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Landesfest: Almost like Rio: Fulda celebrates exuberantly at the Hessentag parade
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Culture & Society

Landesfest: Almost like Rio: Fulda celebrates exuberantly at the Hessentag parade

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth From a news agency Context piece
  • Fulda celebrated its state festival, the Hessentag, with a large parade featuring tens of thousands of attendees.
  • Despite initial cold and rain, the festival concluded with tropical temperatures and a lively atmosphere reminiscent of Rio Carnival.
  • The event showcased various cultural groups and concluded with a sold-out concert by Peter Maffay.

Fulda concluded its Hessentag state festival with a grand parade, drawing tens of thousands of people who celebrated under tropical temperatures and a festive atmosphere. The event, which began with cold and rainy weather, ended on a high note, with the city's main parade transforming the downtown area into a vibrant spectacle.

Participants from across the state, including dozens of music, foot, and traditional costume groups, marched through the city center. Spectators lined the streets, cheering and dancing along with the performers. The mood was jubilant, with a sense of carnival in the air, a stark contrast to the city's usual association with its more somber Rose Monday parades.

Creative floats added to the excitement, with one particularly popular float from Bad Salzschlirf shooting high water fountains into the sky, offering welcome relief from the heat. Even a representation of Jesus, part of a Passion Play group from GroรŸenlรผder, made an appearance, humorously depicted wearing beach sandals.

Where is the confetti?

โ€” SpectatorCalling out to a float during the parade.

Approximately 3,500 people participated in the parade, braving the heat in their various costumes and uniforms to energize the crowd. Volunteers from the German Red Cross increased their staff due to the high temperatures, and free water bottles were distributed to attendees. The festival also offered numerous attractions along the Hessentag street.

The Hessentag festivities culminated in a sold-out concert by Peter Maffay at the Domplatzarena. Fulda, which was originally slated to host the event in 2021 but had it canceled due to the pandemic, successfully presented itself as a modern municipality with a rich historical heritage over the past ten days. Around 700 volunteers contributed to ensuring guests felt welcome.

Hosianna

โ€” PassionsspielgruppeShouted during the reenactment of Christ's entry into Jerusalem.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.