It takes place every September and is organized by churches, municipalities, clubs, initiatives, and many other organizations. Through events such as community festivals, discussions, workshops, and cultural activities, it creates opportunities to bring together people of different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. The goal is to break down prejudices, promote dialogue, and work together to combat racism and discrimination. Monique Großmann, the migration social worker for the city of Idar-Oberstein, “felt it was important for this wonderful initiative to take place here locally as well, to draw attention to the diverse activities that are already happening here.” She succeeded in “creating and highlighting numerous completely different activities from Monday through Sunday so that there really is something for everyone.”
The week kicked off on Monday, September 28, with Café International at Dr.-Liesegang-Straße 1. From 4 to 6 p.m., attendees had the chance to meet people from different cultures, exchange ideas, and strike up conversations. Together, everyone ate, chatted, laughed, and played games. About 60 people attended, so everyone had a great afternoon and evening.
On Tuesday, September 29, a women’s café took place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the seminar room of the City Library—Hauptstraße 373a. The event was aimed at women and children and provided a space for conversation, socializing, and making new connections. As part of Intercultural Week, Ms. Faranak Soltanpour from the Westpfalz Psychosocial Center gave a presentation titled “Bridge Women—From Arrival to Building Bridges.” The event was well-received, with more than 40 women in attendance from a wide variety of countries of origin.
On Wednesday, September 30, the spotlight was on the younger generation: At the youth center on the Markt in the Idar neighborhood, 17 children and teens aged 8 to 17 spent time together starting at 3:00 p.m. Under the guidance of the staff, they cooked together: Persian samosas, Turkish cigköfte, and American cookies. After they finished cooking, they played games and then ate together. The children and teens who participated were thrilled.
On Thursday, October 1, the community café was open from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the St. Walburga parish hall and celebrated its 4th anniversary. As part of Intercultural Week, the event focused not only on coffee and conversation but also on exchange, connection, and respectful coexistence.
On Friday, October 2, there were two religious events—one at the Edelsteinbörse and one at the Al-Taqwa Mosque. .
In the evening, at 6:15 p.m., there will be an ecumenical service at St. Peter and Paul Church, during which, among other things, the coexistence of different cultures and faiths will be celebrated.
On Saturday, October 3, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Prayer Center at 295 Hauptstraße opened its doors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a varied program. Visitors were able to tour the prayer center, and community members were available for personal conversations and questions about Islam and community life—though the discussions weren’t limited to religious topics. The community’s daily life, social engagement, and coexistence within the local community were also topics of conversation.
To wrap up Intercultural Week, a family flea market was held on Sunday, October 4, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the St. Walburga parish hall. Visitors could browse, haggle, and strike up conversations with one another along the way. Some women prepared snacks from their home countries, which were very well received. The creative activity “Museum from a Suitcase” by Kristina Boneva and Paul Markus Deus, as well as henna hand painting by Pakistani and Somali women, were also very well received. That day also marked the Germany-wide MBE Action Day—for migration advisors—which is why Mandali Baumgardt from the German Red Cross (DRK) and Esther Peltz were there to present their work.
Despite the major challenge of planning and organizing the entire event, it was a great success thanks to the many positive responses. Following this successful start, there will certainly be another Intercultural Week next year.