50 years of friendship: Beratzhausen celebrates its anniversary with Ceyrat!

50 years of friendship: Beratzhausen celebrates its anniversary with Ceyrat!

On October 1, 2025, Beratzhausen, a picturesque market in Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, celebrates the 50th anniversary of its twin town relationship with Ceyrat in Auvergne, France. A large delegation of more than 130 citizens, including members of the traditional costume club and the Oberpfraundorf brass band, traveled to Ceyrat for the celebrations. This partnership, launched in 1975, has over the years produced numerous youth and adult meetings, usually held annually, and emphasizes the importance of regional and international friendship.

The anniversary celebrations in Ceyrat are rich in cultural activities, music and personal encounters. In his speech, Mayor Matthias Beer emphasized the role of town twinning at a time when national egoism is increasing. He sees this event as a strong symbol of peace, friendship and cohesion in Europe. “In these times it is particularly important that we come together across national borders,” said Beer.

Cultural and social ties

The town twinning between Beratzhausen and Ceyrat is not only a sign of the friendship between Germany and France, but also an important part of the idea of ​​European unity. The commitment of both communities is reflected in numerous activities with a German-French connection that take place throughout the year. Not only will the anniversary be celebrated in 2025, but numerous initiatives are also planned in Beratzhausen and Ceyrat.

The activities that take place as part of this twinning aim to promote understanding and cultural differences between the two nations. This type of international cooperation is widespread in Germany; In this country alone there are around 6,500 town twinning relationships, of which more than 2,200 are connected to French cities. This trend has historical roots and was initiated in 1950 with the first German-French town twinning between Ludwigsburg and Montbéliard.

A European network

The town twinning between Beratzhausen and Ceyrat is therefore part of a larger context of European cooperation. The Council of European Municipalities, founded in 1951, promotes partnerships that not only lead to strengthening friendships, but also contribute to the active political and cultural participation of both regions. In times of crisis and conflict, these relationships are particularly valuable.

The celebrations in Ceyrat today will revitalize the long-standing connection, which will not only benefit the citizens of the two cities, but also serve as a shining example for other town twinning relationships in Europe. The people in Beratzhausen and Ceyrat show that friendship across borders is possible and that European integration remains alive.

Overall, the 50th anniversary of the partnership is being celebrated not only with joy, but also with the awareness that it is becoming increasingly important to maintain such bonds. The celebrations are an occasion to strengthen the European idea and celebrate that there is great strength in diversity.