Two-week celebration of cultural diversity, interaction, and music unfolds in Osnabrück at the fresh Festival of Cultural Events
The Festival of Cultures, a long-standing event that has been a heart of inter-cultural encounters in Osnabrück for over 20 years, is set to return from September 13th to September 30th. This year's festival aims to promote peaceful, open coexistence and stands against racism and discrimination.
Mayor Katharina Pötter emphasized Osnabrück's commitment to being an open-minded city, stating that the festival is a testament to this. The festival is organized by the municipal Office for Peace Culture in cooperation with various associations, initiatives, and cultural institutions.
On September 13th and 14th, the opening weekend of the festival, guests can expect a vibrant start. The international stage program on the market square from 7 pm to 11 pm on September 13th will feature Dikanda from Poland, Divanhana from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Telli Turnalar. On September 14th, from 1 pm to 7 pm, over 60 associations from around 25 nations will participate, offering a diverse range of cultural activities.
The festival will also see the participation of several associations for the first time, including the Basmah Women's Association and the Muslim Youth Community Osnabrücker Land e. V. Elizabeth Tiemann, chairwoman of Damayan, who has been active in Osnabrück for over 35 years, will present traditional Philippine dance at the festival.
The program includes artistic confrontations, political discussions, personal encounters, a Fado evening, a jazz concert, and performances by two guitar virtuosos from Anatolia and Andalusia. Guests can expect energetic rhythms, emotional voices, and a musical journey through Eastern Europe and the Middle East on September 13th.
The festival continues from September 15th to September 30th, with around 30 events at various locations in the city. The complete program for the Festival of Cultures can be found online. The festival emphasizes cultural participation and cooperation with international cultural associations, making it an exciting and enriching experience for all.