Not all families have the same shape, nor the same surname, nor the same history. And that’s fine. What’s more: it is necessary to make it visible. For this reason, the Elda City Council wanted to celebrate International Day of Families with a day of coexistence that goes far beyond a simple recreational activity. It is a political and pedagogical gesture: recognizing, in the public space, the plurality of links that make up our emotional realities.
This May 3, Plaza Sagasta will be the center of a festive, inclusive morning with a transformative vocation. And most importantly: it will be designed for all ages and all family models.
Why celebrate International Day of Families?
The date, established by the United Nations, seeks to highlight the importance of the family as the basic nucleus of society. But the traditional approach, centered on the cisheterosexual nuclear model, has for years left out many realities: homoparental families, trans families, reconstituted, adoptive, single-parent, chosen families… and a long etcetera.
Therefore, celebrations like Elda’s are not only necessary, but urgent. Because claiming family diversity is also claiming the right to exist without explanations.
Activities to live together, play and reflect
Between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the square will come alive with proposals designed to enjoy as a group and share experiences. These are some of the planned activities:
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Children’s entertainment and equal games
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Playful activities that encourage cooperation and respect from childhood, without imposed gender roles.
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Face painting and creative corner
A space to let their imagination fly, no matter if the little ones want to paint themselves butterflies, dragons or rainbow stars.
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Storytelling “Families at heart”
At 12:30 p.m., on Antonino Vera Street, this inclusive storyteller will be held that reflects on ties beyond blood or surname, in an emotional, fun and educational way.
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Final coexistence in the San Crispín Park
There, the Iris Association will organize a community meal with giant paella and entertainment for the entire chosen or original family.
An event that arises from a broader framework
This day is part of the I LGTBIQ+ Plan of Elda and the III Plan for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men, which shows that it is not an isolated act, but part of a more municipal strategy broad for inclusion, equity and real diversity.
Councillors María Gisbert (Equality and Women) and Anabel García (Diversity) have highlighted the importance of these actions to generate meeting spaces that not only celebrate, but also educate and transform.
Why does it make sense to talk about family in the plural?
It is often difficult for us to let go of the idea that family is just one thing: a legal figure, a closed structure, something given. But in reality, families are emotional networks that are built, cared for and reinvented.
In the LGTBIQ+ context, this expanded vision is key. Because not all of us have had a family of origin that accepted us. And many times, chosen families, made up of friends, couples, roommates or care networks, have been our true support.
When a City Council celebrates this diversity, it is validating these ways of life. He is saying: “you are also part.” And that, on a symbolic level, has an enormous impact.
What messages are transmitted with these types of events?
This type of conference sends a clear message to citizens:
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That childhood has the right to grow up seeing diversity and not just a single form of love or parenting.
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That public space also belongs to queer, trans, racialized or non-normative families.
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That inclusion is not just a discourse, but an everyday practice that is built from the concrete: a square, a story, a conversation.
⚠️ A critical look: are these acts enough?
Although these initiatives are necessary, it is also important to reflect on their limits. What happens when visibility remains only symbolic? What if institutional actions are not accompanied by real resources, continuous training or sustained policies?
Diversity cannot just be a slogan for pretty photos. It must be translated into budgets, psychological support, emotional-sexual education in schools, respectful health care and legal protection for all families.
Celebrating is okay. But you also have to sustain.
Elda as an example… and the others?
Not all municipalities dare to make this type of proposals. Some fear the reaction of certain conservative sectors. Others prefer to go unnoticed. That is why it is important to make visible when things are done well.
Elda is an example of how a lot can be done locally. And how creating community is also planting a seed for a more just future.
Hopefully it won’t be just once a year. I hope it multiplies. I hope it inspires.
