United Nations Day

I'm a proud Malagasy — our culture is rich with deep respect for family and ancestors. One of the most meaningful traditions to me is famadihana, the turning of the bones. It’s a celebration of life and connection, where we honour our ancestors.

Working at David Lloyd Clubs, an international company, gives me the chance to share my culture and also learn from others every day. I believe holding on to your heritage while keeping an open mind is the best way to grow, both as a person and as part of a global community.

Living in Brussels for 25 years, I learned how much you can grow when you open your mind through the eyes of other cultures. It’s inspiring, keeping me curious and connected every single day. For me, celebrating cultural heritage means passing on what I’ve learned from my grandparents to the younger generations. As a mother of two teenage sons, born and raised in Brussels but feeling fully Italian, it is essential that they keep our traditions alive while also fusing them into today’s world. It’s how we honour our roots while building bridges to the future. In Italian culture, we spend long hours around the table not only because we love good food, but because we cherish good company. For us, food is never just about eating: it's about togetherness. Those meals become moments of cohesion, laughter and sharing, where bonds grow stronger and memories are made.

Being Irish, I’ve always been proud of the rich traditions that shape our culture. One that means a lot to me is storytelling. It’s how we pass down history, humour, and life lessons. Whether it’s around the dinner table or at a family gathering, a good story brings people together. I also have a deep love for traditional Irish music and dance. There’s something magical about a céilí, where everyone’s welcome to join in, no matter their skill. And I’ll always treasure our seasonal celebrations, like St. Brigid’s Day, a tribute to renewal, creativity, and strong women.

Sharing these traditions at David Lloyd Clubs — especially during cultural events — has been so rewarding. It opens up space for others to share their own stories too. That exchange is where the real magic happens. It builds connection, deepens respect, and reminds us that our diversity is something to be celebrated.

I love being part of a team where everyone brings their own background, stories, and way of looking at things. You learn so much just by working together.

I believe cultural heritage is about connection. Traditions, languages, and rituals give people a sense of belonging, even if they’ve moved far from where they were born. What’s beautiful is that cultures aren’t static; when people come together, they create new blends of traditions and perspectives.

I grew up in Maastricht, right on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, and one tradition I love is our annual carnival. For several days, the entire city transforms: everyone dresses up in bright costumes, sings in the streets and celebrates together. What I love most is the spirit of equality it creates: when you’re in costume, you can be whoever you want, and social barriers fade away.