On Thursday, the city of Zweibrücken in Rhineland-Palatinate will once again host the traditional “Saarland/French Day,” welcoming visitors from neighboring Saarland and France. Despite being a regular working day in Rhineland-Palatinate, the event remains a cherished occasion for cross-border camaraderie.
Maria Himmelfahrt, a public holiday in Saarland, Bavaria, and France, is not observed in Rhineland-Palatinate. Nevertheless, Zweibrücken, known as the “Rose City,” eagerly anticipates the influx of visitors from across the borders. “This day is celebrated with our neighbors, making it a special event in our city,” stated Petra Stricker, the city manager.
At 11:00 AM, the symbolic border to the pedestrian zone in Zweibrücken, Germany’s smallest independent city with about 35,000 inhabitants, will be ceremoniously opened. This gesture harks back to a time when state borders separated Saarland from the Palatinate, underscoring the significance of regional unity.
A highlight of the day will be an event centered around high jumping, coinciding with the retirement of local hero, pole vaulter Raphael Holzdeppe. The 34-year-old, who won the World Championship in 2013 and an Olympic bronze medal in London 2012, is set to retire from elite athletics on Thursday, marking the end of an illustrious career.
For Zweibrücken, strategically located at the tri-border area, this event is not only a cultural celebration but also a boost for local commerce. The city’s businesses are particularly eager to welcome the Saarlanders and French visitors, capitalizing on the trading opportunities that such gatherings present. As “Saarland/French Day” comes to a close, the strong economic ties between Saarland and Zweibrücken are set to continue flourishing.