When the Light Fades Outside, We Shine from Within
The Llum Festival arrives in Caldes d’Estrac to invite families to reconnect with wellbeing, nature, and the bonds that make us shine together
Mariane Paoletti is the mind behind a different kind of festival: one without bright lights, noise, or loud music. The Llum Festival was created to nurture connections, both within families and across the community.
It’s a space to connect with others and with yourself, through wellness and cultural activities for children and adults, all set in the beautiful building and gardens of Can Nadal in Caldes d’Estrac.
Set for November 8th, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, the festival draws on the spirit of autumn and the gradual arrival of cooler days to remind us that well-being is more important than ever.
“As the warmth and light fade, our natural rhythms follow the change,” says Mariane. This is when self-care becomes essential. “When the light outside dims, we need to shine from within.”
The day begins with a fanalets (paper lanterns) workshop, where children will craft and decorate their own lanterns. Next, a leaf crown workshop will celebrate our ability to honor nature — and ourselves.
For adults, the festival offers a talk on nutrition during the darker months and two workshops (Harmonia Cos-Ment and Art Therapy & Somatics Workshop) designed to provide moments of balance, reflection, and self-regulation.
“While a family member or friend plays with the children in the garden, you can take a little time for yourself,” explains Mariane. “Bringing everything together in one place makes it meaningful, and much easier for families.”
The festival closes with music, games, and an ancestral story, creating moments to move, laugh, and listen — and to strengthen bonds along the way.
“Experiencing it all together is powerful. Laughing alone is not the same as laughing in a group, right?” says Mariane. “That’s why we believe that, together, we shine brighter.”
A Little Bit More About Mariane
Hello! I’m Mariane. I’m from Brazil, and I’ve been living in Catalonia for 15 years with my husband, Francesc, and our two children, aged 6 and 3. I used to live in Barcelona, but when I became a mother, I realized I was saying “no” far too often — because the big city is dangerous, dirty, and unpredictable. I wanted to be a mother who says “yes”: yes, you can; yes, touch; yes, smell; yes, eat; yes, run; yes, explore on your own. And that’s how we decided to move to the Maresme region.
I’ve always been a dynamic person, someone who loves connecting people and bringing them together, with an enthusiastic outlook on life. Through motherhood, I found myself connecting with other moms and dads through groups, playdates, and gatherings. Doing simple activities with my children helped me feel present, building meaningful bonds that matter.
For me, bonds are almost sacred. They’ve shaped what I want to do and the kind of positive change I hope to see in the world. And it’s all of this — presence, connection, and joy — that I hope the Llum Festival can bring to families.
Want to know more? Visit the Llum Festival website to see the full program and purchase tickets. Use the code AVUILLUM to get 10% off.
