Dancing between flags: my day at EuroVillage Baku
The salty breeze of Baku’s Seaside Boulevard carried more than just the scent of the Caspian Sea; it carried voices speaking a dozen languages, the rhythm of traditional Spanish flamenco blending with French chanson, and the laughter of strangers becoming friends. That’s how EuroVillage 2025 in Baku began for me: not with a grand entrance, but with a feeling that something beautiful was unfolding.
As a Young European Ambassador, I had the honour of representing Spain, though not the country of my origin, but one I have come to know and love as part of our shared European spirit. We didn’t just hand out brochures or maps at the stand; we invited people to experience Spain. “What does the red on the Spanish flag symbolise?” one of our quiz questions asked. “Passion?” a child guessed. “Bullfighting?” offered another. I smiled. “Courage,” I told them.“ You showed plenty of it, just by being curious.”
But it wasn’t just about Spain. Every stand told a story. The Study in Europe and EU Delegation stand had a photo booth where families, couples, and solo visitors captured their “window to Europe” moments. Latvia hosted engaging opportunities for youth, including scholarships and workshops, which sparked meaningful conversations about future change.
France set up a crêpe station that made half of Baku smell like butter and warmth. Bulgaria’s dance group pulled even the shyest into their circle. And somewhere between learning how to say “Ciao” in Italian and spinning a wheel of EU trivia, I realised something: this was not just an event, it was a celebration of how deeply connected we already are.
Young people were at the core of it all, not just showing up but leading the way. Many of my fellow Ambassadors weren’t just behind booths – we were on the stage, behind the cameras, helping with logistics, and sharing stories in every corner. We weren’t just talking about Europe. We were Europe!
And then, when the sun dipped low and the city began to glitter, came the moment that brought the crowd to life as the renowned Azerbaijani singers Samira Efendi and Aydan Hasanova lit up the night with a concert that felt more like a collective heartbeat. Arms waved, voices rose, and the crowd moved as one with no passports, no borders, united only by the music and a shared moment.
From my experience, EuroVillage was not only a window but also a mirror! A reminder that culture isn’t just something you observe; it’s something you live. Those flags may separate us on a map, but on the ground, they come together to make a mosaic. I walked in representing Spain, but I walked out feeling connected to everyone.
I’m Ayla Ahmadli, and that day I didn’t just represent a country. I represented a vision: one where no one is left behind, where diversity isn’t just tolerated but celebrated, and where being European means building bridges, not walls.
