A Tale of Three Cities: Rockville’s Sister Cities
Many of us have spent a warm summer evening sampling Rockville Town Square’s various eats or tossing a football at Woodley Gardens Park. Rockville is a uniquely American city, full of diverse cultural touches and flavors. At every different corner, you might find someone who speaks a different language, or perhaps a new local restaurant that has opened up to share another unique iteration of the countless cuisines that are already represented in the area.
It only makes sense that such a heterogenous city has cast its eyes beyond its city limits to see how it can share the bonds of friendship and cooperation with others. With this mindset, Rockville has sought to establish unique partnerships with cities abroad to engage in cultural exchange. Pinneberg, Germany and Yilan City, Taiwan are Rockville’s two sister cities.
Sister cities are affiliations between cities that are created in order to develop meaningful instances of cultural exchange and understanding. While Rockville is the only incorporated city in Montgomery County to have these uniquely codified relationships with other cities, Montgomery County has similar relationships with Morazan (El Salvador), Gondar (Ethiopia), Xi’an (China), Huderabad (India), and Daejeon (South Krea).
Pinneberg, Germany is located in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, just 30 minutes outside of Hamburg. Rockville’s sisterhood with Pinneberg dates back to 1957, when Rockville’s Mayor and Council approved a resolution on October 13, 1957. You may have noticed a “Pinneberg Avenue” in the Twinbrook area — this is why! Various official delegations, exhibits, and exchange groups having crossed the Atlantic. Boasting a population of just under 45,000, Pinneberg is known in the region for its castle that dates back to the 14th century — unfortunately, the castle is no longer as intact as it once as. These days, Pinneberg is a charming city that is fairly densely populated for its size. It’s also home to plenty of wonderful local cuisine in the backdrop of a lovely countryside.
Yilan City, Taiwan is a much newer member of Rockville’s family, having had their sisterhood cemented on July 17, 2019 when the Yilan Sister City agreement was signed. Yilan has a population of just under 96,000; the city is known for its proximity to Guishan Island, which is a volcanic island off of the east coast of Taiwan. Rockville recently hosted a delegation from Taiwan for the 2019 Bubble Tea Festival that happened last year in Rockville Town Square. In addition, Richard Montgomery High School’s Jazz Ensemble performed in Yilan as student ambassadors in October of 2019.
Did you know that you can suggest future sister cities for Montgomery County? To find out more, visit https://montgomerysistercities.org/future-cities/.
Featured image courtesy of the Yilan Museum of Art
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
