Schönefeld celebrates 650 years: culture and joie de vivre in Bayangol Park!

Schönefeld celebrates 650 years: culture and joie de vivre in Bayangol Park!

There will be a big celebration in Schönefeld on July 19, 2023, because the community can look back on a proud 650 years. The German-Mongolian partnership festival also takes place on this special day, starting with a colorful cultural and community festival in Bayangol Park.

From 12 p.m. onwards, visitors stream into the park to take part in this unique event. The partnership between Schönefeld and the Bayangol district in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has existed since 1998 and is kept alive through numerous activities and performances. The anniversary ceremony will be officially opened on the festival stage at 3 p.m., which will be led, among others, by Mayor Christian Hentschel and the Mongolian Ambassador Birvaa Mandakhbileg.

Cultural highlights

The stage program is a real treat for all music lovers. Mareile Gnep will open the day with her sensitive, poetic songs. As the program continues, the band Taiga brings traditional Mongolian sounds combined with electronic music to the stage. In the early evening, the Swiss singer-songwriter Ay Wing will provide atmospheric moments, followed by the Francisca Urio Band, who will end the day with rousing soul and glamor hits. Visitors will also be offered cheerleading performances and participatory activities by the Children's Philharmonic, which is sure to generate a lot of enthusiasm.

There is a wide range of play, craft and adventure opportunities for the little ones, organized by various daycare centers, clubs and youth facilities. A traditional Mongolian wrestling match provides sporting variety, while archery, horse riding and the skill game shagai can be tried out. Of course, your physical well-being is also well taken care of and a colorful selection of food and drinks is offered.

Historical roots and regional events

Schönefeld, known since it was first mentioned in documents in 1375, has developed steadily over the centuries. The construction of the village church dates back to the beginning of the 13th century, which underlines the historical importance of the place. In addition to Schönefeld, other cities such as Lübben in Brandenburg will also celebrate their city anniversary in 2025, which will be associated with important festivals and events.

An example of this is the planned “Festival of Diversity” in Solingen, which will take place from August 23rd to 25th, 2024. This festival to celebrate the city's 650th anniversary will offer more than 100 hours of entertainment in an extensive program and will also give space to the diversity of cultures. In contrast to previous summer parties, Solingen's city center will be divided into several stage areas to ensure a larger selection of attractions and performances. Planning has been underway for about a year and numerous sponsors are supporting the event, which is expected to attract 70,000 to 80,000 visitors.

Such anniversaries are not only a reason to celebrate, but also an opportunity to strengthen cultural heritage and community. The exchange between different cultures, as visible in Schönefeld and Solingen, promotes understanding and appreciation for the diversity that enriches our society.

Whether at the celebration in Schönefeld or the upcoming event in Solingen, it is clear everywhere that the connection through culture and history is more than just a nostalgic memory. It is a living part of daily life that will continue to shape future generations.