Leipzig celebrates the diversity: collefest and intercultural week 2025!

Leipzig celebrates the diversity: collefest and intercultural week 2025!

Today the intercultural week has started in Leipzig, which lasts from August 22nd to September 28th. At the weekend the 15th colleague took place in the colonnaden district, framed by an intercultural street café in and around the dragonfly. These festivities not only attract people of different origins, but also promote exchange over generations. Monika Güldner, deputy chairman of the Colonnaden district citizens' association, made it clear how important such festivals are for interculture and integration. In her opinion, integration is a social task that requires the active participation of everyone.

But not everything goes smoothly. Theodor Böddener from “Peace Harmony e.V.” expressed concerns about the financial resources for integration projects. Matthias Ludwig from “Grandmas for Future” adds that more points of contact and celebrations are necessary to strengthen cooperation. This shows that contact between cultures can often be promoted by providing appropriate means and platforms.

Cultural diversity and the challenges of society

Nowadays, people in Germany and around the world are facing major challenges. Whether the effects of the pandemic, climate change or geopolitical changes – all of these factors contribute to uncertainty among the population. The cultural integration initiative aims to promote a society that is open to these processes of change. Because, like that Ministry of Culture emphasizes that migration is part of our society and requires a high degree of openness, respect and tolerance.

Current reports from participants of the intercultural week illustrate the importance of exchange and integration. Svetlana Strelkova, who organizes painting groups, emphasizes how important it is to create meeting places. Nazim Zernoun, originally from Algeria, tells of his positive experiences with intercultural exchange, while Nour Sheikhani, a Syrian doctor who criticizes long recognition procedures for foreign degrees. Such experiences show the variety of perspectives that enrich the intercultural weeks.

Program variety and commitment

In order to further support Leipzig's cultural diversity, the AFEEFA community has set up a new overview of the intercultural week. This overview helps cultural enthusiasts and networkers: to discover inside events and to select their favorites. This is done in close cooperation with the department for migration and integration of the city of Leipzig.

The intercultural weeks are not only an opportunity to celebrate, but also an important platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities of living together. The events are designed to strengthen respect, tolerance and acceptance. In times when social participation and integration are important for everyone in Germany, this is a great starting point.

The festivities and the variety of programs clearly show that integration and interculture are topics that affect everyone. Only together can we create constructive social change that strengthens cohesion and reduces fears. Successful exchange and the promotion of cultural diversity are invaluable values ​​of our society.