Budapest, Mezöberény and an Erasmus+ that tastes like peace

This August we travelled from Spain to Mezöberény, a small Hungarian town that for one week became the stage of Participate in Peace, a youth exchange organized by the local association 21 Days within the Erasmus+ programme.

There we met young people from Portugal, Greece, Italy, Hungary and, of course, our Spanish team, representing Valdeorras Vive. During those days we shared group dynamics, workshops on peace and coexistence, games, debates and also moments of reflection, all within that unique atmosphere that characterizes youth exchanges.

The Spanish team, Ainhoa, Alba, Jesús, Ana, Rubén and Lucas as group leader, worked really well together, contributing with their own activities and also showing the diversity that exists within our own country. Each of them came from a different part of Spain, something that caught the attention of the other participants and enriched the cultural exchange even more.

Among the activities, the ones that brought us the most were the debates on peace and coexistence, a simulation of trade and institutions in the EU using chocolate as an example, and of course, the opportunity to lead our own activities. One of them stood out in particular: a very fun outdoor dynamic, an improvised “volleyball” with water balloons that ended up with everyone soaked and laughing out loud.

The intercultural nights were, as always, one of the most special moments: each country presented its gastronomy, music, dances and traditions. It was a chance to discover the richness of Europe (and beyond) through its young people.

In addition to the week of activities in Mezöberény, we also took the chance to visit Budapest before heading back home. There we enjoyed its most iconic spots and, of course, the famous Hungarian thermal baths, a perfect ending for this experience.

From Valdeorras Vive we feel grateful for having shared this adventure together with 21 Days and all the international participants. We return home with new friendships, learnings about peace and coexistence, and the certainty that these kinds of projects truly help build a more united, diverse and solidary Europe.