The island’s council has organised 10 events for Universal Children’s Day, featuring theatre, cinema, music, family talks and opportunities for children and teenagers to have their say.
The Formentera Island Council (Consell de Formentera) has organised a programme of 10 events throughout November to mark Universal Children’s Day, celebrated internationally on 20 November. The programme includes theatre performances, concerts, film screenings, storytelling sessions and talks for families, as well as opportunities for children and teenagers to take part in public life on the island.
The activities began on Monday, 2 November, with ‘Vívete: Vides que inspiren vides’, an initiative organised by Proyecto Juntos for students at IES Marc Ferrer secondary school. The event took place at the Sala de Cultura in Sant Francesc during school hours.
The next event is scheduled for Thursday, 5 November, at 5pm, with a talk by Alba Cardalda entitled ‘Cómo mandar a la mierda de forma educada’ (How to Tell Someone to Get Lost Politely). The conference will take place in the Consell’s plenary chamber.
On Saturday, 7 November, two activities will take place simultaneously from 6pm. The Casal de Joves youth centre will host ‘El rellotge i el temps’ (The Clock and Time), an interactive activity focusing on screen use, while the Sala de Cultura will stage ‘El viatge de la Nuru’, a family theatre performance.
The programme continues on Wednesday, 11 November, at 5.30pm, with ‘La gallineta vermella’ (The Little Red Hen), a storytelling session presented by Myotragus Teatre at the reading space in Sant Ferran. The activity is recommended for children aged two and above.
Music will also feature prominently on Saturday, 14 November, when the group Batafaluga performs a family concert of traditional music at the Sala de Cultura, starting at 6pm.
Five days later, on Thursday, 19 November, the Casal de Joves will screen the film ‘La vida es bella’ (Life Is Beautiful), also at 6pm.
Children get their voices heard
One of the highlights of the programme will be the 15th Children’s Parliament, taking place on Friday, 20 November, coinciding with Universal Children’s Day. The session will begin at 11.30am at the Parliament of the Balearic Islands.
Children will also have an opportunity to make their voices heard in Formentera itself on Wednesday, 25 November, with a meeting of the Consell de Participació de la Infància i la Joventut, the island’s Children’s and Youth Participation Council.
The meeting will start at 10am in the Consell’s plenary chamber, next to the island’s Day Centre, giving children and young people the opportunity to express their views on issues that affect them.
The programme will conclude on Thursday, 26 November, with a talk by Julio Bonillo focusing on the importance of emotional responsibility in relationships with children. The session will begin at 5pm in the Consell’s plenary chamber.
Through this programme, the island council aims to combine entertainment and cultural activities with opportunities to reflect on education, family relationships and children’s rights. It also seeks to encourage younger generations to play a more active role in Formentera’s community life.
