Mainz Intercultural Week 2020: A Stand Against Right-Wing Extremism

The Intercultural Week (IKW) in Mainz, Germany, running from September 11 to 20, 2020, is being presented as a direct response to the recent electoral gains of the far-right AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The event, held annually since 1976, aims to foster intercultural dialogue and solidarity, countering narratives that portray immigrants as threats. The program includes a job fair, an international skilled workers' meeting, calligraphy workshops, lectures, an intercultural football match, dance workshops, city tours tracing migration history, a multilingual church service, and a festival featuring music, dance, and art. Anna Gadinger of the City of Mainz highlighted the city's long-standing commitment to integration, citing the Advisory Board for Migration and Integration (est. 1987), the municipal integration work spanning nearly four decades, and numerous year-round events and projects that showcase the city's diversity. She also referenced initiatives like the Mainz 05 action day 'Together! Stop Hate. Be a Team', the '100% Human Dignity. Together Against Racism and Right-Wing Extremism' event by the Haus des Erinnerns foundation, and visible symbols of inclusion such as rainbow pedestrian lights and benches. The city aims to send a strong signal for visibility, diversity, solidarity, and acceptance.