Faith and culture

In Germany, social coexistence is governed by values and laws. Everyone has the same rights and responsibilities - regardless of gender, origin, language, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Everyone has the right to practise their religion, culture and sexuality freely and openly.

The most important principle underpinning this is that the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany must be observed by everyone, and the rights of others must be respected.

Bocholt is an open and tolerant town for all cultures and world views. Our town is home to Christian churches, Muslim communities and religious institutions, as well as meeting places for people of different faiths. If you would like to find out more about the intercultural associations in Bocholt, the town's Integration Office will be happy to advise you.

Public holidays and shop opening hours

Many public holidays and traditions in Germany have Christian origins. The following opening hours are important for everyday life:

• Monday to Saturday: On these weekdays, shops, supermarkets and shopping centres in Bocholt are open as normal (usually until 8.00 pm or 10.00 pm).

• Sunday: Sunday is a statutory day of rest in Germany. Shops, government offices and supermarkets are closed. Exceptions apply only to bakeries, petrol stations and catering establishments (restaurants/cafés). Further exceptions may include, for example, Sundays when shops are open ("Bocholt blüht%$, "Bokeltsen Treff%$ or "Lichtersonntag%$)

• Public holidays: On fixed public holidays that fall on weekdays (such as Easter, Christmas, Ascension Day or German Unity Day on 3 October), shops and government offices are also closed.

Further information is available at bocholt.de/integration.