English translation speech Nieuwe Bredanaars

Hello everyone and welcome to Breda!

I'm curious where you're all from, so I'm going to ask a few people where they lived before coming to Breda. 

[Interaction with audience]. Where do you come from? What brings you here? 

Out of all the places you could have chosen as your new home, you have chosen Breda and we are truly delighted about that. You add something valuable to our city, making Breda even more vibrant. As the mayor of this special city, I may be a bit biased, but I can confidently say that you have made an excellent choice!

Breda was formed in the twelfth century, as a small settlement of farmers and traders in the area where the Mark and the Aa rivers meet. At the end of that century, a castle was constructed here, now known as Breda Castle which is located near Valkenberg Park. In 1252, Breda was granted city rights. 

Breda is a city with a rich history and a warm heart. We have connections with the Nassau family, the sugar industry and Poland, which provided the First Armoured Division which liberated Breda exactly eighty years ago. Today, we are known for our hospitality, our lush green spaces and our international borderless mindset. Breda is a city where we come together, support one another and work alongside each other to build a thriving community. Today, one hundred and ninety thousand people live in Breda, making us the ninth largest city in the Netherlands, which we are very proud of.

You may already have explored Breda - admired the Grote Kerk (The Great Church) whilst sitting at a terrace, or you may even have climbed its tower. You might have attended a match at the lively NAC Stadium, or enjoyed the connections made during Carnival week. But Breda has so much more to offer besides these major attractions. Our city is full of small, hidden gems, be sure to go and discover them and to find your own special places where you connect and create wonderful memories. 

For centuries, Breda has been a place of warm welcomes and diversity, and your arrival contributes to our city's ongoing growth and development. Breda aspires to be a city where everyone is welcome and valued. Together, we are building a community that is forward-thinking, sustainable and endlessly hospitable.

On behalf of my fellow councillors, Peter Bakker and Jeroen Bruijns, and the entire local council, I wish you an enjoyable afternoon. You'll not only learn more about the history of our city, but also have the opportunity to meet other new residents and those who have lived here a little longer, our local key contributors, many of whom are here today. Enjoy the tasty dishes prepared by international students and the short tours organised by hospitality students.   

Breda is now your city too, and we are happy to have you here. 

Once again, a warm welcome to Breda!