGTBI tourism has been out of the closet for a long time in Barcelona. Tourists can enjoy a wide range of leisure and cultural attractions in an atmosphere of tolerance and freedom. Right in the heart of the Eixample is a rectangular area bordered by Carrer Balmes, the Gran Via, Carrer Urgell and Carrer Aragó. Known as the "Gaixample", it doesn't cater solely to the LGTBI community but epitomises the city's inclusive spirit (the Axel Hotel was the first hotel in the world to declare itself heterofriendly). The area offers a wide variety of gay-friendly bars, shops and restaurants. Many members of the LGTBI community have moved to this area and you can see the rainbow flag hanging from balconies and in shop and bar windows."