International Friendship Day 2024

International Friendship Day was held on October 19, 2024 in Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval (center) poses with Munich intern Laura Merlich (left) and MSCA Executive Director Ute Päpke.

The free event was filled with cultural information from a multitude of different countries, represented by the sister cities of Cincinnati:

•    Munich, Germany

•    Liuzhou, China

•    Mysore, India

•    Harare, Zimbabwe

•    Amman, Jordan

•    Nancy, France

•    Kharkiv, Ukraine

•    Gifu, Japan

•    New Taipei City, Taiwan

John Banner plays the accordion on behalf of the Munich Sister City Association.

The day featured non-stop international entertainment, such as Japanese Taiko Drums and Caribbean Steel Drums. Food ranging from sweet to savory was available to purchase to add to the cultural experience.   All inspired by the mission of Sister Cities and International Friendship Park, to serve as a lasting tribute to world unity and global understanding. 

The event was organized by the Cincinnati Parks Dept with the help of the International Friendship Park Advisory Council, who's goal is to show how this legacy is continuing into the future with new international events, gardens, and original artwork in the Park.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval meets with MSCA Executive Director Ute Päpke.

MSCA enjoys being a part of the wonderful celebration of cultures in Cincinnati, giving them an opportunity to share German culture with those attending, especially families.

Photographs by Stephen Rindsberg