Every year on March 20, International Francophonie Day is celebrated worldwide. This day honors the French language as a unifying element between cultures and nations, as well as cooperation within the international Francophone community. In our Franco-German border region, too, the French language plays a central role in everyday life and in interactions between people. Michael Mack, Honorary Consul of the French Republic for Freiburg and Tübingen, also emphasizes his personal connection to the Francophonie:

“On the occasion of International Francophonie Day, I would like to pay tribute to a language and a culture that have been a part of my life for a long time. In Alsace, through exchanges and encounters, I discovered the French language and all its richness – a language that builds bridges between cultures and fosters dialogue. This personal experience continues to shape my commitment as Honorary Consul of France, in which I work daily to keep the connections between our two countries alive.”

Around March 20, various events were and are being organized in the region to bring the diversity of the Francophonie to life:

 

These events offered—and continue to offer—all interested parties the opportunity to experience French language and culture and to strengthen Franco-German relations in our region.