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Located just 30 minutes south of Barcelona, Sitges is not just a beach destination; it is a state of mind. Protected by the mountains of the Garraf Massif, it enjoys a unique microclimate that gifts it with sunshine almost 300 days a year. What makes it unique is its duality: it combines 17 fine-sand beaches with the soul of an old fishing village, featuring whitewashed houses and labyrinthine streets filled with flowers. It is a relaxed destination, famous for its iconic church perched overlooking the sea, its gastronomy, and its vibrant cultural life. That special light, which has attracted painters and artists for over a century, today coexists with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that makes Sitges a reference point in the Mediterranean.
PROJECT: SITGES, CITY OF PEACE Led by: E.S.T.A.R. Association Vision To make Sitges an international reference for humanism and well-being, where the city is not only a tourist destination but a healing space. A place where vulnerability—illness, old age, or loneliness—does not lead to invisibility, but is embraced by a resilient community that integrates art, mental health, and solidarity into its urban DNA. Sitges aims to be recognized worldwide as the capital of Inner and Social Peace. Mission To transform Sitges into an active ecosystem of care by applying the E.S.T.A.R. model (Empathy, Solidarity, Time, Love, Resilience) to everyday municipal life. Through culture and art as public therapy, we ensure that no person facing neurodegenerative conditions or unwanted loneliness is excluded from the city’s social life, bringing care and human warmth into streets, squares, and homes.
GOALS • Eradicate loneliness in Sitges: Make it the first “Loneliness-Free” municipality through local and phone support. • Real Integration through Art: Use Sitges’ culture as a public health tool for people with Parkinson’s and other conditions. • Brand Identity Shift: Position “Sitges” as a city of Resilience, Mental Peace, and Emotional Health. • Culture of Empathy: Increase visibility of neurodegenerative diseases and reduce stigma. OBJECTIVES • “E.S.T.A.R. Points”: Safe, friendly spaces in shops and museums for people with cognitive or mobility difficulties. • “Healing Art” Festival: Annual cultural event showcasing therapy participants’ work. • Friendship Phone Line: Companion calls to detect isolation. • Therapeutic Routes: Sensory-adapted walks along the seafront and old town. • Citizen Training: Workshops on empathy and support for neurodegenerative conditions.
Overview of E.S.T.A.R.’s Background and Peace-Building Work The E.S.T.A.R. Association is a community initiative promoting inner and social peace in Sitges, seen as a living lab for human and urban transformation. Peace is understood as emotional well-being, social integration, and human dignity, especially for the vulnerable, such as the elderly or isolated. E.S.T.A.R.’s model (Empathy, Solidarity, Time, Love, Resilience) applies humanistic values to daily life, public spaces, and governance. Its work focuses on emotional health, community cohesion, art as therapy, and visibility of neurodegenerative conditions, positioning Sitges as a City of Peace and a benchmark for well-being.
Estela Marys Hernandez Alvarez began her peace work as a volunteer with the "Pink Ladies" hospital volunteers in Argentina. She was part of the Board and Coordinator of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires and the Boulogne Hospital in the province of Buenos Aires. During the height of the pandemic, we started a telephone support program for patients and their families: "We Are Family." My current home is in the beautiful city of Sitges, a city I have loved for 20 years, and where I dreamed of living. Together with Mariano PAUPLYS, who is also an ambassador for Mil Milenios de Paz and a volunteer with E.S.T.A.R., and for his work in supporting and connecting people from other countries who arrive in the city. We are both united by the same mission with love and commitment. I am very happy and honored to be an Ambassador for Mil Milenios de Paz and to carry out the necessary tasks to be a worthy Ambassador.
Yes, I approve the guidelines for an International City of Peace and will provide four or more additional approved signatures of community Peace Team members (see next registration field). "A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behavior and ways of life based on respect for life, ending of violence and promotion and practice of non-violence through education, dialogue and cooperation. Tenets include: Full respect for and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; Commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts; Efforts to meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations; Respect for and promotion of the right to development; Respect for and promotion of equal rights and opportunities for women and men; Respect for and promotion of the right of everyone to freedom of expression, opinion and information; Adherence to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations; and fostered by an enabling national and international environment conducive to peace." In addition, the Golden Rule - "Do for others as you would have them do for you" -- provides a unity proposition for personal, local and global peace.
Note: If information or photos used here are copyrighted, please contact us and we will immediately delete the copyrighted material. Cities of Peace, Inc. is not responsible, and does not condone the actions or solicitations of independent member Cities of Peace or their members profiled on this website. Please inquire if there is a concern. ® International Cities of Peace is a registered trademark of Cities of Peace, Inc. Trademarks include Inspire Peace™, City-to-City Collaboration Program™, ICP Corporate Connect, and Rotarianism for Cities of Peace™. Safety, Prosperity, and Quality of Life: the Consensus Values of Peace (cc) by J. Frederick Arment is licensed under Creative Commons BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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