At the Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers, we strive to offer healthy and educational leisure spaces for the children and adolescents we support throughout the year. Aware that school holidays can be a challenge for many families, our Special Schools provide an enriching and fun alternative during key periods such as summer, Christmas, Easter, and, in the case of the Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Valencia, also during the Fallas festivities.
This year, the Fallas School at the Valencia Center was a resounding success, despite the rain that accompanied us for several days. A total of 65 children and adolescents participated in the organized activities, and demand continues to grow each year. Due to the rain and thanks to the flexibility and commitment of our team, we were able to adapt the activities to the indoor spaces of the center to ensure that the experience remained fun and enriching.
Discovering Fallas Traditions with Family
One of the most special moments of the Fallas School was the family day, where participants and their families visited the Ninot Exhibition. This activity allowed them to get a close look at the Fallas artistry, discover the most outstanding ninots of the year, and learn about the tradition and history of these iconic figures. Sharing this experience with their loved ones helped strengthen bonds and foster interest in local culture.
Sports, Learning, and Fun
On Monday and Tuesday, despite the rain, participants enjoyed a program of sports, educational, and leisure activities at the center, a space designed to encourage active participation and learning in a safe environment.
- Board games: From chess matches to the classic Parcheesi, children developed skills such as strategy, patience, and problem-solving while sharing laughs with their peers.
- Foosball and ping-pong: Two of the most popular activities, allowing participants to compete in a friendly manner, improve their coordination, and enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship.
- Fallas workshop: A creative activity where children let their imagination run wild, crafting small ninots from various materials, learning about the art of Fallas, and expressing their worldview through their creations.
A Closing Celebration with a Community Spirit
To end the Fallas School on a high note, the En Marcha group, a team of teenagers we work with throughout the year, prepared a special closing meal. In this activity, participants not only enjoyed a homemade and delicious meal but also learned about the value of cooperation, organization in the kitchen, and the importance of sharing moments as a community. It was a moment of celebration where everyone reflected on their experiences, strengthened the bonds formed during the week, and said goodbye with a smile.
The success of the Fallas School 2025 reaffirms the importance of continuing to support these spaces for healthy leisure, inclusion, and learning. At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we will keep working to ensure that every child we support has the opportunity to enjoy, grow, and discover new passions, even during their school holidays.