International Festival in Gütersloh's 48th Edition: A Kaleidoscope of Sounds, Cultures, and Colors

In the heart of Guetersloh, Germany, the city will come alive with a vibrant display of culture, music, and food as Guetersloh International returns for its 48th edition. This year, the event will be held over two days, from Saturday, September 6th, to Sunday, September 7th, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its history.

The festival, originally known as the "Day of the Foreign Resident", has been a cherished part of the city's cultural life for 45 years, and this year's event is no exception. Under the motto "Living Together in Guetersloh", the celebration aims to promote mutual understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds.

The event will kick off at 2:30 pm on Saturday, September 6th, with an official opening ceremony featuring a symbolic act of "handshaking". The Sparkassen stage will host a diverse cultural program from 2 pm onwards, showcasing folklore, music, and dance groups, as well as individual artists from multiple countries. Among the performers will be the Serpil-Neuhaus support association and Marcel Duman with his students on the oriental guitar (Saz).

In addition to the performances, more than 40 stands in front of the city hall will offer culinary specialties from around the world. Visitors can indulge in food from Iran, Germany, Italy, and other countries, with the "Bridge of Diversity" association, an Iranian cultural association, offering delicacies from home for the first time.

The informative stands will also be a key feature of the event. Organisations such as the Evangelical Church's Working Group on Asylum, Gambia Aid, and the City of Guetersloh's Integration Council will provide information about their work and the upcoming integration council elections on Sunday, 14th September. The program will be hosted by candidates who have put themselves forward for the integration election.

Unfortunately, due to organisational reasons, the children's area with a bouncy castle and mini-train will not be possible this year. However, the rich cultural programme and diverse culinary offerings promise an unforgettable experience for all.

The initiative for hosting Guetersloh International in 2025 was led by the city of Gütersloh, as part of the celebrations for the city's 200th anniversary. The event is being organised and coordinated by the city's integration officer Frank Mertens and his team.

For more details about the program, visit the Guetersloh International website. Join us in Guetersloh on September 6th and 7th, 2025, for a celebration of diversity, unity, and the city's rich cultural heritage.

International Festival in Gütersloh's 48th Edition: A Kaleidoscope of Sounds, Cultures, and Colors