The time has come. On 6 October 2025, President Rüdiger Heß signed the contract to host the Europeade from 22 to 26 July 2026 in the presence of many guests from Bergamo. The Rotary and Lions governors who will be in office in July 2026 were also there with great anticipation, as these clubs want to work together to ensure the success of the Europeade.
Prior to this, Rüdiger Hess had a meeting in Milan with the Regional Minister for Culture of Lombardy, Dr Francesca Caruso, and Mr Michele Schiavi (member of the Regional Council of Lombardy and Vice-President of the V. Technical Commission for Territory, Infrastructure and Mobility). Together with representatives of the ministry, they discussed the Europeade and its significance for the region. There was agreement that the Europeade is very good for freedom, peace and friendship between the people of Europe's regions. Today, this is even more important than when it was founded in 1964. But the city and region of Bergamo will also be enchanted by colourful images of folklore groups from all over Europe, which Dr Caruso is particularly looking forward to. Images of a happy and celebrating city will make Bergamo known throughout Europe. Mario Morotti from the Associazione Ducato di Piazza Pontida and his team are looking forward to hosting the Europeade as contractual partners.
Together with Annick Weyn and Hilde Gielis, they visited the squares and streets of Bergamo. They discussed all the points that are important for a Europeade, which in turn are part of the contract. Rüdiger Heß is very happy that he has already had many positive discussions with Professor Alberto Barzanò. Both are certain that the 60th Europeade will be a great success. It is particularly noteworthy that Bergamo would very much like to see stands from many regions of Europe in the forum. This could further enliven the Europeade. A market with many European products can enrich the Europeade.
For technical reasons, online registration will be possible from 15 November 2025. This is earlier than before. Please make a note of this date. Early registration is recommended, as the registration deadline has been set for 31 January 2026. After that, you will have until 10 March to complete all the information. This is the only way to ensure that all the preparations can be carried out by those responsible in Bergamo. During the further working visit following the registration deadline, further preparatory measures will be discussed so that the European guests can feel at home in Bergamo.
President Rüdiger Heß and Professor Alberto Barzanò are looking forward to the 60th Europeade in Bergamo, where we want to experience a colourful European community. ‘We want to celebrate a festival of joy and peace in friendship with our friends from the regions of Europe,’ says Rüdiger Heß with certainty.