Day 1.

The project began, bringing together participants from different countries, backgrounds, and experiences, creating a space where people could first meet, understand each other, and build trust. The opening session introduced the objectives of the project and set a common ground around the role of cultural traditions, particularly Holy Week, as spaces where communities connect, but also where inclusion is not always equally present.

Participants then moved into a knowledge exchange phase, where they shared how Holy Week and similar traditions are celebrated in their local contexts. This exchange revealed important differences in participation, accessibility, and community involvement, but also highlighted strong common values such as solidarity, identity, and collective memory. Building on this, a co-creation workshop was organised. Working in international groups, participants explored how these traditions could evolve to better include:

• young people with fewer opportunities
• migrants and newcomers
• people with disabilities

The focus was not only on identifying challenges, but on proposing concrete ideas, new formats, activities, and approaches that could make cultural celebrations more open and socially meaningful.

The day concluded with a guided visit through Medina de Rioseco, allowing participants to connect the discussions with the real cultural and historical environment. Experiencing the local context first-hand helped participants better understand both the strength of tradition and the opportunities for transformation.

Day 2 – Innovation, Policy Alignment and Practical Experience

The second day shifted from reflection to application, connecting ideas developed on Day 1 with real-life practices and broader policy frameworks. Participants engaged in local volunteering activities in cooperation with community organisations. This practical experience allowed them to see directly how solidarity functions at the local level and how community initiatives respond to social needs. It also reinforced the idea that inclusion is not only a concept, but something that must be actively practiced. A visit to the Holy Week brotherhoods (cofradías) provided additional insight into how traditional structures operate. Discussions focused on how these organisations could integrate more inclusive approaches, while preserving their identity and continuity.

In parallel, participants explored how their ideas relate to wider European priorities, particularly in the fields of:

• social inclusion
• accessibility
• active citizenship

Through facilitated discussions, they reflected on how local actions can align with European values and contribute to stronger, more cohesive communities. The day concluded with a joint reflection session, where participants connected their practical experiences with the ideas developed earlier, identifying realistic steps that can be transferred to their own communities after the project.