Other countries’ national days in Germany
The national days and festivals of other countries are also celebrated in Germany – and help bring together people and nations.
The national days and festivals of other countries are also celebrated in Germany – and help bring together people and nations.
France: Bal Populaire in Saarbrücken
French sophistication, that famous savoir-vivre, is always present in Saarbrücken. After all, the state capital of the Saarland borders on France – and this proximity is discernible everywhere: not only in cultural relations, but also in its small cafés and bistros. That is especially noticeable on 14 July, the French national day. The city celebrates the day with a bal populaire at Saarbrücken Palace with delicacies and music from both countries.
Netherlands: King’s Day in Dillenburg
With just under 24,000 inhabitants, Dillenburg in Hesse is one of Germany’s smaller towns. Nevertheless, it is rather important – especially for the Netherlands. This is where William I, the progenitor of the Dutch royal house, was born in 1533. The people of the Netherlands celebrate their national day on 27 April, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. German-Dutch Friendship and the birthday of the king are also celebrated on this day in Dillenburg: the plans for 2015 include a traditional Dutch flea market (Vrijmarkt), a music programme and highlights of Dutch and German cuisine. Tulips, clogs and blue-and-orange balloons and flags will festoon the town.
Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Munich
Blue and white are traditionally the colours of Bavaria. Once a year, however, the state capital Munich is flooded by a sea of green flags, garlands and costumes. That is on St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish national day. More than 10,000 onlookers commemorate the patron saint of Ireland during a parade and subsequent party on Odeonsplatz.
Turkey: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Berlin
“Our children are our future” is always the motto when Turkey celebrates National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on 23 April, with which it would like to promote peaceful cooperation and international respect for children’s rights. Every year in Berlin over 400,000 mainly young people attend 23 Nisan in Berlin. Children’s cultural and sports groups from numerous countries organise a programme sponsored by Ruling Mayor Klaus Wowereit and Turkish Consul General Ahmet Basar.
French National Day on 14 July
