German city renamed Swiftkirchen for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
The European leg of "The Eras Tour" is in full swing. Taylor Swift fans are taking over the cities where the artist appears. The German city of Gelsenkirchen has gone a step further and changed its name in honor of the star's arrival.
8:07 PM EDT, July 3, 2024
Taylor Swift is currently the biggest artist in the world. The American singer is selling out tickets for her concert tour, "The Eras Tour", stadium by stadium as if they were tiny music clubs. Swift fans from all over the globe spend fortunes on tickets, merchandise, and beads to create friendship bracelets and outfits that match one of the 11 eras of the artist's work. The cities where the artist appears are filled with crowds who leave huge amounts of money in hotels, restaurants, and shops. So, it's no surprise that the authorities of these places decide to appreciate the artist's presence.
German city changes its name because of Taylor Swift
The authorities of the German city of Gelsenkirchen devised an unusual idea, as Taylor Swift will perform there three times: July 17, 18, and 19. In honor of the American singer, the city has changed its name to Swiftkirchen. Signs with the changed name have appeared in several of the most frequented places in Gelsenkirchen.
The initiator of this idea is Taylor Swift fan Aleshanee Westhoff, who lives in Emmerich. She created a petition, which she presented to Gelsenkirchen Mayor Karin Welge. The mayor really liked the idea, as she mentioned in a letter to Westhoff: "It's a great idea to temporarily rename Gelsenkirchen to 'Swiftkirchen', so I'm delighted, especially since today you can experience this momentary 'transformation' of Gelsenkirchen live and up close."
Karin Welge adds: "As mayor, I am of course very pleased that Taylor Swift, currently the most popular singer in the world, will perform three times in Gelsenkirchen. International attention, right after EURO 2024, will once again focus on our city."
Not just the name change of the city for Taylor Swift
During Taylor Swift's stay in Gelsenkirchen, a series of activities related to the star are planned, including karaoke, painting washable tattoos, and a swap meet for Swift-related items. There is also a "Taylor Swift tram" running around the city. During her stay in the city, the star is also set to receive her stone on the Walk of Fame in Gelsenkirchen. The mayor announces that the commemorative stone will be colorful so that everyone can recognize it.
