85 towns celebrated the International Hanseatic Day in Stargard

On Thursday evening, the Hanseatic Day began, as is traditional, with a grand parade of towns and cities, and was subsequently officially opened by the Mayor of Stargard, Rafał Zając, and the President of THE HANSA, Lübeck’s Mayor Jan Lindenau. The President recalled that, even in the Hanseatic era, cities were always successful when they were open to trade, interaction and exchange. He emphasised: “Wars, social tensions, economic uncertainties and global crises show us every day just how vulnerable peace, democracy and cohesion can be. That is precisely why we need networks such as THE HANSA as places for dialogue and understanding.”

For four days, the old Hanseatic city near Szczecin was all about culture, history, music and art from the Hanseatic cities. At the Hanseatic Market in the city centre, the participating cities showcased their craft products, culinary specialities and tourist information.

For the delegates, the Hanseatic Day was also a place for meeting and exchanging ideas in working groups and committee meetings. At the Delegates’ Assembly, the Federation’s highest decision-making body, two new project ideas on the topics of organ music and democracy education were discussed, amongst other things. As part of the Hanseatic Business Forum, the Hansa Export Award was presented for the first time. youthHansa, the Union's youth network, elected a new Youth Commission in Stargard.

The 46th International Hanseatic Day came to a close on Sunday with a closing ceremony in Stargard’s market square, where the Hanseatic flag was handed over to the city of Braunschweig, the host of the 2027 International Hanseatic Day. In his closing speech, HANSA President Jan Lindenau particularly highlighted the hospitality shown to the Hanseatic cities in Stargard: “My heartfelt thanks go to the town of Stargard, the organising team and the people of Stargard. Not only have they organised an outstanding programme, but they have also demonstrated just how vibrant and welcoming the Hanseatic idea remains to this day.”