Love in motion: Valentine’s day as a bridge between communities

Valentine’s Day, known as a day of love and affection, is celebrated worldwide through expressions of tenderness, gift-giving, and gratitude toward loved ones. However, the true value of this holiday goes beyond romantic gestures – it reminds us of the importance of love in all its forms: friendship, family bonds, and humanitarian kindness. This year, Valentine’s Day in Bihać was marked in a special way, bringing together the local community and refugees through a series of activities. It was a day dedicated to celebrating friendship, solidarity, and togetherness, creating moments filled with smiles, warmth, and mutual understanding.

In the Temporary Reception Center “Lipa” and our Day Center, we worked with beneficiaries to prepare motivational messages and small gifts, which we later distributed to citizens in the city. These symbolic gifts carried powerful messages of support, encouragement, and kindness, with the initiative aimed at fostering positive interactions between the migrant and local communities, promoting social cohesion, and spreading the spirit of solidarity. The smiles on the faces of those who received the messages showed how even the smallest gesture can strengthen connections and understanding between people.

Additionally, two activities were organized in the Day Center, bringing together unaccompanied minor beneficiaries from the Temporary Reception Center “Borići” and students from the Catholic School Center “John Paul II” in Bihać. Through teamwork in the kitchen, young participants shared smiles, skills, and mutual support, enjoying the process of creating something together. This activity not only allowed them to learn new skills but also strengthened friendships and a sense of belonging among the participants.

The participants also had the opportunity to express their emotions, thoughts, and creativity through art. Heart-shaped collages, filled with colors, words, and symbols, became a visual representation of love, hope, and togetherness.

Valentine’s Day reminds us that love is not just a feeling reserved for individuals – it is a force that connects us, builds bridges between people, and makes the world a warmer place.

This year, Valentine’s Day in Bihać was not just a celebration of romance – it was a celebration of humanity, empathy, and friendship. A day filled with dancing, laughter, and joy reminded us that love comes in many forms and is most beautiful when shared selflessly with others.