“A part of what has characterized life in European cities has taken place in their open public spaces. The public space has not been the negative space of homes but the positive space of the city. Public space has emerged, it has been created to be the place of assembly, the market, the celebration, justice, theater, work, play, encounter, conversation, religion, carnival, music…” – Jan Gehl

Public space, as noted by Jan Gehl, has been the backdrop of a rich and diverse urban life over the centuries. It has been a place where the community gathers, celebrates, and becomes part of the city’s history. In this ode to public space, we will explore the importance of using this space for celebrations and festivals, with a particular focus on how these events shape public space and transform it into a living platform for culture, diversity, and collective identity.

Public space is more than urban infrastructure; it is a place where life takes shape and experiences are shared. Festivals in public space enrich the city and breathe life into the collective imagination. These celebrations not only configure the physical space but also endow it with new meaning, utilizing the opportunities it provides.

Events held in public space become true manifestations of gathering and community. People from all corners of the city converge there, turning strangers into friends in this festive and celebratory atmosphere. This meeting promotes community cohesion and fosters social interaction, as participants share a sense of unity and belonging to a common space. Festivals in public space are not isolated events but become points of encounter and connection between neighbors and visitors, weaving a community network that unites people from different backgrounds.

Furthermore, these events also serve as vehicles for culture and tradition. Many festivals celebrated in public space are inherently linked to local culture and traditions. From musical performances to traditional attire and specific rituals, these celebrations help preserve and transmit the rich cultural heritage of the community. Through music, dance, performances, and other cultural elements, the identity and roots of the community are highlighted, allowing these traditions to continue to thrive through the generations.

Diversity and inclusion are also fundamental values that are evident in public space celebrations. These celebrations offer an opportunity for people of all kinds, regardless of their ethnic background, religion, social class, or other characteristics, to celebrate together. Public space becomes a place where differences fade away, and people come together to enjoy a prejudice-free and barrier-free celebration environment. This dimension of inclusion and diversity promotes a deeper and more respectful understanding of different cultures and encourages peaceful coexistence and the acceptance of diversity within society.

Examples of Public Space Festivities

Carnival in Brazil

Public space becomes crucial for the Carnival celebrations in Brazil, as it is the main stage where this celebration comes to life and significance. Carnival is a rich cultural manifestation deeply rooted in the country’s history, with its origins in the colonial era and the interaction between indigenous, African, and European cultures. In this sense, public space becomes the area of maximum expression of this cultural and religious diversity.

Author Emanuelle Kierulff explores how different samba schools occupy and define public spaces through their parades and celebrations, thus shaping the urban and territorial space of different neighborhoods. The samba school parades become true public spectacles that use the main streets of the cities, emphasizing and reclaiming these spaces as venues for cultural expression. Furthermore, Carnival street parties are the setting where the city’s inhabitants can participate in and experience this cultural expression as direct actors.

In this sense, public space is not merely a backdrop for Carnival celebrations; it becomes an active protagonist that shapes the cultural identity of local communities. This transformation of public space into a place of celebration, encounter, and cultural expression is essential for the continuity and evolution of this important Brazilian festival, highlighting the importance of public space as a stage and cultural mediator in celebrations worldwide.

Las Fallas in Valencia

Las Fallas in Valencia is an iconic and emblematic celebration that highlights the importance of public space in the city’s life and culture. This festival, with its ephemeral artistic monuments and fireworks shows, unfolds in every corner of Valencia, turning public space into a collective stage where cultural and social communion takes place. The streets, squares, and small plazas become meeting places where Valencians and visitors come together to enjoy this unique celebration.

The Fallas festival, with its deep roots and strong connections to Valencia’s history, serves as a paradigmatic example of how public space becomes a stage for cultural and social expression. This is where art, tradition, and creativity are manifested, as local and foreign artists work to build the magnificent monuments that will be burned in a spectacular fire ceremony after a few days. Public space in Valencia comes to life with cultural events during this festival, and Las Fallas would not be what they are without their intrinsic relationship with the city’s streets and squares.

Patum in Berga, Catalonia

Public space plays a fundamental role in the celebration of the Patum de Berga, a traditional and ancient festival declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The Plaza de San Pedro and other streets and squares in Berga become the main stage where this festival comes to life. As mentioned by Richard Sennett, public space is the stage for the festival, the place where the community gathers to celebrate its cultural roots. The layout and configuration of Berga’s public space allow the different “collas” or groups participating in the Patum to perform their traditional acts and dances with precision and spectacle. Public space becomes the soul of the festival, where social interaction and connection with local culture are possible. This celebration is a vivid example of how public space can be a platform for the preservation and transmission of cultural traditions, connecting people with their history and the roots of their past.

Holi, India

Public space in India plays a crucial role in the celebration of Holi, the festival of colors that is one of the country’s most iconic celebrations. Holi is a commemoration of spring and the victory of good over evil. The streets and squares of cities and towns become the main stage for this festival, where people gather to throw vibrant colored powders, dance, sing, and share joy.

Public space becomes a meeting place and a focal point for the community during Holi, where social and economic differences disappear, and people of all backgrounds can participate in the celebration. This festive event promotes community cohesion and offers the opportunity to promote India’s own culture and traditions, contributing to their continuity and enrichment.

The use of public space during Holi reflects the deep-rooted nature of this festival in the everyday lives of people in India. Additionally, public space becomes a witness to the diversity and inclusion that characterize this celebration, as people from different backgrounds come together to enjoy a festival that celebrates life, fertility, and unity. It is in India’s public space that Holi comes to full fruition and becomes a living manifestation of the country’s culture and identity.

Qualities of Public Space

Therefore, a good public space for hosting festivities or celebrations worldwide must meet several important requirements. The key elements necessary include:

• Spaciousness and Accessibility: The space must be large enough to accommodate festivities and should be accessible to people with reduced mobility, with clear access and exit routes for emergencies.
• Platforms or Stages: Temporary platforms or stages are often needed for participants to carry out their performances.
• Adequate Lighting: If the event takes place at night, it is essential that the space has proper lighting to ensure safety and visibility.
• Information and Assistance Points: Establish information and assistance points with qualified personnel focused on addressing emergency situations or assisting individuals who may feel insecure. These points can provide information on how to navigate the event safely and serve as locations to collect incident reports.
• Spectator Areas: The public space must have designated areas where spectators can safely watch the performances without interfering with the participants.
• Basic Services: Facilities such as public restrooms, water points, and emergency services (such as medical personnel and security personnel) should be available to all participants.
• Safe Design: The space should be designed to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. This may include safety barriers, signage, and controlled access.
• Cleaning and Waste Collection: Authorities should coordinate cleaning and waste collection services to ensure that the public space remains clean and safe during and after the event.
• Public Transportation Accessibility: A good public space should be easily accessible via public transportation to facilitate the participation of people from outside the area.

Public space festivities are living witnesses to culture, tradition, and diversity. These events not only configure the physical space but also transform it into a platform for community cohesion and inclusion. Celebrations such as the Rio Carnival, the Fallas of Valencia, the Patum of Berga, and Holi in India demonstrate how public space can be a place of gathering and celebration where diversity is celebrated. These festivals make public space come alive, changing and becoming essential for city life, and reminding everyone that the streets are not just for traffic but for community and culture.

* References 

• Ferri, L. (2007). Las Fallas de Valencia. Un análisis desde la perspectiva urbana. Cuadernos de estudios urbanos y regionales, 8(19), 97-118.

• Porcar, A. M. (2014). Las Fallas de Valencia y el patrimonio cultural. Apuntes desde la antropología urbana. Revista d’etnologia de Catalunya, (39), 26-35.

• Richard Sennett, “The Uses of Disorder: Personal Identity and City Life.”
• Patum de Berga, “Declaració de la Patum com a Patrimoni Cultural Immaterial de la Humanitat per la UNESCO.”

Democracy is often reduced to the act of voting: electing representatives to speak on behalf of the people and waiting until the next election cycle to make our voices heard again. However, democracy in its truest form must extend far beyond the ballot box. It requires the active participation of citizens in decision-making processes and must be rooted in the everyday experiences and struggles of the people. Social movements, in particular, have historically played a vital role in expanding the democratic process and ensuring that it remains alive, dynamic, and inclusive.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Biennale de Pensament in Barcelona, where I listened to thought-provoking discussions on the importance of protecting democracy and the role of participatory democracy in this endeavor. Speakers like Donatella Della Porta, Amador Fernández-Savater, and Claudia Delso Carreira provided powerful insights into how we can strengthen democratic processes by fostering greater citizen involvement and collective action. Their reflections reinforced the idea that participatory democracy is not just a theoretical concept but a practical necessity in the face of growing threats to democratic systems worldwide.

The Limits of Representative Democracy

Representative democracy, though an essential pillar of modern governance, is often insufficient in addressing the complexities and inequalities that exist within society. Elections can too easily become disconnected from the realities of marginalized groups—whether due to gender, class, race, or sexual orientation. Social movements, on the other hand, bring these marginalized voices to the forefront. As one speaker points out, “There are many power dynamics that humiliate certain bodies,” highlighting how systemic oppression targets particular groups. Traditional democratic structures may overlook these issues, but social movements create spaces where those who have been silenced can be heard.

Participatory democracy offers a framework for transforming these frustrations into action. It is not merely about voting once every few years but about engaging directly with the issues that matter most to the people. It is about dialogue, collective problem-solving, and forming alliances across diverse sectors of society. This process of “inventing an identity and forming alliances with people different from you” reflects a more profound democratic engagement—one that allows for the development of a more inclusive society.

The Role of Social Movements in Expanding Democracy

Social movements have always been at the heart of democratic transformation. From labor rights to women’s suffrage, from civil rights to environmental justice, movements are born out of the need to address injustices and bring about change. These movements do more than just demand reforms; they challenge the very structures that perpetuate inequality and offer alternative visions of governance and community.

In recent years, movements such as the Tenants’ Union and grassroots initiatives around the world have demonstrated the power of collective action. One significant example comes from Bolivia, where a community-driven museum challenges colonial narratives by involving indigenous communities as co-authors of the museum’s exhibits. This participatory approach disrupts traditional power dynamics and reshapes the way knowledge is produced and shared. As one observer noted, “We must learn to listen with respect, observe, and change established practices that perpetuate domination.”

By pushing beyond the established limits of representative democracy, social movements remind us that democracy is not static. It must be continuously worked on and protected. These movements have the potential to reshape public spaces, create more equitable institutions, and engage citizens in meaningful ways. They serve as vital incubators for democratic innovation and hold power to account when traditional political structures fall short.

Participatory Democracy as an Antidote to the Market-Driven System

One of the primary challenges facing democracy today is the increasing influence of neoliberal market forces that prioritize profit over people. The dominance of the market system has seeped into every aspect of life, including democratic institutions, turning citizens into consumers rather than active participants. In response, social movements and participatory democracy offer a pathway to reclaim public space from the grips of market logic.

As another commentator pointed out, we are living in a time when “market life fosters selfish behavior,” but our very nature as human beings is built on cooperation. Participatory democracy, when practiced fully, brings people together in a shared space where cooperation, not competition, becomes the guiding principle.

In this light, democracy is not just a tool for governance but a space for building community and solidarity. It provides an alternative to the neoliberal notion of individualism, emphasizing instead collective well-being. The idea that “our cells are designed to cooperate” challenges the belief that democracy must be structured around competition and power struggles. Participatory democracy calls for inclusiveness, deliberation, and shared responsibility for the collective good.

Protecting Democracy in the Face of Reactionary Politics

The rise of far-right movements and populist leaders worldwide represents a significant threat to democracy. These reactionary forces often appeal to people’s fears, manipulating them with misinformation and xenophobia. Social movements, however, can act as a counterforce by promoting informed and empathetic dialogue. The growth of movements that challenge corporate dominance in education, healthcare, and housing demonstrates that citizens are not willing to passively accept these threats to their well-being.

But for these movements to be effective, they must move beyond mere criticism of the system. Critique is important, but as one scholar notes, “Criticism is a way of not wanting anything to change.” Instead of simply pointing out what is wrong, movements must focus on building something better—creating spaces where people can come together to imagine and construct new futures.

It is crucial that social movements continue to expand the meaning of democracy beyond its institutional limitations. Democracy should not be confined to voting once every few years or limited to the decisions of a few elected officials. True democracy requires ongoing engagement and the protection of spaces where citizens can collaborate, challenge power, and work toward a common good.

The Future of Democracy: Building a Collective Project

The challenges facing democracy today are immense, but so are the opportunities. As social movements around the world continue to mobilize, they are showing that democracy can be more than a set of procedures or institutions—it can be a vibrant, participatory process rooted in the everyday lives of citizens.

Building on the lessons from past and present movements, we must continue to expand the scope of democracy, ensuring that it becomes more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all people. As one speaker said, “Transformation is not just about the content, but about the ways of doing things.” We must rethink how we practice democracy, and this begins with embracing participatory methods that empower citizens to take an active role in shaping the world around them.

In conclusion, protecting democracy requires more than safeguarding elections or political institutions—it demands fostering a culture of participation, where diverse voices can come together, share their stories, and build new forms of solidarity. Social movements will continue to be the engine driving this transformation, and through them, we can build a democracy that truly works for everyone.

Quotes:

• “Cooperation is not just a tool of resistance, but a fundamental part of our human nature; it is how we have overcome adversity over time.”
• “Transformation is not just about content, but about the ways of doing things.”
• “We must learn to listen with respect, observe, and change established practices that perpetuate domination.”
• “Criticism is a way of not wanting anything to change. The real challenge is to build spaces where we can imagine and create better futures.”
• “Market life fosters selfishness, but our human nature is designed for cooperation.”

In a world where democracy faces constant threats, social movements and participatory democracy remain vital in keeping it alive and meaningful.