Baton passed to marsaskala

Preveza, Greece – A symbolic flag handover ceremony on Saturday evening marked the conclusion of the Douzelage General Meeting 2025 in Preveza and the official passing of hosting duties to next year’s hosts, Marsaskala, Malta.

In a tradition echoing the passing of the Olympic torch, the Douzelage flag was ceremoniously lowered outside the host hotel and presented to the Marsaskala delegation, signalling the beginning of preparations for the landmark 50th General Meeting in 2026.

Mayor of Marsaskala Mario Calleja accepts the flag from Mayor of Preveza Nikolaos Georgakos (pic Alexandros Katsenosr)

“Preveza has been proud to host this year’s General Meeting, and it has been a joy to welcome our friends and partners from across Europe,” said Nikolaos Georgakos, Mayor of Preveza. “The Douzelage spirit was alive in every meeting, every exchange, and every friendship strengthened this week.”

The 2026 General Meeting in Marsaskala will not only mark the 50th edition of Douzelage’s annual gathering and the 35th anniversary of the town twinning organisation but will also coincide with Marsaskala Day, making it a triple celebration for the Maltese seaside town.

“We are honoured to receive the Douzelage flag and to carry forward this important tradition,” said Mayor of Marsaskala Mario Calleja. “Hosting the 50th General Meeting from 3–6 September 2026 is both a responsibility and a privilege. We look forward to welcoming our European partners to Malta for a milestone event that will celebrate both Douzelage and our community.”

Smiles all round from Douzelage President Shane Smyth and Mayor of Marsaskala Mario Calleja (pic Michelle Bingen)

Douzelage President Shane Smyth added: “The handover of the flag is more than ceremony – it’s a symbol of continuity, cooperation, and the enduring friendships that Douzelage represents. As we look to Marsaskala in 2026, we celebrate not only 50 General Meetings and 35 years of Douzelage, but also the vision of a connected Europe that Douzelage continues to embody.”

The week-long meeting in Preveza brought together delegations from Douzelage’s member towns from across Europe for discussions, cultural exchanges, and networking aimed at strengthening cooperation at both local and European levels.

Leonidas Argiros of Preveza wishes Mayor of Marsaskala the best of luck for next year’s event (pic Alexandros Katsenosr)

Moments before the flag is handed over (pic Michelle Bingen)