"International Gütersloh" honors the harmonious coexistence of varied life forms
Gütersloh International Celebrates Diversity and Unity
On the 6th and 7th of September, 2025, the Theodor-Heuss-Platz in Gütersloh played host to the 48th edition of Gütersloh International. As the city's vibrant, diverse, and open-minded spirit was showcased, thousands of people from various cultural backgrounds came together to celebrate their shared humanity.
The event, themed "Living Together in Gütersloh," aimed to promote cultural diversity and unity within the city. The current mayor of Gütersloh, Matthias Trepper, emphasized the importance of this celebration, stating that it was a celebration of tolerance, unity, and diversity.
One of the highlights of the event was the varied stage program, which featured dance and music performances from around the world. Bonruan Perkmann, who has lived in Gütersloh since 1994, highlighted the stage program as her personal favourite, praising the music, dance, and celebration over two days that reflected the city's cultural diversity.
Visitors to the event were treated to an array of culinary specialties and craftsmanship from over 40 stands representing various cultural backgrounds. The Thai stand, in particular, was popular, with chicken skewers with peanut sauce being a hit. Meanwhile, Evi Gega, who moved from Greece to Gütersloh, tried Turkish quark balls at Halil Oskay's stand.
The "Bridge of Diversity" association of the Iranian community was present for the first time, serving Persian specialties. Farzaneh Sattar, who has lived in Gütersloh for 50 years, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange, stating that events like Gütersloh International help to bring people together and promote understanding between different cultures.
Liz Mohn, the matriarch of Bertelsmann, attended the festival and emphasized the importance of learning about different cultures. She was joined by Miguel Gomez, a native of Gütersloh with Portuguese roots, who served traditional Sagres beer.
The event also provided an opportunity for people to demonstrate their unity. Visitors formed a human chain across the square, demonstrating their commitment to a diverse and inclusive society. A minute of silence was held in honour of the victims of the cable car accident in Lisbon, underscoring the importance of coming together in times of tragedy as well as celebration.
In all, Gütersloh International was a resounding success, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city and fostering a sense of unity and diversity that will no doubt continue to thrive in the years to come.
Read also:
- The Intricate Bond Between Mexicans and Their Home Nation, Mexico
- Cultivating Joy: The Core of Successful Human Resources Strategies
- Daily Habits Unveiled: Insight into Our Writer's Early-Morning Regimen
- Exceptional Zeiss lens quality at budget-friendly rates, find them at half the cost of Leica lenses! These Zeiss ZM deals offer remarkable value!