St. Martin’s Days in the partner city of Martin

On 6–8 November 2025, a delegation from the City of Kalisz - consisting of Krystian Kinastowski, Mayor of Kalisz, and Marcin Cieloszyk, City Manager - paid an official visit to the Slovak city of Martin, Kalisz’s partner city. The Mayor of Martin invited the delegates to take part in the 2025 St. Martin’s Day celebrations, an annual festival featuring a rich cultural programme and many discussions relating to regions' local governance.

The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Martin, Ján Danko, who emphasised the importance of partnership cooperation between local governments from various European countries. During the meeting, bilateral talks were held regarding existing and future forms of cooperation between Kalisz and Martin. The Mayor of Kalisz highlighted the shared goals of both cities, including the development of urban infrastructure, support for local entrepreneurship, and the protection of cultural heritage. Opportunities for cooperation in cultural and educational projects involving schools and cultural institutions were also identified. The delegations exchanged gifts symbolising the friendship and partnership between the cities.

One of the main points of the visit was a tour of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, a branch of Comenius University in Bratislava - the largest and oldest Slovak institution of higher education. It was an opportunity to visit the Martin campus, where future doctors are trained, and to discuss the challenges facing European healthcare. The delegation also took part in the traditional lantern parade through the city centre, as well as the award and distinction ceremony of the City of Martin at the National House of the Slovak Chamber Theater. The event was accompanied by a rich artistic programme and a tasting of regional dishes prepared by delegations from partner cities — the Kalisz delegation presented regional sweets, such as andruty kaliskie. During the ceremony, further discussions were held on cooperation in regional promotion and the exchange of local government experience.

By: Tomasz Witak, photos: the City of Martin
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