Youth Exchange 'Culture Soup - Food and Traditions' 12 - 20 February 2026, Arucas, Gran Canaria, Spain

In February 2026, young people from different European countries came together in Arucas, a week filled with learning, creativity, cultural exchange, and unforgettable shared experiences. From the very first day, the atmosphere was warm, energetic, and welcoming, allowing participants to quickly connect despite coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions.

Throughout the project, food became much more than just something to eat, it became a way to tell stories, share memories, and understand each other better. Through workshops, presentations, discussions, and cooking activities, participants explored the traditions behind national dishes, the cultural meaning of food, and the similarities that connect different countries. Together, they prepared traditional recipes, learned about Italian culinary traditions, created a digital international cookbook, and reflected on how geography, history, and culture influence what people eat and how they live.

The week was filled with laughter, teamwork, and meaningful conversations. Participants took part in theatre activities, debates about traditions and identity, team-building games, cultural simulations, and creative workshops that encouraged everyone to express themselves openly and learn from one another. Every intercultural evening brought new music, dances, flavours, and traditions, turning the project into a true celebration of diversity and friendship.

Beyond the educational programme, participants also explored the beauty and culture of Gran Canaria through visits to Las Palmas and Teror, including the vibrant Las Palmas Carnival, where the group experienced local traditions, music, and community spirit firsthand. These shared moments outside the sessions helped create even stronger bonds within the group.

By the end of the project, the exchange had become much more than an Erasmus+ mobility. It became a space where participants built genuine friendships, discovered new perspectives, gained confidence, and realised how culture and food can bring people together beyond borders. The final presentations, gratitude circle, and shared reflections showed not only the educational results of the project, but also the strong emotional connections and memories that participants will carry with them long after the mobility ended.