Ass You Like it in Wesel

In this quirky riverside German city, it's the donkey that has the town's heart

- By KHURSHEED DINSHAW

Ask someone in Germany, "Who is the mayor of Wesel?", and you'll likely get a mischievous grin and the cheeky reply: "Esel!"—the German word for donkey. What began as a regional jibe has become a point of pride for Wesel, nestled on the banks of the Rhine. Rather than shy away from the joke, Wesel has embraced it with open arms—and an open heart. From sidewalks to shopfronts, from street signs to souvenirs, donkeys are everywhere. The city has adopted this humble animal as its mascot. Far from being a figure of mockery, the donkey has become a symbol of Wesel's identity.