In the atrium of the Culinary Institute of Barcelona (CIB), there is a unique map of the world—unlike any other. This map is blind: it bears no borders, no country names. At CIB, we believe in an egalitarian world, one not defined by cultural constructs or stigmas that divide us. Here, we are all equal, and this map is a symbol of the equality that guides us.
This map represents not just geography, but the very essence of CIB: a global, diverse community made up of students from every corner of the world, each bringing their dreams, their stories, and their passion for food. Every story is marked on our map by a small light, shining wherever one of our students calls home.
Finding your light on the map is a deeply emotional ritual on the first day at CIB. It’s a moment when each student sees themselves reflected in this global tapestry of lights—and understands that despite our differences, we all share the same passion and the same purpose: to grow, to learn, and to share our culinary culture with the world.
But putting up these lights is more than a routine task. In the days leading up to each new convocation, our team gathers to turn on new lights, knowing that each one represents a person who has chosen to entrust us with their professional development. It is an act full of symbolism—a moment in which we reflect on the responsibility and honor of welcoming students from around the world, and how each of them contributes to making CIB a truly unique place.
Sometimes, in the excitement of preparation, a light might be forgotten. When that happens, we invite the student to place it themselves—because at CIB, every voice and every story matters. This gesture underscores our commitment to equality and inclusion, reinforcing the idea that every student is truly at the center of our world.
This map has also become a focal point—a place where students and visitors pause to take photos and selfies that celebrate the diversity and unity CIB represents. It is a reflection of our belief in a world without borders, where what truly matters is talent, passion, and the desire to learn.
And beyond its symbolism, the map is also a wonderful exercise in geography. It’s fascinating to see how the lights trace the invisible rivers and mountains of the Nile, the Mississippi, or the Missouri—outlining, with their glow, the undrawn contours of a world that now holds more than a thousand points of light.
In the coming days, with great excitement, we prepare to light up new stars. We’ve set aside time in our schedules so that some of us can take part in this beautiful ritual—honoring each student as the center of the world. Because at CIB, each light not only marks a place on the map, but also represents a step toward a world where we all begin as equals, and everyone has the opportunity to shine.