Dutch and Japanese dignitaries arrive in Burlington for twinning celebration
Published May 9, 2024 at 10:52 am
Representatives for international cities will be in Burlington this weekend to take part in ceremonies that honour our shared interests.
The dignitaries from both Apeldoorn, in The Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan — cities that Burlington has twinned with — will be at Burlington Performing Arts Centre on May 11 starting at 10 a.m. for the ceremonies that will include music and art displays. The public is invited to attend.
Cities often have twins to promote cultural awareness and strengthen commercial ties.
Burlington’s relationship with Itabashi goes back 35 years. During this relationship, visitors from that city often visit Burlington and vice-versa to meet citizens, exchange gifts and participate in celebrations.
During the Second World War, Itabashi suffered great destruction but began to prosper again after the war with the urbanization and economic growth that followed. From 1965 to 1974, high-rise apartment buildings and condominium complexes were built in Takashimadaira, an area of Itabashi, transforming it from a rural area to a high-density residential centre.
To mark the 35th anniversary, special programming is planned in Burlington throughout the year, including:
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- Interactive programming at Burlington Public Library, including Haiku workshops, Japanese sword appreciation talks, film nights, and more. Visit bpl.on.ca/programs.
- A visit to Burlington from Mayor Sakamoto and the Itabashi delegation on June 30 and July 1. The delegation will attend Burlington’s Canada Day festivities in Spencer Smith Park and help to unveil a new public art piece in honour of Itabashi in Spencer Smith Park.
- An art display in City Hall from students in Burlington and Itabashi, June 25 to July 3.
- A small delegation from Burlington, including Mayor Meed Ward, will travel to Itabashi to participate in 35-year anniversary celebrations hosted by the City of Itabashi.
- These events are coordinated by Burlington’s Mundialization Committee. The volunteer advisory committee strives to connect Burlington to the world through events and initiatives and to promote the City of Burlington as “A World Community” dedicated to the United Nations philosophy of peaceful co-operation among the peoples of the world and encourage community understanding of different cultures global issues.
Burlington is also twinned with Appledorn, the Netherlands.
The connection to Appledorn is meaningful as the Royal Canadian Regiment took part in the liberation of the city in April 1945, Nowadays, Apeldoorn is one of the Netherlands’ most progressive cities in terms of sustainable, responsible development.
The May 11 celebration will take place with two events.
Canada Netherlands Friendship Day – May 11
10 a.m.
Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St.
The Canada Netherlands Friendship Day will celebrate the 19th anniversary of the City of Burlington’s twinning agreement with the city of Apeldoorn. It will also recognize the 79th anniversary of the Netherlands’ liberation by the Canadian Armed Forces during World War 2. The free event will include:
- Canadian and Dutch national anthems
- Greetings from, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Harman Idema; Elizabeth Witmer, former Deputy Premier of Ontario; and Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
- Artwork on display from Alton Village Public School and Trinity Christian School
- Remarks from a local Dutch family, living in Burlington
- Music from Burlington Teen Tour Band
- Light refreshments
Sakura Festival – May 11
1 p.m.
Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St.
Each spring, the Sakura Festival celebrates the arrival of the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms. This year, the City is also recognizing the 35-year anniversary of its friendship with our twin city, Itabashi, Japan. The free event will feature:
- Greetings from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Consul General of Japan Matsunga Takeshi
- Opening performance by Burlington’s Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group
- Karate, aikido and iaido demonstrations
- A performance by the internationally renowned taiko group Nagata Shachu
- Suzuran odori (traditional dance) performances
- Closing with yosakoi dance by Sakuramai Toronto.
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