Rees officially admitted to the Rhenish Hansa

The official admission was ‘announced’ by the mayor of Neuss, Reiner Breuer, representing the Rhenish Hansa. During a symbolic ceremony, representatives of the member cities of Emmerich, Dinslaken, Neuss, Wesel, Kalkar and Rees signed a document expanding the city alliance. The document will be kept safely in the town hall.

The historic moment was witnessed by the delegation from the city of Rees, consisting of Mayor Sebastian Hense, Rhine Queen Jutta Green, Hanseatic representative Dr Veit Veltzke, city guides Heinz Wellmann, Detlev Leidenfrost and Caroline Weber, leisure historian Heinz Belting and city administration representatives Michael Scholten, Ole Engfeld and Jörn Franken.

Following the signing, a pike was ceremoniously presented in accordance with Hanseatic tradition – in this case, however, it was made of fabric.

The Rees delegation then took part in the traditional Hanseatic parade through Wesel city centre with knights, jugglers and musicians on Saturday evening, which was accompanied by numerous guests.

Mayor Hense thanked the city of Wesel for its warm welcome and emphasised the importance of the Hansa for cohesion and partnership-based exchange between cities: ‘The values of the Hansa – friendship, cooperation and mutual support – are more relevant today than ever. It is wonderful that Rees is now part of this community.’

Rees had already been accepted into the International Union of Cities THE HANSA at the Hanseatic Day in Gdańsk in 2024. With its recent accession to the Rhenish Hansa, this connection is being further strengthened at the regional level. At Pentecost, this Rhenish League presented itself with a joint stand at the International Hanseatic Day in Visby, Sweden – Rees was already there as a co-opted member and at the Hanseatic Festival in Neuss at the end of September.

The city of Rees looks back on a long Hanseatic history. It was already part of the merchant league in the Middle Ages and played an important role as a trading centre on the Rhine and along the IJssel. Today's membership continues this tradition and aims to promote cultural, economic and tourist exchange within the region.

This year's Hanseatic Festival in Wesel was organised by the Hanseatic Guild and WeselMarketing. Despite changeable weather conditions and rain showers on Saturday, many visitors found their way to the city centre. Thanks to better weather, Sunday shopping was particularly well received.

Numerous Hanseatic cities presented themselves along the Hanseatic Mile with information stands, regional specialities and historical performances. The Rees delegation also presented the city and its Hanseatic history together with the Millingen Braumanufaktur.