An Event of Joy, Inclusion and Growth for the Community
Events dedicated to children and families are special occasions that not only provide fun, but also promote core values such as socialization, inclusion, and respect for the environment. Events of this kind help create stronger bonds between generations by providing a safe and creative space where everyone can actively participate, without the distraction of technology and with a focus on play and sharing.
A perfect example of these initiatives was “Bambini in Festa,” organized in September in Donnalucata by Centro Incontro, in collaboration with the City of Scicli. This event transformed the town into a lively Village of Games for children and families, bringing a breath of joy and stimulating the involvement of young and old alike. The turnout was remarkable, with many families and children enthusiastically participating, making the atmosphere even warmer and more lively.
The initiative featured 60 wooden play stations, an area dedicated to preschoolers and a creative canvas painting workshop. The main objective was to promote the importance of spending quality family time in an educational setting that fosters socialization and respect for the environment. The environmentally friendly and sustainable wooden toys were chosen not only for their educational value, but also to raise awareness of the need to reduce the use of plastics.
One of the most anticipated moments was the comic theater show with clown Lacoste, whose humor was able to involve adults and children, inviting everyone to reflect on the importance of knowing how to get involved. Through laughter and the active participation of the audience, the event made the participants the protagonists of the evening, in an atmosphere of collective sharing and fun.
Community Benefits and Link to the Territory.
Events like this represent more than just moments of entertainment. They become true tools of social cohesion, capable of breaking down generational and cultural barriers. Intergenerational participation in games and activities creates new opportunities for discussion, helping to strengthen ties within the community. In particular, they allow younger people to learn from older people, and vice versa, in an environment of mutual respect and exchange.
These events also offer important inclusion benefits, allowing children of different age groups and backgrounds to interact spontaneously, while parents have the opportunity to experience moments of sharing and complicity with their children. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, events that invite people to “leave their cell phones behind” to fully enjoy the present are a breath of fresh air for families as they rediscover the value of time spent together without digital distractions.
In addition, initiatives such as “Bambini in Festa” fit perfectly into the context of rediscovering the traditions and culture of the area. Donnalucata, like many other towns in the province of Ragusa, is steeped in a historical and cultural heritage linked to the Baroque era, and the enhancement of its hamlets through events of this kind helps to keep its identity alive. The return to old-fashioned games, built of wood, is not only a tribute to past generations, but also a way of reaffirming the link with the area, its traditions and surrounding nature. This approach celebrates the simple and authentic lifestyle that characterizes Baroque Sicily, harmoniously combining modernity and tradition.
Conclusion
The “Bambini in Festa” initiative was a clear example of how events designed for young children can have a significant impact on the entire community. The high participation demonstrated how valuable such occasions are for strengthening the local social fabric, through moments of play, creativity and theater that cultivate important values such as inclusion, socialization and respect for the environment. It is thanks to events like these that towns like Donnalucata can grow, fostering integration between old and new generations, and keeping alive the tradition and beauty of the area, with a view to sustainability and social cohesion.
