Syrian Refugee Ninorta Banho Crowned ‘Wine Queen' in German Town

The town of Trier, Germany, traditionally chooses young women from local families

A Syrian refugee has been crowned “wine queen” by the German town of Trier, NBC News reported. 

Ninorta Banho, 26, is the first asylum seeker chosen to represent a wine-growing region in the Mosel region. The honor is traditionally given to local young women from local families. 

The practice of choosing a wine queen dates back to the early 20th century when selected women wear traditional dirndl dresses. 

"I want to show that Germany is a welcoming country and that the Germans are very hospitable and work towards integrating refugees quickly and successfully," Banho told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle at her crowning ceremony in Trier. 

Banho was chosen by winemakers who wanted to dispel anger aimed at refugees in Germany. The country took in 1.1 million migrants in 2015.

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