The bird's eye view of the Federal Palace in Bern shows its magnificent domes and the neighbouring square, embedded in the lively cityscape, making the scene appear dynamic and sublime.

International community activities

Published: 10.10.2025

The international community engages in cultural exchange with the local population through various events. Every year, there are numerous activities in and around Bern that give the local population a cultural and culinary insight into different nations. Find out more about how the international community is involved in Bern.

Latin American and Caribbean Film Festival

The Latin American and Caribbean Film Festival in Bern has been showing international films for 13 years. For about six weeks, films from various Latin American countries flash across the screen, and it’s free to attend.

Auf dem Bild ist das Programm der Filmfestivals 2025 zu sehen.

Football, bread and diplomacy

The diplomatic missions of the countries whose women's football teams will be playing in Bern in the summer of 2025 as part of UEFA WEURO have provided a Bernese bakery with traditional pastry recipes.

Will there soon be a new bread from Italy, Iceland, Spain or Portugal in Bern? The international variety of bread specialities is already very popular with the local population.

Click here for the “Country breads” project

Three people look into the camera with a smile. They are standing in a bakery. In front of them - beautifully draped - are Spanish rolls with ham and tomatoes. Behind them is a Spanish scarf. The scene looks cheerful and joyful.

Two men clink glasses of wine in a bakery and hold a slice of pizza bianca in their hands. One is the baker, the other the Italian ambassador. The scene is cheerful and convivial.

Someone is spreading strained tomatoes on a Spanish roll. The scene looks warm and invites you to try it for yourself. There are more bread rolls, olive oil, salt, tomatoes and garlic on the table.

Asia-Pacific Film Festival

The first Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Bern was organised by the embassies of the Asia-Pacific region in Bern. Over the course of two weeks, from January to February 2025, the film festival showcased the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of the different regions.

International cuisine in Gross-Wabern

The Gross-Wabern restaurant has once again organised a culinary week in collaboration with an embassy in Bern. Together, they create a menu full of the flavours of the embassy’s home country, which the local community can sample during the week-long event.

Click here for the Mexican Week

Latin American food & culture festival

Every year, the Latin American food and culture festival sets up its tents and food trucks on Münsterplatz. As well as typical local dishes, there’s live music, traditional crafts and, best of all, a great atmosphere! The event is organised by the Latin American embassies in Bern.

The picture shows dancers in traditional Latin American dress performing passionately on a stage. The colourful costumes and the cheerful charisma of the dancer convey a lively and festive atmosphere.

The picture shows a colourful cultural performance at a festival in Bern. A dancer in traditional costume performs on stage, surrounded by enthusiastic spectators and flags from various countries. The atmosphere is cheerful and festive.

The picture shows a lively scene at a street festival in Bern, where visitors stroll between numerous market stalls. The atmosphere is exuberant and people are enjoying the sunny weather and the cultural diversity.

The picture shows a lively street festival with a cheerful crowd of people standing amidst colourful market stalls on a historic square. The atmosphere is exuberant and friendly, ideal for a cultural and food festival.

Don’t want to miss out on the exciting activities of the international community? We’ll keep you posted on X: @_IBWD

Taste of Home

A culinary and cultural voyage of discovery in Bern: over the course of a week, guests were able to sample dishes from all over the world in various Bernese restaurants. The dishes were prepared by chefs with a refugee background, who worked together with Bernese restaurateurs. The ‘Taste of Home’ festival was organised for the first time in Bern by UNHCR Switzerland and the Mazay association.

The picture shows two chefs in a professional kitchen. The woman is smiling as she peels an apple and looks at her colleague, who is showing her something. The relaxed, cheerful atmosphere conveys team spirit and the joy of preparing food together.

The picture shows a group of people serving themselves at an outdoor buffet. The scene is bathed in warm light, creating a cosy, almost informal atmosphere. The faces appear interested and sociable, full of the joy of eating together.

The picture shows a hand dripping red drops onto a creamy soup with a spoon. The scene appears careful and loving, the gesture gives the moment a special attention to detail, creating a warm and enjoyable atmosphere.

The picture shows a cheerful group of adults and children outdoors. The children smile at the camera and show peace signs. The adults are holding plates, ready to share a meal. The atmosphere is exuberant and warm, full of joie de vivre.

The picture shows a person filling a plate with a variety of dishes at a buffet. Spices and fresh food are arranged on a colourful table. The scene is lively and inviting, conveying the joy of eating and socialising in a cosy atmosphere.

Two chefs work together in the kitchen, focussed on their work. The woman carefully places the dough on the hot tray while the man looks on with a smile. The atmosphere is relaxed and harmonious, full of the joy of cooking together and with a noticeable team dynamic.

The picture shows a fresh portion of salad made from carrot strips and sesame seeds, skilfully arranged on a white plate. The colours are vibrant, the texture crispy. The presentation conveys the lightness and joy of healthy, lovingly prepared cuisine.

About us

The International Bern Welcome Desk supports the international community in Bern and contributes to its network as an official contact and liaison office.

Find out more about the International Bern Welcome Desk