Palma city council celebrates month of childhood and adolescence with over 100 activities

The city council of Palma, through its Education department, has launched a new edition of the month of childhood and adolescence, featuring over 100 activities across various locations in the city throughout November. This initiative coincides with the celebration of Universal Children's Day and this year introduces a significant change by extending the duration of the programme from one week to the entire month, running from 4 to 28 November.

The programme is supported by various municipal departments, Amiticia, the Balearic Society of Paediatrics, and around 60 organisations focused on childhood and adolescence, alongside the participation of the Children and Adolescents Council.

Activities for all ages

The schedule includes cultural, educational, and sports activities, workshops, visits, meetings, and proposals for children's and youth participation. Highlights include family-oriented initiatives, activities for educational centres and professionals, community proposals in local neighbourhoods, workshops in community centres, and municipal libraries.

Notable events include the Fira B! Music festival from 4 to 7 November, the Family Support School by Projecte Jove with sessions on 5, 12, 19, and 26 November, and a visit to Can Balaguer on 6 November. The Nit de les Ànimes will take place on 7 November at Parc de sa Riera, while family workshops at Es Baluard Museum are scheduled for 7, 14, and 21 November.

Community engagement and educational opportunities

Other events include the Milla Son Gotleu on 8 November, the Red Cross Parenting School on 9 and 23 November, and a fencing workshop on 12 November at CEIPIESO Gabriel Vallseca. Visits to Bellver Castle and the Coves de Gènova are planned for 13 and 21 November, respectively.

The cultural programme also features a family concert ‘The Magic of Disney’ by the Palma Municipal Band on 14 November at the Xesc Forteza Municipal Theatre, and the ME_MMIX festival dedicated to electronic music on 15 November at the same venue. A family bicycle repair workshop will be held on 16 November at Parc de la Riera, with activities introducing Chinese culture by the Huayue Educational Centre on the same day and a class on 17 November.

Promoting children's rights and participation

On 20 November, representatives from the children and adolescents councils will participate in the Children's Parliament organised by UNICEF and the Parliament of the Balearic Islands. Guided tours to explore Palma's heritage and history will include a Modernism route on 23 November and a ‘City that looks at the sea’ route on 25 November.

Educational centres can join in on the didactic concerts by the Palma Municipal Band from 10 to 13 November, with two daily sessions at 10:00 and 12:00 at the Xesc Forteza Theatre. The Miró Mallorca Foundation will also run an extensive educational programme for schools and social entities, focusing on the figure and work of Joan Miró.

Support for professionals and community initiatives

The programme includes various initiatives for professionals working with children and adolescents, such as a conference by Pepa and José Luis Marín on 19 November at the Mar i Terra Theatre, and training capsules from Projecte Jove. A workshop on ‘Healthy and toxic male role models’ will be led by social educator Alejandro Pérez Cuero on 25 November at CEIP Joan Capó, followed by a session on ‘Unwanted loneliness in childhood and adolescence’ by psychologist José María Ramiro on 27 November at the Flassaders social centre.

Numerous community initiatives are being driven by intervention teams and social entities across Palma, including proposals from PIC Ponent with the Natzaret Foundation, PIC Ciutat Antiga with Red Cross Youth, and various activities in neighbourhoods like Son Gotleu, Pere Garau, and Camp d'en Serralta.

Inclusive activities and closing celebration

The programme also features activities open to the public, such as the walk ‘La Soledad, a neighbourhood to discover’ on 7 November, showcasing the historical, social, and architectural evolution of the area. The Flassaders social centre will host various awareness and training initiatives, including the UNICEF exhibition ‘My Rights’ and workshops on parenting and vital narratives.

Community centres will offer free workshops on children's rights and participation for children aged 6 to 12, while municipal libraries will provide specific programming with storytelling sessions, creative workshops, and scientific activities.

Among the highlighted activities are the ‘Space Rocket!’ workshop and ‘The city I love’ storytelling at the Coll d'en Rabassa library, as well as the ‘Green Science: Let’s save water’ lab and ‘Mission 2030’ escape room at the Molinar library.

In a show of solidarity and inclusion, the IV FANtastic Fiesta by Educaclown will take place on 15 November at FAN Mallorca Shopping, while Palma Aquarium will host a series of charitable activities on 21 and 22 November benefiting ASPAS Fundació, complementing the month’s programme.

The month of childhood and adolescence will culminate on 28 November with a closing party at Parc de Sa Riera from 10:00 to 14:00, featuring a wide range of free activities for all ages. Palma has held the title of Child-Friendly City since 2018, awarded by UNICEF for its commitment to promoting and defending children's rights, encouraging their active participation in decisions affecting them, and fostering collaboration to enhance their well-being. The city council is also implementing the Municipal Plan for Childhood and Adolescence 2023-2027, developed with input from various municipal departments, social entities, and non-profit associations.