Born in Puerto Llano, Ciudad Real, Emilia Cruz arrived in Les Planes at just six years old. Her first memories of the neighborhood are marked by her mother's initial surprise at the landscape, a drastic change from their place of origin. The family's decision to move to Barcelona was to stay together, as her older brother had come to the city looking for work.
Her training in commerce at the Academia Giner in Sarrià was a practical choice, influenced by proximity and friendships. Although she was initially interested in languages, she ended up dedicating herself to administration, a field she explored through commerce.
“"I don't remember a day waking up and thinking, 'Oh, I have to go to work.' I was very happy with my colleagues."
Emilia Cruz spent 48 years at the same company, a period she remembers fondly. She experienced three corporate mergers before being retired at 55 due to a redundancy program. She describes family life in Les Planes as very close-knit, with parents who fostered a strong bond among the siblings and always welcomed partners and children.
Regarding the neighborhood's spirit, Emilia Cruz acknowledges that it has gradually faded over time, especially with changes in mobility. However, she emphasizes that new residents, young families eager to get involved, help keep the community's essence alive. Her own involvement in entities such as the Comissió de Festes (Festival Committee) and the Associació de Veïns (Neighborhood Association) began with her siblings, who were already very active, and she also participated in the Red Cross of Les Planes, where she met her husband.
Among her volunteer activities, she particularly cherishes organizing the major festivals and the tribute to Mossèn Pere for his 40 years in the neighborhood, an event that united the entire community. Currently, she points to the lack of infrastructure as one of Les Planes' main problems, with an insufficient community center and the need for a multi-purpose space for young people. She also criticizes the lack of maintenance by the administration, which, according to her, 'does not know the neighborhood'.
In her free time, Emilia Cruz enjoys hiking, cinema, and crafts, activities that allow her to stay in touch with people and avoid loneliness. For her, being a mother is fundamental, while being a grandmother is a different experience, marked by tenderness and 'spoiling' her grandchildren. Finally, she expresses her concern for the future of new generations, especially the impact of social media and global conflicts, and emphasizes the importance of instilling in them the value of family and their roots.
