International Gütersloh rejoices in the tranquil coexistence of various life forms
In the heart of Gütersloh, Germany, Theodor-Heuss-Platz transformed into an international festival ground for two days, as Gütersloh International held its 48th edition on September 6th and 7th, 2025.
The event, themed "Living Together in Gütersloh," showcased the vibrant, diverse, and open-minded spirit of the city. Over 40 stands from various cultural backgrounds participated, offering culinary specialties and showcasing craftsmanship.
Among the popular stands was the Thai stand, where chicken skewers with peanut sauce were a hit. The "Bridge of Diversity" association of the Iranian community was also present for the first time, serving Persian specialties.
The stage program reflected the city's cultural diversity, featuring music, dance, and celebration from around the world. Miguel Gomez, a native of Gütersloh with Portuguese roots, served traditional Sagres beer. Bonruan Perkmann, who has lived in Gütersloh since 1994, highlighted the stage program as her personal favourite.
Evi Gega, who moved from Greece to Gütersloh in 2011, tried Turkish quark balls at Halil Oskay's stand. Visitors were regularly invited to dance and hold hands, symbolizing peaceful coexistence in Gütersloh.
Thousands of guests formed a human chain across the square, demonstrating unity. A minute of silence was held in honour of the victims of the Lisbon cable car accident.
Mayor Matthias Trepper stated the theme of the event as tolerance, unity, and diversity. Liz Mohn, Bertelsmann matriarch, visited the festival and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange.
Farzaneh Sattar, who has lived in Gütersloh for 50 years, emphasized the importance of exchanging with other cultures. The first person to participate at the booth of the Iranian Diversity Bridge during the International Gütersloh Days was not specified in available sources.
The festival concluded with a sense of unity and appreciation for the city's diversity, reinforcing Gütersloh's reputation as a city that embraces and celebrates its multicultural community.
Read also:
- Top Ten Engaging Statements for a Memorial Service Celebration
- Managing Stormwater Efficiently through the Use of Permaculture Planning
- Young individual at Yellowstone National Park sustains severe burn injuries following a sudden collapse into a boiling hot thermal basin
- Rising hospitalizations due to severe food allergies, according to research findings.
