What is what does it mean to have a key to the city?

Having a Key to the City is an honorary symbol, a gesture of goodwill bestowed by a city upon esteemed individuals or groups. It signifies that the recipient is particularly valued by the city and its residents.

Here's what it generally means:

• Honor and Recognition: It is a high honor, recognizing significant contributions, achievements, or dedication to public service.
• Symbolic Gesture: The key is largely symbolic. It doesn't grant any actual special privileges or access in a literal sense (like opening city buildings).
• Expression of Gratitude: It represents the city's gratitude for the recipient's positive impact and contributions to the community, nation, or even the world.
• Public Ceremony: The presentation of the key usually occurs during a public ceremony, further highlighting the importance of the occasion.
• Not a Universal Practice: While many cities offer keys to the city, the criteria for selection and the design of the key vary greatly from place to place. The ceremony can differ as well.

In short, receiving a Key to the City is a prestigious and symbolic honor, a public acknowledgement of a person's exceptional merit and a warm welcome from the city.