Mayor Krebs-Wetzl promotes European friendship and the onion market
As the city of Griesheim reports, Mayor Geza Krebs-Wetzl, together with Christian Grunwald, visited the Italian twin town of Pontassieve in Tuscany from May 29th to 31st, 2026. The occasion was the 57th edition of the city festival "Toscanello d'Oro", to which representatives of the twin towns were invited.
In addition to the delegation from Griesheim, a delegation from the Czech twin town of Znojmo also participated in the celebrations.
Insights into social projects and education
After arriving on Friday, the first item on the agenda was a visit to the aid and volunteer organization Croce Azzurra Pontassieve. There, the Griesheim delegation learned about the organization's work and the "Vanessa" project, which supports women affected by violence.
Afterwards, the group went to the Istituto Comprensivo Statale di Pontassieve. There, opportunities for school cooperation and further contacts within the framework of the European Erasmus Plus program were discussed.
Sports and club activities are the focus
Saturday began with visits to various sports facilities and clubs in Pontassieve. The focus was particularly on questions regarding cooperation between the municipality and clubs, as well as the future of municipal sports programs.
Other stops included the historic Castello del Trebbio with insights into viticulture and regional products, and the Santuario Madonna del Sasso.
Reception at the town hall of Pontassieve
The highlight of the visit was the official reception at Pontassieve's town hall on Saturday evening. In his speech, delivered in Italian, Mayor Geza Krebs-Wetzl praised the long-standing town twinning.
“Europe is not solely sustained by treaties or political decisions, but above all by the solidarity of its citizens. When people from different countries get to know each other, celebrate, discuss and laugh together, a genuine feeling of European community arises,” explained Krebs-Wetzl.
He particularly emphasized the close connection that becomes evident every year at the Griesheim Onion Market. The delegation from Pontassieve and the Pro Loco Pontassieve have been an integral part of the festival for many years.
Invitation to the onion market presented
During the reception, the Griesheim delegation handed over the official invitation to the upcoming onion market to City Councillor Martina Betulanti, responsible for town twinning, and to Matteo Spanò, President of Pro Loco Pontassieve.
At the same time, Mayor Krebs-Wetzl thanked Pro Loco for its long-standing commitment to Griesheim. He especially recognized Giuliana Cipriani, who has been supporting and assisting Pro Loco's stand at the Onion Market for around 15 years.
Further information about the twin town Pontassieve can be found on the website of the city of Griesheim under City of Griesheim.
(GRIESHEIM – RED/PSG)
