Celebration of friendship: Bad Homburg and Dubrovnik celebrate 20 years!

Celebration of friendship: Bad Homburg and Dubrovnik celebrate 20 years!

Shared experiences create bonds across borders, and that is exactly what the delegation from the city of Bad Homburg, led by Mayor Alexander Hetjes, proved during their visit to the twin city of Dubrovnik in Croatia. On July 14, 2025, Hetjes was able to congratulate his counterpart Mato Franković on his re-election and direct the discussions towards even more intensive cooperation between the two cities. The main focus was on the exchange of fire departments and a joint youth exchange program, which are intended not only to strengthen the friendship between Bad Homburg and Dubrovnik, but also to promote cultural exchange, as Bad Homburg reports.

A highlight of the visit was the recent student exchange event, where a band project was continued. These meetings impressively show how important personal contact is for understanding and cooperation between cultures. In addition, Hetjes, together with Franković, plans to push the youth committee even more intensively, as this is a central part of the town twinning.

Celebrations in Bad Homburg

The importance of this partnership also became clear at the 16th Croatian Homeland Prize ceremony in the Kurhaus Bad Homburg. On this festive evening on July 14, 2025, three anniversaries were celebrated: 20 years of twinning between Bad Homburg and Dubrovnik, 15 years of the Croatian Homeland Prize in the city and 10 years of cooperation between the fire departments of both cities. The ceremoniously set tables offered delicious Croatian wine and food, which not only pleased the palate, but also opened the hearts of the Croatian community present, as [Taunus Nachrichten](https://www.taunus-nachrichten.de/bad-homburg/nachrichten/bad-homburg/preisverleihung-drei-jubilaeen-grund- Feiern-id122433.html) reports.

Particularly noteworthy was the participation of many prominent and political representatives, including Croatia's Minister of Agriculture, Marija Vuckovic, who was immortalized in the city's Golden Book. The proud winners of the Croatian Homeland Prize ranged from outstanding athletes to talented musicians and actors, including Ana Maria Markovic and Bundesliga players Josko Gvardiol and Andrej Kramaric, who were honored for their achievements.

Forward-looking partnerships

City partnerships like the one between Bad Homburg and Dubrovnik are not only cultural bridges, but also a sign of solidarity in an increasingly complex world. In Germany, over 6,500 municipalities have international partnerships, most of which are with cities in France. These connections promote the exchange of ideas, mutual support in times of crisis and strengthen a sense of community across national borders, says Deutschland.de.

An invitation to the opening of the “Dubrovnik Summer Festival” underlines the appreciation the two cities have for each other. Mayor Hetjes will also invite the delegation from Dubrovnik to the Bad Homburg Thanksgiving market, where local traditions are also maintained. These invitations ensure that the ties between Bad Homburg and Dubrovnik continue to grow and thrive.

With these positive developments it is clear: the future of the town twinning promises exciting prospects and numerous opportunities for exchange and mutual support. So you can say that everyone here has a good hand!