This past August, I had the privilege—along with Sofi and Emma Walter—to participate in the Welttreffen trip to Hungary and Serbia.
Our Welttreffen group included about 50 Danube Swabian people from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Serbia.
We visited towns and cities that still have German-speaking communities, cultural exhibits, museums, churches, and memorials. We learned about the history of when and how German people migrated to the Danube Swabian region, settling the land around the Danube River Valley in Batschka and Banat—where most of our grandparents and great-grandparents lived before emigrating to the United States. During the 10-day trip, we had so many culturally rich experiences, including dance instruction, singing workshops, shawl knotting, embroidery, basket weaving, carpet looming, wine making, bread baking—and of course, obstler and palinka drinking.
Some especially meaningful moments included visiting Feked, where we attended Sunday Mass said in German by the Bishop; touring multiple Donauschwaben homes set up to show how the Danube Swabian people lived when they first settled the region; and visiting memorial sites in Gakowa and Fillipowa. For me—and I believe for Sofi and Emma as well—this trip was not a vacation. It was an educational journey that deepened my love for my German heritage and re-energized my desire to continue practicing and participating in our culture.
Singing songs, enjoying traditional meals, remembering the struggles of our families, and strengthening relationships with other Donauschwaben friends from around the world are vital to keeping our traditions alive. I will never forget the overwhelming feelings I had during our trip—the love for our culture, the pride in the strength of our people, and the gratitude that our families had the bravery to start over and continue their traditions here in America.
I am privileged and proud to help keep our heritage alive. Thank you to everyone who made this unique experience possible, and thank you to all who continue to support events like the Kirchweih we are celebrating tonight.
By Nichole Blank Deely
Editor’s Note: Nichole delivered the above reflection on the 2025 Welttreffen at our Kirchweihfest that was held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Vereinigung Erzgebirge. The text has minor edits for print distribution.