The program will take place around September 21, the date of the International Day of Peace proclaimed by the United Nations, and aims to use culture as a tool to promote dialogue and coexistence. The activities will address issues including solidarity, diversity, human dignity, migration, memory and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, with events aimed at audiences of all ages.
The Councilor for Citizen Participation and Internal Affairs, Alfonso Mendoza, presented the program at the Juslibol Civic Center and highlighted its connection with the Zaragoza as an Educating City project. Mendoza also recalled that in 1999 UNESCO recognized Zaragoza as an "Emblematic Site of the Culture of Peace," referring to its tradition as a meeting point for different cultures and its character as a space of tolerance and interculturalism. According to the councilor, “Civic Builders” aims to “bring the debate on peace to the place where everyday coexistence is built, which is none other than the neighborhoods.”
PROGRAMMING
Among the initiatives is the exhibition "Forty Years of Peace Studies," by Pablo C. Lahoz, which can be visited at the Antonio Beltrán Civic Center in Garrapinillos until October 15. The exhibition brings together 16 large-format posters about conflicts, migration, the climate emergency and international relations. On October 4, Garrapinillos will also host the circus show "ISLA," by Isla D’Click, starring three castaways who will have to learn to collaborate to rebuild their lives. Casetas, Montaña, Peñaflor and Movera, meanwhile, will host "A Happy Day," by Ché y Moche, a production combining music and theater to explore stories of war, migration, memory and hope.
Juslibol will feature "Silver Tide: Young and Older People for Peaceful Coexistence," an exhibition created by the Higher School of Design of Aragón and the Luis Buñuel Senior Citizens’ Center, as well as "Parias," by Javier Aranda, and "Muga," by Cachito Show. In La Cartuja Baja, "Drawings for Smiles" will focus on refugees and will be accompanied by the concert "Slava," by the Orquesta de las Esquinas. Peñaflor will add the photography exhibition "Fiestas del 77," by Maribel Poc, along with "Flamenco with Andrea de Miguel" and "La Dignidad," by Gato Negro and PAI.
The program is rounded out by circus and puppetry events in other rural districts: "Paradise Cirkus," by Cirteani, will come to Monzalbarba with a reflection on violence and barriers; "Migrantes," by Títeres de la Tía Elena, will address in San Juan de Mozarrifar the right to migrate and choose a place to build a home; and "Trashumantes," by Sweet Chilli Circus Company, will use contemporary circus in San Gregorio to explore human fragility.
