Buntes Grabow celebrates peace: A celebration of integration and diversity!

Buntes Grabow celebrates peace: A celebration of integration and diversity!

Last weekend, the citizens' festival in Grabow developed into a colorful event that brought people from different backgrounds together. Sameer Alzouabi, a Syrian migrant, describes the event as a multi-layered occasion to commemorate the end of the Second World War. Under the motto “Peace”, this celebration of diversity provided a platform for dialogue, particularly in view of the upcoming local elections. The citizens' initiative “BuntesGrabow” organized this voluntary event in collaboration with the Protestant and Catholic churches and the Kulturlabor Grabow association, which did not require any commercial support and focused on community.

It was particularly nice to invite visitors to bring their own food and drinks. This not only promoted cooperation, but also created a homely atmosphere in which everyone felt welcome. Despite a rather small number of participants, the quality of the encounters was high. Children who actively participated in creative activities contributed significantly to the positive atmosphere.

A special expression of love for diversity

A highlight of the festival was the exhibition “When Strangers Become Friends,” which impressively combined portraits of refugees and locals. This artistic representation was described by one citizen as “extremely aesthetic” because the faces of the people depicted were in harmonious harmony. Khalil Alshadaideh, a Syrian refugee, found the exhibition deeply moving and identified it as a powerful symbol of successful integration. Khalil was also very committed and learned German up to level B2; He is currently working in a factory in Hagenow.

Another prominent participant, Mohamad Sharif Mohamad, underlined the importance of such festivals for intercultural exchange. He sees refugees as active members of society who play a positive role in their new hometown. On May 22, 2025, he will even be ceremoniously presented with his naturalization certificate after he has successfully completed a B2 German course and is now employed at “Lewens Markisen” in Ludwigslust.

Integration across cultural boundaries

The aims of the Citizens' Festival also reflect the fundamental values ​​that the EU pursues in its international cultural policy. According to the European Union Platform for Promoting Cultural Diversity, the EU aims to promote intercultural dialogue and thereby support peace and social cohesion. An important instrument in this context is the Creative Europe program, which also includes many initiatives to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors. These efforts are particularly relevant given the current challenges posed by migration and the ongoing social dialogue.

Additionally, as stated in a resolution on the role of intercultural dialogue, the European Parliament calls for a proactive approach to cultural diversity. It is required that intercultural exchange is supported not only by state actors, but by all parts of society. This includes educational institutions, families and the media, all of which should help promote respectful understanding between different cultures.

Overall, the community festival in Grabow impressively showed how important community and togetherness are. It set an example for hope and open dialogue and made it clear that integration is possible and enriching through cultural exchange.