Celebration of German Unity Day: Ludwigshafen and Dessau united!

Celebration of German Unity Day: Ludwigshafen and Dessau united!

October 3, 2025 is an important day for many people in Germany, especially in Dessau-Roßlau and Ludwigshafen. The flags of the city, Saxony-Anhalt and Ludwigshafen fly in front of the town hall in Dessau-Roßlau. One reason for the festive mood? 32 senior citizens from Ludwigshafen traveled to celebrate German Unity Day together. This tradition is part of the long and successful town twinning between Ludwigshafen and Dessau, which was launched in March 1988, 20 months before the reunification of Germany. During this time, Helmut Kohl and Erich Honecker were the initiators of the partnership, the aim of which was to overcome the inner-German border through human encounters and to make friends.

It is no coincidence that exchanges between these cities have become increasingly intense over the years. After reunification in 1989, the connection became even closer, because Ludwigshafen supported Dessau in setting up its administration after reunification in 1990. In 2007, the cities of Dessau and Roßlau merged to form the independent twin city of Dessau-Roßlau, which led to a new partnership agreement in 2008 that took this merger into account. Time and again, school classes, clubs and especially senior delegations venture between the two cities in order to strengthen and expand existing relationships.

Regular exchange and support

But it's not just the seniors who enjoy the regular visits; The fire departments of both cities also maintain an intensive exchange. During flood events in Dessau, around 2002 and 2013, the Ludwigshafen fire department actively helped and came to support their colleagues. Ralf Student, the city twinning representative, emphasizes the importance of these encounters - they are not only a great opportunity to overcome cultural differences, but also an opportunity to support each other in difficult times. As a special highlight, the seniors now officially signed the city's guest book, which symbolizes the partnership.

Ludwigshafen is not only connected to Dessau-Roßlau, but also has many other partnerships with cities in Europe, Asia and the USA. For example, in Antwerp, where BASF's largest foreign branch is located; or in Gaziantep, an up-and-coming economic metropolis in Turkey, which has been an official partner since 2009. These partnerships are not only based on economic interests, but also promote intercultural dialogue and friendship between people.

An international network

In total, German municipalities maintain around 6,500 town partnerships worldwide. Around 2,200 of these connections exist with places in France alone. A look at history shows that the first official town twinning between Kiel and Sonderburg was concluded in 1925. What is particularly impressive is that Cologne takes the top position in Germany with 24 partnerships. The diversity of partnerships is a sign of international exchange and the willingness to make friends across borders.

In this sense, German Unity Day is not only an occasion for celebration, but also an opportunity to honor and strengthen the bonds of friendship between cities like Ludwigshafen and Dessau-Roßlau.