Report by Ms. Lorena Schlicht, Mayors for Peace France (AFCDRP)
On Friday, 24 October, the City of Peace of Santa Margarida i els Monjos, located near Barcelona, Spain, held a meaningful ceremony with the planting of a ginkgo biloba in its local Memorial Park. This symbolic act reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to peace, memory, and intergenerational transmission.
The Memorial Park stands on the site of a former airfield used by Spanish Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War of 1936, giving the event a strong historical and emotional dimension. The ginkgo biloba, a universal symbol of resilience, hope, and peace, was chosen as a living reminder of the past and a message for the future.
Michel Soriano, Vice-President of Mayors for Peace France, attended the ceremony on behalf of Philippe Rio, President of Mayors for Peace France. He conveyed a message of fraternity and solidarity to the Mayor of Santa Margarida i els Monjos, Ms. Esther Marmaneu, highlighting the importance of strengthening bonds between peace-committed municipalities across borders.
The ceremony was preceded by a visit to the local museum, followed by a moving dance performance presented by local dancers. Several speeches then took place, emphasizing the values of peace, remembrance, and cultural dialogue. The event concluded with a friendly reception, allowing participants to share a moment of conviviality and exchange.
This initiative once again illustrates how local authorities play a key role in keeping the memory of past conflicts alive while actively building a culture of peace.
Photos: courtesy of Mayors for Peace France
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