Neustadt-Glewe celebrates 777 years: Europe's new towns come together!

Neustadt-Glewe celebrates 777 years: Europe's new towns come together!

Neustadt-Glewe is the liveliest place in Europe these days. Mayor Steffen Klieme and his city are looking forward to a great celebration that will take place as part of the 777th birthday of the first mention of Neustadt-Glewe and the 47th Neustadt meeting. Hundreds of guests from the 36 member cities are expected to stay in the area hotels. Preparations are in full swing and this year's meeting is the second that Neustadt-Glewe has organized since 1998. As the Uckermark Kurier reports, 25 of the 35 participating cities are there with their delegations.

The festival weekend is all about city friendship and will be celebrated from September 12th to 14th, 2025. Under the patronage of Minister Bettina Martin, a celebratory opening evening will be held in the large festival tent on Friday evening, to which, in addition to local politicians, delegations from the twin cities are invited. The event promises to be a cultural highlight, with the Neustadt delegations being actively involved. In addition to speeches, the opening also includes the passing of the baton for “Neustadt in Europa 2026”.

A move with tradition

The parade on Saturday, which starts at 11 a.m., has a lot to offer. With 54 formations, including a music group from the Czech Republic, the city center of Neustadt-Glewe becomes a scene of living tradition. Despite minor delays, spectators can look forward to excellent weather and the streets will be lined with countless pairs of eyes. Simone Schulz, the mayor, emphasizes the family atmosphere of the meetings, which have long since become a symbol of a living European community.

The large marquee, which can accommodate 1,000 people, was built in collaboration with Music-Eggert. As part of the meeting, there will also be a mayor's meeting in the Hotel Schloss Neustadt-Glewe and the presentation of the member municipalities on the Europe Mile, which can be admired from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. this Saturday.

A European concern

The city friendships, which have contributed to reconciliation and exchange between peoples since the Second World War, are of central importance for Neustadt-Glewe. These partnerships offer citizens the opportunity to actively make contacts and engage in cultural exchange across national borders. The city administration is currently looking for new partner cities in Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Spain and France to further expand the network.

Interested clubs and organizations can also submit their ideas on the topic of European thought in an open competition. This is happening as part of the year of city friendship “Neustadt in Europa” and ends on February 15, 2025. The best projects will be awarded a prize - an award that includes a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg!

Overall, the meeting shows how important active cooperation is in Europe. The regular meetings of the new towns, which have existed since 1979, underline the shared responsibility that we bear as a European community. The city partnerships not only contribute to European integration, but are also one of the largest peace movements in the world, as the Federal Agency for Civic Education reports.

We can't wait to see how the activities develop this weekend and what new impulses can be set for the coming years. In Neustadt-Glewe, where the anticipation is palpable, a very special festival full of friendship, exchange and European spirit lies ahead.