Nordhorn's representatives attend the 50th Sun Festival in Rieti

Nordhorn's Mayor, Thomas Berling, recently embarked on a memorable journey to Rieti, Italy, from July 13 to 16, 2018. The visit was at the invitation of Rieti's Mayor, Antonio Cicchetti, and marked a significant occasion for the eight-year-old twinning relationship between the two towns.

Accompanying the mayor were key figures from Nordhorn's partnership committee. Hans-Joachim Haming, the committee's chairman, and Catherine Wittenburg, the deputy chair, were present. Kirsten Bakker, the city of Nordhorn's contact person for twinning, and Reinhard Prüllage, chairman of the Kunstverein Atelier Sägemühle, also joined the delegation.

The purpose of the visit was to participate in the annual "Festa del Sole" celebration in Rieti. This festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, included a variety of activities such as competitions on the Velino River, art exhibitions, and musical performances.

During the visit, Reinhard Prüllage was invited to display two of his works at the Rieti town hall. The proposal to exhibit these works was made by Professor Giuseppe Masciarelli. Prüllage's presence added a cultural dimension to the festivities, enhancing the artistic exchange between the two towns.

The visit was not just a celebration, but also a chance for productive discussions. A working session was held to discuss the further development of the twinning relationship between Nordhorn and Rieti. The meeting with friends from Rieti and other twin cities made the visit particularly memorable.

Savino Petrucci served as the translator during the visit, ensuring smooth communication between the delegations. It's worth noting that Rieti maintains twinning relationships with Saint-Pierre-lès-Elbeuf in France and Ito in Japan, in addition to its relationship with Nordhorn.

This visit strengthened the bonds between Nordhorn and Rieti, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of twinning, promoting peace and friendship between nations.