Ribnjak Park was transformed for a day into a “Park of World Cultures” – a vibrant space where languages, aromas, music, and stories from different countries and communities came together – thanks to the organization of the Ribnjak Cultural Center, the City of Zagreb, and UNHCR.

As long-time advocates for integration and the protection of refugee dignity, we were delighted to once again be part of this program, highlighting the importance of encounter, mutual understanding, and building bridges between people.

From the early morning hours, our stand was full of visitors of all ages. Many stopped by for a cup of Arabic coffee and stayed to chat with our staff and volunteers – spontaneously, openly, and with a smile.

Throughout the day, we organized a variety of activities that brought people together through taste, movement, sound, and shared experiences. During the Arabic bread-making workshop, our beneficiaries – women from Arab countries who are now building a new life in Croatia – taught visitors how to prepare traditional bread. This space became a place of closeness, exchange, and conversation.

Our dance workshop turned the lawn into a stage of freedom and joy. Movement, rhythm, and spontaneity created a moment of universal language that knows no borders.

We were especially moved by the performance of the SO-DO El Sistema Croatia children’s orchestra, which operates with our support. Children of various nationalities shone on stage, showing how music can tear down walls and create a new, shared reality.

We also held mental health support exercises for the elderly, designed specifically for people showing early signs of dementia. These sessions became a space of empowerment, dialogue, and mutual support – a reminder that being seen, valued, and accepted matters at every stage of life.

The day was filled with laughter, vibrant colors, and the fragrances of different cultures – and it quietly testified that open hearts and hands can build bridges where once there were boundaries.

Through our presence in Ribnjak, we once again demonstrated that accompaniment, service, and advocacy are more than just words – they are a tangible path to living together, where no one is left behind.