World Red Cross Red Crescent Day

The Movement's humanitarian values in the spotlight

To mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (WRCD), Geneva is decked out in red.
8 May, the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross Movement, puts humanitarian values in the spotlight.
This day is dedicated not only to what has become the world's largest humanitarian movement, but also to the work and commitment of over 16 million volunteers who work to prevent human suffering around the world.
Celebrated throughout the world, it will be celebrated in Geneva, the birthplace of the Red Cross, in the form of a rich and lively programme, combining artistic events and moments for the general public.

Many towns and hotels in the canton of Geneva are hoisting the flag of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on their pediments. The Jet d'Eau was dyed red. The statues of the founding fathers were draped in artistic capes.
A mirrored sphere ten metres in diameter was installed in the Parc des Bastions, confronting the people of Geneva with the 7 Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross, which guide the Movement's humanitarian action and make us all face up to our responsibilities. This anamorphosis was created by ‘space sculptor’ François Abélanet.

A Red Cross and Red Crescent Village is being organised to welcome young and old alike from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 May (from 1.30pm to 6pm) and on Saturday 10 May (from 10am to 6pm). In this village, the various actors of the Movement will present their activities. Come and find out how all those involved in the Movement are working to help the most vulnerable people, both locally and internationally.
A treasure hunt will enable the general public to meet the founding fathers of the Movement.
Festive, artistic and free activities
Free shows are being organised on the Reformers' Wall.

Programme:

Wednesday 7 May

At 3pm: the Geneva Red Cross Centre for Cultural Integration invites children aged three and over to attend a storytelling session. A professional storyteller will use words to take youngsters on a journey in the footsteps of a curious creature.
To register, click here.
At 5.30pm: a dance performance created by the UTOPIA Écoles et Troupes de Danse of Lausanne and Vevey will put gestures to the very concept of universality, one of the seven Principles of Movement. The choreographies have been devised for the occasion by their directors and choreographers Mr Gilles Groux, qualified dance teacher, and Ms Francesca Senzasono Groux, qualified ballet master. Some forty dancers, both children and adults, will use their hearts and bodies to demonstrate the need to remain empathetic and connected to one another.
This dance show is supported by Flux Laboratory.
To register, click here.

Thursday 8 May

At 6pm: the play "Un souvenir de Henry Dunant, pièce pour un homme seul", written by Genevan playwright Serge Bimpage about the life of the founder of the Red Cross Movement, his sublime and tragic destiny, his eternal empathy and his ever-present message. Embodied by actor Vincent Aubert, this personality delivers on stage his aspiration to alleviate the suffering of the world. The text is set to music by Laure-Lyne Richard.
To register, click here.

Friday 9 May

From 6pm: a brass band ball, led by the famous Fanfare du Loup. The principle of the evening is as clear as their music is powerful: get the audience dancing. With a festive repertoire as long as the nights, six musicians will be giving their all to get you in tune with humanitarian principles.
Musicians: Ian Gordon-Lennox (trumpet), William Jacquemet (trombone), Christophe Berthet (saxophone), Marco De Freitas (bass), Aïda Diop (percussion) and Bernard Trontin (drums).

Saturday 10 May

Guided tours, organised throughout the day, will enable you to immerse yourself in the birth of the world's largest humanitarian movement and the development of international humanitarian law, by visiting emblematic sites in the city centre. These tours are organised by the Humanitarian Trail.
To register, click here.

At 3pm, the musicians of the Fanfare du Loup will take to the stage to perform their dance repertoire, with all the energy and generosity that characterise them.
And for those with a sweet tooth, a stop at the La Crêpe qui rit food-truck preparing sweet and savoury crêpes will delight your taste buds.

At the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

On Thursday 8 May, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is organising a varied programme.
Activities are subject to a charge and must be booked in advance.
Reduced admission to exhibitions.

• Workshop "Weaving links, repairing dreams"

From 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 4.30 pm: Zahrasadat Hakim, artist in residence at the Museum, presents her work and approach and explores questions related to her creative process. Then, with paper, pencils and a loom, you'll be plunged into the challenges of creation, together.
Registration via the Museum ticket office.

• proPhilo workshop: "What is human dignity?

From 2pm to 3.30pm: to answer the question ‘What is human dignity?’ together, one class is offered the exclusive opportunity to explore the Humanitarian Adventure exhibition with a museum guide. Two facilitators from proPhilo, an association that supports the practice of philosophical dialogue, will then invite the pupils to explain and share their thoughts. Because thinking for oneself and with others, independently but collectively, is as essential as human dignity.
Registration: pa.possa@redcrossmuseum.chpa.possa@redcrossmuseum.ch

• Tuning In: Visit to the Curator

6pm: What is more intimate and evocative than the voice? More profound than sound? The guided tour of the Tuning In - Acoustics of Emotion exhibition, in the company of the curator, plunges you into a world where sound, voice and the audiovisual archives of the ICRC, IFRC and the Museum mingle with historical and contemporary works of art. This tour with Elisa Rusca creates a space where languages, voices, community and memory intertwine through collection objects and artistic creations.
Registration via the Museum ticket office.

The Geneva public is cordially invited to join us from 6pm at Café Hinivuu for the Thursday evening afterwork.

We look forward to welcoming many of you to these events, which are all part of the spirit of Geneva and a reminder of how closely we are linked to one another.