Eurode – cultural centre

Culture is perhaps one of the most valuable tools in furthering interpersonal relationships between both sets of populations. There is an active range of social and cultural activities happening in the proximity of Rolduc Abbey (Kerkrade) and the castle of Burg Rode (Herzogenrath) alike.

Whether this is music, theatre or sport, people are able to meet and experience a common culture for themselves.

Numerous cultural amenities in both towns are able to put on common cultural events and eager use is made of these.

Music festivals, dialect evenings, joint carnival festivities for the elderly and the annual castle festival are just some of the cultural events that bring the people of Eurode together.

Countless cross-border events are stimulated and encouraged by Eurode 2000+, a foundation whose Herzogenrath and Kerkrade-based members have the aim of intensifying relations between the people in both Eurode communities.

Another cultural highlight is the annual award of the Martin Buber plaque, organised by the Euriade foundation, as well as the associated Jeugd in Dialoog events’ week.

Preisträger

The list of illustrious personages who have won this award include the following:

2002: Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor or the FRG

2003: Dr Richard von Weiszäcker, former president of the FRG

2004: Karlheinz Böhm, founder of the Menschen für Menschen foundation

2005: Herman van Veen: founder of the Herman-van-Veen Foundation

2006: Klaus Maria Brandauer, founder of the Karin-Brandauer-Stiftung

2007: Waris Dirie, special ambassador to the UN

2008: Michael Gorbachev and Irina Virganskaya

2009: Liesje and Hugo Tempelman

2010: HRH Princess Irene of Lippe-Biesterfeld.

2011: Peter Maffay

2012: Gari Kasparow