Dance, exhibitions and artists opened the cultural program “Timisoara – European Capital of Culture” on February 17th. Even with over 1000 events, the city faces the mammoth task of doing justice to around 30 different cultures. These included the Hotzenwald Salpeterer, who were banished to the historical region of Banat in the 18th century – the home of the Banat Swabians.
In Timisoara the mayor speaks German from time to time
Timisoara’s mayor, Dominic Fritz, who has been in office since 2020, also comes from Hotzenwald. “Hello. Hello,” the 39-year-old replies on the phone instead of the Romanian “Buna ziua” (in English “Good day”). Every now and then he still speaks his mother tongue, even at work.
The Romanian city of Timisoara. | Image: cge2010 – stock.adobe.com
Because of the German settlers from the 18th and 19th centuries, the Banat Swabians, this is not uncommon. Born in Görwihler, he has a lot to do in view of his office and the program, but he still takes the time to talk to the SÜDKURIER.
In Saderlach people still talk like they do in the Hotzenwald
At the St. Blasien College, Fritz first understood what the German settlers were all about. “My German teacher was Romanian. I asked how she came to teach German here. She is Swabian from Banat and has always spoken German,” says Fritz. Years later he takes a Romanian course in Timisoara. It comes to an almost unbelievable coincidence: his teacher there is also a Swabian from Banat. She grew up in the same village as Fritz’ former German teacher.
According to Fritz, there were still some typical villages for the Banat Swabians in the historical region of Banat. This also applies to the village of Saderlach, about 50 kilometers from Timisoara. The majority of the Saltpeterer banned from the Hotzenwald resettled here.
Fritz looked at the village with his parents when they visited him in 2003: “A lot felt familiar, but I got goosebumps when we spoke to two former nuns about the village’s past and they answered in the Hotzenwald dialect.”
Visit from Konstanz and Freiburg in Timisoara
Traditional costume dances of the Banat Swabians: here a few years ago at the International Bodensee Traditional Costume Day on the island of Mainau (archive photo). | Image: Oliver Hanser
The legacy of the German settlers is also present in Timisoara. There are German schools, a German state theater and retirement homes. Many visitors come from Germany to the annual home days of the Banat Swabians. The program for this year’s 16th edition in June is supported by music associations from Augsburg, Göppingen and Munich. Given the title, Europe’s Capital of Culture 2023, even more visitors are expected. “Maybe Saderlacher will come, most of them come from Swabia,” says Fritz.
Freiburg Banater Swabians are also going to Romania this year: “Our association no longer exists, but we organize ourselves privately,” says Peter Bieber, a former member of the Banater Schwaben district association in Freiburg/Breisgau.
Visitors also come from Konstanz and Singen: “We don’t drive from the club, but we are usually 10 to 15 people who drive down privately,” says Horst Redl from the district association of Banater Schwaben Konstanz/Singen. So far, a few Swabians from Banat have joined the former Freiburg district association from Waldshut. Whether this year also Waldshuter go to Timisoara is not known.
Timisoara celebrates multiculturalism
The Romanian city of Timisoara has over 300,000 inhabitants. | Image: Adrian-Catalin Lazar – stock.adobe.com
Multiculturalism is a flagship of the city of Timisoara: this is also reflected in the cultural program. People from Portugal, Norway, Great Britain and Moldova, among others, take part. Here Fritz learned what Europe could be like. “Relationships between the different cultures change, but the region is known for years of good and relaxed relations,” said the mayor. This is what they want to show and celebrate with the cultural programme.
123 highlights are highlighted from the program summary from over 1000 events. Prominent faces such as actor John Malkovich, conductor Cristian Măcelaru and German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk will be guests. Dance performances ranging from folk dances to break dance, modern and traditional theater performances, art exhibitions and workshops are held. “We cooperate with companies that invite their employees to events, ensure that disabled children have access and want to reach everyone,” says the 39-year-old.
Big celebration in times of crisis
Fritz is full of anticipation, even if as mayor he cannot attend every event. “I don’t know yet if I’ll make it, but as a music lover I’m looking forward to a concert by the orchestra from Gera with the Orchestra of Timisoara,” says Fritz.
Dominic Samuel Fritz is a political and administrative scientist and was born in the Black Forest. | Image: Ovidiu David
In view of the war in the neighboring country and criticism of high gas prices in Timisoara, a cultural festival seems to be in an inappropriate context. Fritz also wants to use the award, the European funding and the cultural program to highlight important issues such as unemployment, European cooperation and the fight against corruption. “I think the events are also an opportunity for our economic factor. We are a boom town and we can show it. To do this, we invest in culture and do not shy away from comparisons with major European capitals.”
Fritz is shaped by his home town of Görwihl
Fritz also discovered for himself what makes a community in the Hotzenwald. The small communities in which many people get involved would still shape him to this day. So does the environment. “As a person, I am very close to nature. I always liked the long walks in the forest,” says the Görwihler.
He usually only makes it home at Christmas or in the summer. He feels comfortable in Timisoara, but there are things that Romania cannot offer: “I haven’t disguised myself as a forest here yet. Even if I miss the Görwihl Guggenmusik and parades,” says Fritz. Because even if the cultural program of Timisoara includes a lot – carnival is not among them.
