France/L'Isle-en-Dodon Celebrates 20 Years of Twinning with Godega di Sant'Urbano: Activities, Games, and Italian Concerts on the Program

In L'Isle-en-Dodon, the town’s twinning with Godega di Sant'Urbano will celebrate its 20th anniversary from September 11 to 13. Events, including a contest organized by local merchants and an Italian concert, will mark this anniversary. The festivities aim to strengthen the cultural and friendly ties between the two towns.

First, a bit of history: after the two world wars, there was a great need for farm labor. It was during this period that several Italian families from the Veneto region came to settle in L’Isle-en-Dodon and the surrounding area.
The twinning agreement was signed on May 26, 2006, in L’Isle-en-Dodon and on October 1, 2006, in Godega di Sant’Urbano. The goal of the twinning committee is to build relationships, provide mutual support, and organize cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

For the occasion, our Italian friends are coming to spend four days here; they will participate in the twinning anniversary celebrations and the local festival, and will also visit the town of Condom in the Gers department.
This year, to celebrate this friendship and solidarity, the entire town has been decked out in Italian-colored pennants. And several organizations have stepped up to organize events this September: the twinning committee, PLACIID (the merchants’ association), in partnership with the municipality and the tourism office.

The Shopkeepers’ Game: Find the Mystery Phrase

Ten local merchants have been paired with an Italian town. In their store windows, you’ll find information cards with a word on the back to complete the phrase. Once you’ve completed the mystery phrase, head to the tourist office to claim your prize! Entry forms are available at the tourist office and at participating merchants. On September 11 and 12, join in the celebrations for the twinning committee’s anniversary.

Saturday, September 12: At 9:30 a.m., welcome ceremony at City Hall for the signing of the oaths. At 11:00 a.m., lecture by Rocco Femia: “Perspectives from France and Italy,” at the movie theater. At 6:00 p.m., dedication of the twinning circle at the middle school roundabout.
Sunday, September 13: At 7:00 p.m., at the movie theater, a concert by our Italian friends, “La nova compagnia del careteo di Castelfranco Veneto.” Take this opportunity to meet new people, share different cultures, and above all, celebrate this 20-year friendship!

Source: www.ladepeche.fr/