The Madrid City Council has celebrated today in Madrid Río a festive day to commemorate the International Day of Families, which is celebrated every May 15. The delegate of Social Policies, Family, and Equality, José Fernández, has participated in the event, which has brought together hundreds of Madrilenians around twenty activities organized by municipal resources supporting families, education, and emergencies.
On the 31st anniversary of the declaration of this commemoration by the United Nations (UN), the City Council has organized for the second consecutive year a playful and informative day open to all Madrilenians. In addition to enjoying games, workshops, musical performances, theater, and tours, attendees have been able to learn about the different services that the Madrid City Council offers to support families in raising their children.
The delegate of Social Policies, Family, and Equality highlighted that «families have the City Council by their side to improve their reconciliation and well-being.» Fernández recalled that Madrid is recognized by UNICEF as a ‘Child-Friendly City’ for promoting public policies in favor of the development and quality of life of minors, and indicated that with the implementation of the measures of the 2024-2029 Birth and Reconciliation Promotion Plan, Madrid is «the best city to grow up in.»
In fact, with the celebration of the International Day of Families, compliance is given to measure 43 of the plan, which includes the commitment to institutionally recognize families, «making known the decisive work they do in the care, development, education, and social integration of their members.» The plan, endowed with 1.275 billion euros, consists of 50 measures, including direct aid for birth or adoption, the expansion of the municipal network of childcare centers to reach 80 centers and exceed 9,000 places, the increase in the budget for childcare grants to 8 million euros, the increase in places in camps during school holiday periods, or tax benefits and awards to companies that promote the reconciliation of their employees.
Event Program
The celebration of the International Day of Families takes place this Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00 at the multi-purpose esplanade of Madrid Río. It began with a batucada by the students of the Municipal Music School of Moratalaz and Ciudad Lineal and the installation of bouncy castles and trampolines.
Family Support Centers (CAF) have organized workshops on drawing or creating personalized bookmarks. The Ceramics School of Moncloa is conducting a mask-making workshop, and from the Urban Planning, Environment, and Mobility Area, they have prepared environmental education activities with fun proposals on healthy eating and textile waste reduction.
Volunteers for Madrid have planned activities such as the volunteer roulette and a storytelling session. They have also organized guided family tours in the Madrid Río area. Municipal emergency services are also participating in the event. The Canine Unit of the Municipal Police with a demonstration and the Firefighters of the Madrid City Council with an exhibition of their vehicles.
The day is enlivened by the accordions of the Municipal Music School of the Villa de Vallecas district and various musical groups. In addition, throughout the day, there will be theatrical performances at the Terneras Nave of the Casa del Reloj Cultural Center, by the Municipal School of Dramatic Art, the Municipal Music School of Ciudad Lineal, the San Alfonso School, and the Sansara Theater Company of the Santa Ana and San Rafael School.
Likewise, the different resources for families and children of the Area of Social Policies, Family, and Equality and various entities working in favor of families have set up informational stands. /
