Partnerships of Písek

The town of Písek has maintained partnership relationships with the towns of Caerphilly (Great Britain), Wetzlar and Deggendorf (Germany), Lemvig (Denmark), Smiltene (Latvia), Velký Krtíš (Slovakia) and Uherské Hradiště (Czech Republic). In their declaration of May 15, 2004, local authorities stated Písek's readiness to develop relations with other partners of the above-mentioned towns as well. This is how the town actively advances the development of its international partnerships.

It is since the 90s that the cooperation with Wales has been cultivated, in 1994 then, The Partnership Oath was signed with the town of Islwyn, which took over the administrative region of Caerphilly as a result of their local administrative reform. We are pleased to see the collaboration among the people of the two towns successfully progressing. Various Welsh choirs and other interest groups frequently come to Písek, as well as individuals who got attached to our town. The tenth anniversary of the partnership became one of the highlights of 2004. This was officially celebrated on May 14-16, 2004 in Písek while in September 2004, a group of roughly 125 inhabitants of Písek including 15 town representatives left for Wales. In 2009 we could remember 15 years of this twinning relationship by workshop held in both areas.

The partnership with the Danish town of Lemvig has been in existence for more than ten years as well, it is mostly focused on exchanges in the area of education. In May 2006 an official declaration of partnership was signed in Písek.

The contacts with the German town of Wetzlar have been quite promising. Large delegation of 80 members from Písek visited Wetzlar in May 2005. The Document of Friendship was signed in May 2006 and in May 2008 Document of Partnership has sealed this positive development of mutual relationships. In October 2006 a Society for Czech-German Cooperation with accent for Písek - Wetzlar relationships was established in Písek, in February 2007 similar society came to world in the german town. For June 2012 preparations are going on for participation of Písek in the big event Hessentag 2012.

In 2002, Písek formed a liason with the Latvian town of Smiltene, and the links have been developing ever since. Young Latvian football players participated in the Písek Cup several times, Písek has been visited by Latvian ensembles, the collaboration among schools has been cultivated as well. In May 2004, an eight-member official delegation came to Písek for the first time. Smiltene has also expressed great interest in cooperation, as always confirmes Smiltene's Mayor: "If your cultural ensembles, schools, sport teams, businessmen and others are intersted in coming to see us, they are most welcome!"

After long time of cooperation of the labour offices the towns Písek and Deggendorf decided to sign a Declaration of friendship, which happened on November 22, 2008. Connections to this bavarian town are thanks to activities of different societies and geographical vicinity very vital. For June 2012 the signature of the partnership document is beeing planned for the last day of the Town Festival.

In 2004, a partnership with the Slovak town of Velký Krtíš resumed following up on prior partnership between the district of Písek and Velký Krtíš. Slovak dancers participated e.g. at the International Folklore Festival 2005 in Písek.

Since flood in Moravia in summer 1997 contacts have been established between Písek and Uherské Hradiště, specially in the fields of culture and tourism.

Should anybody be interested in cooperation, Písek municipal authorities, specifically the Department of Tourism and International Relations, can mediate relevant contacts through e-mail: edita.kucerova@mupisek.cz.

File date: 14.4.2011