Solidarity and Colorful Krakow. Thanks for the Illumination Campaign

When state borders are preventively closed and citizens are separated from each other by quarantine restrictions, every gesture of solidarity that consolidates the international community and keeps its spirits up becomes important.

In a gesture of solidarity with the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Krakow organized a series of illuminations of urban facilities in the national colors of these countries.On March 26, 27 and 30, Tauron Arena Krakow, the ICE Krakow Congress Center and Father Bernatka footbridge displayed the flags of: Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the US and Great Britain.

Here are some of the thanks we have received from foreign partners and friends:

I would like to thank for the closeness and solidarity that the City of Krakow has shown to the Italian nation and the inhabitants of Rome through a wonderful initiative to illuminate the TAURON Arena Krakow sports and entertainment hall, the Father Bernatkafootbridge, and the ICE Krakow Congress Center in the colors of the flag of the Republic of Italy, March 26, 2020.

The closeness of the partner city of Krakow, strengthened over the years by numerous cultural exchanges and a significant mutual influx of visitors, is extremely important for the City of Rome at such a difficult time. It is an even greater impetus for the fight that the Romans took to face the spread of this terrible pandemic.

Once again, I would like to thank you, knowing that when this pandemic is overcome, there will be plenty of opportunities and possibilities for cooperation between our cities.

Stefano Castiglione
Director of the Chancellery
Mayor of the City of Rome

I would like to thank you for your solidarity and words of support, especially for us in this difficult time of the pandemic.

I very much appreciate the initiative taken by the City of Krakow to illuminate the institutional and significant places of the city in the colors of the Italian flag.

The city of Milan is facing a seriously challenge of preventing the spread of the coronavirus, convinced that this is a global challenge and that our actions will reduce the risk that citizens are exposed to in other cities around the world.

Thanks again for remaining with us in our thoughts and words of encouragement.

Maria Vittoria Beria
Director of the International Relations Department
City of Milan

Dear Mr. Mayor,

I would like to thank you with all my heart for the beautiful gesture of solidarity with the American people during the extremely difficult days of struggling with the pandemic. The illuminated American flag on the screen of the TAURON Arena was for me, personally, and the entire American community in Krakow a real sign of friendship and close ties that connect our countries.

At the same time, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the great efforts made by you and the City services in order to ensure the efficient and safe functioning of the city as well as to help people and institutions most in need.

I am also impressed with so many creative initiatives of spontaneous help offered to the inhabitants of Krakow, especially of the younger people towards the elderly. Thisis a manifestation of the extraordinary energy and spirit of solidarity that has always been in this city, and which will certainly help revive Krakow after the difficult experience that we are all going through now. This is my wish to you and the entire team of the Krakow City Office.

With Warmest Wishes,,

Patrick Slowinski, PhD
US Consul General in Krakow

Dear Krakow residents! Thank you for this gesture of solidarity. We also wish you and all of Poland a lot of strength, health and endurance, especially to those who stand on the front lines every day. We are keeping our fingers crossed to win this fight against the virus!

Leipzig City Hall

In order to thank the authorities of the City of Krakow, Frédéric de Touchet,the French Consul General,went to the Bernatka footbridge tonight, it was illuminated in thecolors of the French flag in a gesture of solidarity with France, affected by the coronavirus epidemic.

Consulate General of the Republic of France in Krakow

Krakow has really done us a great honor in its stunning gesture of support. Thank you!

Michael D. Leach
Chancellery of the Mayor of Rochester