CARLSBAD SISTER CITIES

Mission Statement

In 1988, the Carlsbad City Council, recognizing the cultural, educational and economic benefits of Sister City relationships, established the Sister City Program under City Ordinance. The mission of the City of Carlsbad Sister City Program is to create active and meaningful connections between Carlsbad and its citizens and comparable yet internationally dispersed communities in an effort to promote peace, cultural awareness and economic opportunities through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.

Futtsu,Japan

Futtsu, Japan is located in Chiba Prefecture, about two hours south of Tokyo on the eastern shore of Tokyo Bay. A city of 60,000, Futtsu has a semi-rural atmosphere, running along a narrow strip of coast below forest-covered hills. On especially clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen across the bay, and Futtsu's attractions include a large Water Sports Complex, the five-story Goddess of Peace Monument, the Mother Farm animal and agriculture education center, and the Golden Monkey Preserve.

The industries of Futtsu include agriculture, fishery, commerce and manufacture. The shoreline of Futtsu is part of the South Boso National Park and is a popular resort area.

In 1988 the first Sister Cities agreement was signed between Carlsbad and Futtsu, Japan. The cities share a shore-based location and an emphasis on water sports and recreational tourism.

20th Anniversary of Sister City Partnership with Carlsbad and Futtsu
On October 28 & 29, 2008, the City of Futtsu, Japan will celebrate the 20 anniversary of sister cities partnership with Carlsbad. Futtsu will be inviting certain community representatives, including Mayor Lewis as their guests at that celebration.

For more information or to volunteer, contact the Cultural Arts Office.

Karlovy Vary, Czech

Karlovy Vary was discovered by the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1350 and became a spa town renown for the curative powers of its thermal springs. In the 18th and 19th centuries it became the favorite restorative retreat of royalty, nobility and the great artists of the times. Centuries later, the water in a well in a small California town was discovered to have the exact mineral properties of Karlovy Vary's famous Spring #9, so in honor of the connection, the town was named Carlsbad (English for Karlovy Vary). In 1991 Karlovy Vary became our 2nd Sister City.

Annually, spa guests from more than 80 countries around the world visit this popular historic spa town which lies in a green valley of the river Tepia. The mineral water from the natural hot springs is used in healing baths and is said to contain important minerals necessary for curing of the body.

Karlovy Vary is also noted for its festivals. The best know festival is the International Film Festival visited by film stars, directors and film makers from across the world.. Many festivals are connected with music in all of its forms. Classical music is represented by Dvorak's Autumn Music Festival and the International Singing Competition of Antonin Dvorak. The famous Symphonic Orchestra of Karlovy Vary dates back to 1835 and thus it is among one of the oldest in Europe

Sister City Activities

Student Homestay - Carlsbad families host students from Futtsu and Karlovy Vary in alternating years. The high-school age students stay approximately one week, attending school with their student hosts and engaging in a variety of events organized by the Sister City Committee.

Carlsbad Multicultural Arts Festival - This free family-oriented festival of music, dance, theatre and storytelling includes programs devoted to the cultures of Carlsbad's sister cities usually occurs the second week of March. For information on this year's festivities, visit: Arts Office | City of Carlsbad

Carlsbad to Karlovy Vary Vocal Competition - held in even-numbered years, is a competition for singers age 18 to 30 in the fields of Opera and Art Song, selects one contestant to compete in the famed International Dvorak Vocal Competition in Karlovy Vary. Winner's Prize is sponsored by Edward Jones Investments. To learn more about this year's competition and event times and locations, Arts Office | City of Carlsbad

Japan in a Suitcase - is a traveling presentation of introductions to daily life in Futtsu, Japan, using props pulled from the suitcase. This presentation is available free to any student organizations (such as girl scouts etc), including schools in the City of Carlsbad.

For information call (760) 434-2900.

International Sister Cities Photography Competition - This photo contest is for students in 9th through 12th grades. It will culminate in two exhibitions, one in Carlsbad and one in Karlovy Vary. This is a joint project between the two Sister Cities. Subject matter for Carlsbad residents is "A Day in the Life of Carlsbad". Students will use digital cameras to photograph their favorite things about Carlsbad (its community, its people, its environment, architecture, history etc.). Photos will be judged and matted and those selected will be sent to Karlovy Vary. Karlovy Vary will be hosting a similar competition and photos will be temporarily exchanged between the two cities and displayed in prominent locations. Prizes of $100, $50 & $25 for the top 3 entries.

To learn more, visit: Arts Office | City of Carlsbad.