A story about life

Barcelona, October 26, 2011

On Tuesday, November 1st, All Saints' Day, the storytelling workshop “De muda en muda” will take place, aimed at families with children aged 3 and up. The workshop aims to promote the exploration of emotions related to the life cycle through play and expression. Organized by Serveis Funeraris Integrals (SFI) and the AVES association, the workshop will be held at the Roques Blanques Municipal Cemetery in two sessions: from 10:30 to 11:30 AM and from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.

The central element of the activity is the dramatized storytelling of the book *De muda en muda* by Paloma Maldonado, specially edited for the workshop, which tells the story of a silkworm transforming into a butterfly. *De muda en muda* begins with an oral and artistic expression workshop, where different elements and objects undergo a transformation as the activity progresses. In this way, participants explore vital processes and emotions, using the silkworm, the protagonist of the story, as a reference.

*De muda en muda* is part of a larger project called Art and Absence, which also includes workshops for teenagers, adults, and professionals, all with the goal of addressing the cycles of life, loss, and grief through artistic expression, communication, and dialogue. According to Neus Ballesteros, the project director for Art and Absence, “Through these workshops, we aim to provide space for dialogue and to articulate what we think and feel about loss and vital changes.” The goal is for both children and adults to learn to recognize and experience emotions naturally.

Art and Absence is conducted year-round at AVES's headquarters in Barcelona and at various centers that request the workshops. “This is the first time we are hosting a storytelling workshop at the cemetery,” says Joan Ventura, director of Cemeteries at SFI, “but we believe it's positive for young children to approach these spaces with 'normality,' accompanied by their families. It’s important from a young age for them to understand that death is a part of life. Additionally, we believe that a natural setting like Roques Blanques is ideal, as it allows the activity to take place amidst nature, surrounded by trees and outdoors. It’s not a 'traditional' cemetery but is viewed as a park and open to everyone.”