Valls will observe International Gestational, Perinatal, and Neonatal Death Day on 15 October, responding to a request from the A Contracor Association. The city will illuminate the La Manxa fountain in purple and hold an event at 6pm at the Nens de Llum space in the Municipal Cemetery.

The commemoration aims to recognise the efforts of many organisations and families working to make gestational, perinatal, neonatal, and infant deaths visible. This annual observance seeks to ensure these losses are not invisible to society, according to officials.

At the Nens de Llum space, the A Contracor Association, alongside Les Teixidores de Vilaniu from Valls, will read the manifesto from the Spanish Federation of Gestational, Perinatal, and Neonatal Grief. The manifesto's theme is "Recognition, Dignity, and Reparation". Following this, Les Teixidores de Vilaniu will present crocheted stars they have made over several months for A Contracor's 'Embolcalla'm' (Wrap Me) Project.

Supporting Grieving Families

This campaign aims to raise awareness about gestational death and the importance of preparing for a baby's arrival, even if the child does not survive. It is linked to the Jizō pouches project, designed to acknowledge the significant moment when families meet their baby. Since 2020, the project has provided comfort sets and 'bonnets', along with a pouch containing these handmade crocheted stars.

These pouches are distributed to various hospitals, allowing families facing gestational, perinatal, or neonatal death to meet their babies wrapped in a blanket of their size. This initiative provides a measure of comfort during a difficult time.

The Nens de Llum Space

Almost two years ago, the Nens de Llum space was inaugurated in Valls to remember babies who died during the gestational, perinatal, or neonatal stages. Its goal is to help with grief and provide support and comfort to affected families. Through this space, Valls City Council makes these types of losses, often silenced and minimised, socially visible.

Creating this space in the cemetery followed a request from the A Contracor Association's Tarragona delegation. The request received unanimous approval from all groups represented in the Municipal Plenary, showing broad support for the initiative.

The manifesto, titled "Recognition, Dignity, and Reparation", is available for download.