This March 14, Barcelona commemorated the International Day of Mathematics with a notable symbolic act: Plaça del Pi has been temporarily renamed Plaça de la constant matemàtica π. This initiative, promoted by the’Barcelona City Council and the Catalan Society of Mathematics (SCM), aims to promote mathematics among citizens, especially young people.
During the event, held mid-morning in the district of Ciutat Vella, the spotlight was on π, the constant that expresses the relationship between the circumference's length and diameter and can be rounded to 3,14—which is why March 14 (3/14 in Anglo-Saxon notation) is the date chosen for this international celebration. The square will keep this name until March 21, as part of a campaign to bring mathematics closer to everyone.
Additionally, within the program of activities to promote mathematical outreach, the Municipal Library Network organizes a series of talks on the relationship between mathematics and art, as well as educational workshops open to all ages.
The celebration will culminate on March 20 with the 30th edition of the Kangaroo Test, one of the most emblematic activities promoted by the SCM. This international competition, aimed at primary and secondary school students, has recorded a record participation in Catalonia, with over 110,000 enrolled students. With initiatives like this, the SCM reaffirms its commitment to the dissemination and promotion of mathematics among young people.
