oung people from Lourdes, Częstochowa and Altötting met in Lourdes, France, for the first European Youth Music Meetings. Organized thanks to the cooperation of cities belonging to the Shrines of Europe network, the event provided an opportunity for making music together, discovering different cultures and building international friendships.
The first edition of the Rencontres Musicales de la Jeunesse Européenne (European Youth Music Meetings) took place in Lourdes from 21 to 25 May. The event brought together young singers and musicians from France, Poland and Germany, representing Lourdes, Częstochowa and Altötting – three cities cooperating within the Shrines of Europe association.
The idea for the music meetings was born during the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Częstochowa and Lourdes. The initiative is another example of the long-standing cooperation between shrine cities, which for years has resulted in youth exchanges, joint projects and meetings between residents.
The official opening took place in the Jardin des Tilleuls, one of Lourdes’ main public parks. Young participants from the three countries performed Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, the anthem of the European Union, symbolically inaugurating several days dedicated to dialogue, cooperation and music.
The programme included music workshops, joint rehearsals, visits to Lourdes and its surroundings, as well as numerous integration activities. Participants had the opportunity to discover each other’s languages, traditions and daily lives, realizing that despite cultural differences they share many common values.
The highlight of the event was a concert at the Palais des Congrès, where the young artists presented the results of their work together. The audience enjoyed songs performed in French, Polish and German. One of the most emotional moments was the collective performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, which became a symbol of the spirit of the project – building understanding beyond borders.
Throughout the concert, speakers emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the future of Europe. In a world often marked by divisions, young people demonstrated that cooperation, curiosity and openness towards other cultures can provide the foundations for genuine dialogue.
The European Youth Music Meetings confirmed that the Shrines of Europe network is not only a partnership between pilgrimage cities, but also a space where new relationships can be built among Europe’s younger generations. Organizers hope that this first edition will become the beginning of a new tradition, bringing together young people from partner cities through music, culture and shared experiences.
