The international week carried out in Algemesí as part of the CREATE project followed the agenda previously agreed by all partner countries. All mobilities were successfully organised and no logistical difficulties were encountered.
Most students were hosted by Spanish families, 31 families were hosting students, all students were hosted with families, there were families hosting more than one student, fostering intercultural exchange and strengthening European bonds. Teachers stayed in a nearby hotel in Alzira.
The week combined environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, sustainability, art and healthy lifestyle activities.
Preparatory Tasks
Before arriving in Spain, participants were asked to prepare their Eco-company Business Plan presentation, prepare materials related to entrepreneurship and green innovation. In addition, each country had prepared a choreography and had to dress up as characters from a film or TV series for the Carnival party on Friday. All partners completed the tasks on time.
Monday, 9th February 2026
Opening Ceremony and Local Cultural Identity
The week officially began at the IES Bernat Guinovart Auditorium with the Welcome Ceremony. School representatives welcomed the participants and introduced the objectives of the CREATE project week in Spain, with the participation of school and local authorities, including the Councillor for Education of the Algemesí Town Council.
After a guided school tour, students attended a live performance by La Nova Muixeranga d’Algemesí, a traditional Valencian group that builds human towers, recognised as part of the local heritage linked to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions of Algemesí. After students then participated in two workshops: Muixeranga human towers workshop and carnival masks creative workshop.
While the workshops were taking place, the Erasmus coordinators held a meeting to review the progress of the project tasks and to plan the upcoming mobility in Italy, as well as the final stage of our project.
In the afternoon, participants visited The Basílica de Sant Jaume. In addition, they took part in a tour of eco-businesses in Algemesí and visited La Troballa, a fair-trade shop; Casa Vázquez, a store that sells food in bulk without plastic packaging; and the bicycle repair shop Bicicletes Puchades, which is the oldest bicycle shop in Spain. These visits helped students understand circular economy principles and local sustainable entrepreneurship.
Tuesday, 10th February 2026
Nature, Landscape and Environmental Awareness
On Tuesday, they visited Cullera Castle and the Fallas Museum, and then we went to the Albufera Natural Park. In El Palmar, we took a boat trip across the Albufera, where the guide explained the traditional trades of eel fishing and rice cultivation. We also had the opportunity to enjoy a traditional wood-fired paella made with rice grown in the Albufera. The day combined environmental education with Valencian cultural identity.
In the evening, a choreography exhibition and informal dinner strengthened group cohesion.
Wednesday, 11th February 2026
European Green Capital and Urban Sustainability
The group travelled to Valencia city, European Green Capital 2024.
Students participated in a guided tour around Valencia’s old town starting at the Torres de Serranos. They took part in a treasure hunt through the historic centre, focusing on sustainability and green urban development. The groups were made up of students from each participating country, and the first three teams received a prize.
Students developed intercultural communication skills while discovering sustainable urban planning initiatives.
Thursday, 12th February 2026
Art, Architecture and Science
Participants visited the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia with guided tour, part of the architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. They walked through the City of Arts and Sciences complex and later visited Caixa Forum València (Dinosaurs Exhibition).
In the afternoon, back in Algemesí, students visited the Museu de la Festa, where they learned about the cultural, historical and religious traditions of the town and the importance of preserving intangible heritage.
Friday, 13th February 2026
Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Closure
On the final day, the eco-enterprise business plans were presented, with each country showcasing three business plans. A panel of judges was formed by one teacher from each country and an expert, Mercedes Herranz, who is an innovation agent specialising in eco-businesses from ASECAM, the Association of Entrepreneurs of Camp de Morvedre, a heavily industrialised neighbouring region. Two first prizes, two second prizes, and two third prizes were awarded for both the best business plan and the most creative entry. The team from IES Bernat Guinovart included students from the diversification programme, ensuring it was a truly inclusiveproject.
This was followed by the farewell ceremony, where photographs were taken of each national team and several performances took place. The coordinator, Pere Gallego, delivered a closing speech of thanks and farewell. To conclude the event, a Valencian oak was planted in the school grounds and the traditional group photograph was taken, representing unity, sustainability and long-term cooperation.
In the afternoon, we walked to the poplar grove where the rivers Magre and Xúquer meet, an area that has yet to recover from the floods that devastated the entire town of Algemesí in October 2024.
In the evening, the farewell party was held, where each country dressed up as characters from a TV series or a film. Awards were presented for the best crafted costume, the most original, and the most beautiful, where students celebrated cultural diversity and friendship.
