On a bright Saturday morning in Hadigaun, the usual hustle and bustle of traffic was replaced by a more serene, vibrant energy as the neighborhood embraced its Car-Free Saturday. But this particular Saturday wasn’t just about clearing the streets of cars—it was about making room for something much more meaningful: Peace.
Our Peace Day event turned out to be a resounding success, bringing together art, culture, and activism in a beautiful synergy. With the support of Freedom Studio and Peace Direct, we added unique touches to Hadigaun's day with live art, exhibitions, and a surprise flash mob, each contributing to the message that #PeaceStartsHere.
Live Art: Peace on Canvas
One of the highlights of the day was the live art installation. Local artists set up easels in the middle of the car-free streets, painting scenes of hope, unity, and peace in real-time. This interactive approach captivated both young and old alike, drawing in curious passersby who stopped to watch and even contribute their thoughts to the artwork. The vibrant colors and powerful imagery conveyed a message that peace is not just an abstract ideal—it is something that we build together, one stroke at a time.
Exhibition: The Stories Behind the Campaign
Alongside the live art, we hosted an exhibition that showcased the inspiration behind the #PeaceStartsHere campaign. The exhibition featured personal stories of individuals who have been working tirelessly for peace, and visual representations of what peace means to different communities. These narratives highlighted the importance of small actions in creating large-scale impact, encouraging locals to think about how they, too, could be part of the movement.
Flash Mob: A Call for Unity
But perhaps the most unexpected part of the day was the flash mob that took place at the heart of Hadigaun. As the music began, a group of dancers emerged from the crowd, performing a choreographed routine symbolizing unity, togetherness, and peace. The spontaneity of the performance caught everyone’s attention and brought a wave of excitement to the air, reinforcing that peace can also be fun, engaging, and dynamic.
Community Engagement: Sparking Conversations
What made this event even more special was the overwhelming interest and curiosity from the local community. People stopped to ask questions, share their thoughts on peace, and learn more about the campaign. The sense of curiosity and engagement demonstrated how events like these can spark conversations that go beyond a single day, reminding everyone that peace begins with awareness and dialogue.
Gratitude to Our Partners
We are incredibly grateful to Freedom Studio and Peace Direct for their unwavering support. Their partnership helped us bring this event to life in a way that was creative, impactful, and inspiring. Together, we were able to create an experience that not only aligned with the Car-Free Saturday initiative but also infused it with a message of hope and positivity.
Looking Forward: Peace Starts Here
As the event came to a close, the message was clear: peace isn’t just something that happens—it’s something we create. And it starts with us, right here in our own communities. Through art, storytelling, and moments of unity, we can all take part in building a more peaceful future.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the #PeaceStartsHere campaign. Let’s continue to spread the message of peace, one step at a time, in Hadigaun and beyond.