On October 31, Democrats Abroad Valencia drew a crowd of more than 360 people to a spooky evening of family fun and trick-or-treating. The packed house was entertained by a magician, played in a slime lab, and bounced away their cares in a castillo hinchable. Professional face painters created masterpieces, while hairdressers sprayed funky colors onto the heads of excited children. Adults were treated to an artisan fair, with beautifully handcrafted products, and a fortune teller.
Arts-and-crafts tables were well-attended by children, who created fall décor under the supervision of adult volunteers. There was delicious Indian food, and drinks of all kinds were on tap. Democrats Abroad manned a table selling coveted American goodies such as Stove-Top Stuffing, Kraft mac’n’cheese, Rice Krispy Treats, and Goldfish crackers.
Topping off the fun was an old-fashioned spooking of the streets, as costumed children trick-or-treated. With maps in hand, parents guided their children to businesses that had joined in the festivities and to DA volunteers who stood in the streets of Ruzafa with bags of goodies.
Parents shared their heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to share this American childhood celebration with their children. Everyone looks forward to next year’s Halloween Festival.
DA Spain Chair Kathy Tullos and her husband Mark drove to Valencia to help us make this event a success. Thank you, Kathy!
DAV would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the 60+ volunteers who helped to make an unforgettable evening for Americans in Valencia.
DA Valencia followed this month’s in-person chapter meeting with an expanded public town hall, where volunteers were invited to discuss the most pressing organizational needs, and signed up to assist with events aligning with their personal interests. The event drew 26 attendees to Plaza de La Virgen, where we enjoyed breakfast and chatted about politics, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, our monthly Coffee Mornings, and the neighborhood Voter Registration Drives which will begin in January. DA Valencia officers took turns explaining upcoming events for which they had taken the lead, followed by coordinated break-out sessions where attendees could sign up for specific volunteer tasks. We thank everyone who attended and volunteered to donate time to DAV.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Picnic
Feeling nostalgic for those awkward Thanksgiving dinners with the in-laws? Don't despair! Consider us a sympathetic stand-in for Uncle Ralph and Cousin Francis. After you've had a satisfying feast at your own house, please bring your family and your leftover turkey sandwiches to the “río”! We'll catch up on all the gossip, and even exchange a few unpleasantries about bossy Aunt Dorothy.
Where: Turia Park, next to the soccer fields by Alameda Metro Station
When: November 27, 13:00-15:00h. No need to RSVP. See you there!
Bring your own food and drinks! If you don't have Thanksgiving leftovers, bring whatever you can find in your fridge! Finally, if you're bringing children, consider bringing toys that all the kids can share (i.e., Frisbees, balls, jump ropes, sand toys, etc.).
Coffee with Democrats Abroad
DAV will be hosting a coffee social on the first Friday of every month, starting on December 3rd.
Please join us for a relaxing morning of coffee and conversation. You'll make new friends and meet old acquaintances. These events will not be moderated by DA and are simply designed to facilitate social interactions.
See you soon!