Stadt Ditzingen

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Gyula

The official document was signed in 1991

The official documents establishing the twin town relationship between Ditzingen and Gyula were signed in 1991. Over a short period of time, this partnership has proven very fruitful with many exchanges and visits at all levels of society. Its purpose and goals include the following:

Encouraging the connections among people living in the eastern and western part during the present era of European solidarity; jointly cultivating the historical, social and economic values held by Ditzingen and Gyula; deepening the friendship between the citizens of the two towns, in particular the youth; and fostering the connections between families, schools, clubs and associations, as well as social, cultural, and economic institutions.

The town of Gyula, an idyllic spa located on the Great Hungarian Plain not far from the Romanian border, offers visitors a change of scene, entertainment, relaxation and a chance to recuperate. Especially the thermal bath in the middle of the palace grounds offers an ideal setting for spa and bathing guests with its 20 pools. Gyula’s thermal springs promise relief for rheumatism and a range of gynecological disorders. Points of interest, such as the castle dating from the 15th century, the palace, numerous churches, the town hall, the hundred-year-old confectionery, and many urban villas, provide insight into the history and development of this town. The stillness of the Pannonian steppe surrounding Gyula and the nearby forests filled with small game are just the right place for those wishing to get away and relax. In addition to these aspects, the wellness spas, the idyllic setting and good food, visitors experience something very important, hospitality, making Gyula well worth a trip regardless of what you are looking for.

On October 23, 1996, the then mayor, Alfred Fögen, was made an honorary citizen of the town of Gyula.

Further information:
Homepage of the sister city

20 Years of the Ditzingen – Gyula Partnership

A reason to celebrate – In Ditzingen, the weekend of May 13-15, 2011 was dedicated to the twin town partnership. The 20th anniversary of this partnership was celebrated together with a large delegation from our Hungarian sister city, Gyula. On Friday evening, the Hungarian delegation arrived in Ditzingen. The women of Ditzingen provided refreshments after the long journey. The local women not only demonstrated their culinary prowess, but also proved themselves to be excellent hostesses. On Saturday, our guests and the many visitors from Ditzingen anticipated the first highlight. Mayor Michael Makurath formally opened the exhibit Sister Cities Ditzingen – Gyula: Impressions 1991-2011. The Hungarian evening in the community center of the town hall was hosted by our guests with music and dance performances. Following the opening, the evening’s program was moderated by Thomas Wolf, head of the Office for Culture, Recreation and Family.

Particularly the Körös Dance Ensemble performing Hungarian folk dances met with great enthusiasm from the audience. The dancers performed traditional as well as modern pieces and were accompanied by the Ferenc Téglás trio and musicians. During the ceremonial act on Sunday in the town hall’s community center, many people from Ditzingen and Gyula were given recognition for their commitment to the partnership over the past 20 years. In their addresses, Mayor Michael Makurath and Gyula’s Mayor, Dr. Ernõ Görgenyi, emphasized the deep friendship between the two towns and their citizens. With the signing of the anniversary declaration, the willingness on the part of the two towns to continue the partnership in the same successful spirit was underlined. This ceremonial act was punctuated by a musical performance by the outstanding pianists Verena Schwinge and Ákos Hernádi.

The former mayors of Gyula, Dr. Klárá Perjesi and Dr. Gábor Poscay, were recognized for their efforts regarding the twin town partnership, as was the retired mayor Alfred Fögen.

A small French delegation from our twin town Rillieux-la-Pape was also present in Ditzingen. Heading this delegation was Catherine Ravat, who also gave the welcoming address on behalf of Rillieux-la-Pape. Both pianists were showered with euphoric applause, unusually so for a formal ceremony. Their four-handed performance of Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dances Nos. 1, 2, and 5 gave brilliant closure to the event.

The eventful weekend then slowly wound to a close in Heimerdingen in the pleasant, Swabian atmosphere of the Mostbesen, owned by the Gommel family. During the traditional meal, our Hungarian and French guests enjoyed the Heimerdinger apple cider and perry. The delegations and their hosts will have fond memories not only this evening, but of the entire weekend.