The initiative, titled "Brushstrokes and Letters for Peace: Together Against Racism," aims to promote diversity, empathy, respect for human rights, intercultural dialogue, and coexistence. The deadline for submitting works has been extended to Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Participation is open to all individuals registered, residing, attending school, or linked to Manzanares El Real. Two categories have been established: Children / Youth (up to 16 years old) and Adults (17 years and older). Each participant may submit one work per modality.
The modalities are: Written Micro-story, between 50 and 150 words, which can be submitted in PDF, Word, or legible manuscript format; and Illustration or mixed media, using free techniques such as drawing, painting, digital design, comics, or collage, and may include a short slogan. Works must be original, unpublished, and exclusively address the theme of how to combat racism.
Submissions can be sent via email to [participacion.ciudadana@manzanareselreal.es](mailto:participacion@manzanareselreal.es), with the subject line "I Concurso Microrrelatos Día de la Paz 2026," or in person at the General Registry.
To ensure impartiality, one document will include the work and a pseudonym, and a second document (plica) will contain personal details and legal authorization if applicable. The jury will consist of representatives from the Department of Citizen Participation, the Neighborhood Council for Culture of Peace, and professionals in illustration and literature.
Winning entries will receive a prize from local businesses, a Diploma of Honor, promotion through municipal channels and the Neighborhood Council, and an interview or feature. The participating businesses providing prizes are: Hostel, Lolini yogurts, Manzanares El Real opticians, Sabores de la Sierra, Patamaki, La Noria, Belleza Real, La libélula, and Lázaro butcher shops.
Selected works will be exhibited on September 20, 2026, at the International Zone of Culture of Peace and on institutional digital platforms, encouraging participation to build a more diverse, just, and racism-free society.
