The celebration moved to Lucas Miret Square this year, hosting one of the main new features of the event: the first inclusion walk. Around 400 people of different ages, abilities and support needs followed an accessible three-kilometer route around the Expo grounds. Beyond promoting physical activity, the walk served to champion the right to enjoy public spaces without obstacles.
After the route, the square filled with free activities open to everyone. Attendees could take part in adapted yoga and functional training, enjoy skating with Asociación Patinar Zaragoza and participate in a wheelchair obstacle course, a sensibilization activity designed to highlight some of the difficulties people with reduced mobility face every day.
MUSIC, CIRCUS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES
The program also made room for creativity and entertainment. Highlights included simultaneous chess games with Cristóbal Ramo, an origami workshop organized by the Zaragoza Origami Museum School (EMOZ) and children's crafts activities by Grupo Teatro Ampa Vedruna.
Entertainment accompanied participants throughout the morning with performances by the Clowntagiosos, popular music from La Mancheta and the itinerant circus show Vals de la Harinera. The Star Wars characters from Legion 501 were also present, sharing the day with attendees.
Lord Beyron provided the music for the celebration, while Orgullo Disca presented various inclusive dance activities. Dance and artistic expression thus joined sport and cultural activities as forms of participation open to people with different abilities.
A CALL FOR AUTONOMY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The most emphatic call for change came with the reading of the Inclusion Manifesto, involving representatives of Fundación Dfa’s board of trustees and management team, together with Spain’s government delegate in Aragón, Noelia Herrero, representatives of various Aragonese institutions and Cermi Aragón.
"This morning, we walked together in a march that we hope will be much more than one part of the celebration. It represents the path we want to follow as a society. A path where no one has to be left behind because they cannot go out, where no one sees their future closed off by prejudice and where no one has to fight alone for something they are entitled to," said Marta Valencia, president of Fundación Dfa.
Through the manifesto, the organization called for concrete measures to guarantee the autonomy and equal opportunities of people with disabilities. Its main demands include access to adapted housing, support to lead an independent life, the removal of barriers in transport and public spaces, decent employment and healthcare tailored to their needs. It also highlighted the specific discrimination faced by women with disabilities.
The day ended to the rhythm of Orgullo Disca, bringing a particularly significant edition for the organization to a close. This year’s Inclusion Festival coincides with Fundación Dfa’s 50th anniversary; since 1976, it has worked in Aragón to defend rights, autonomy and improvements in the quality of life of people with disabilities.
