State Hartish Festival 2025: Celebrate on Poel and in Wismar!

State Hartish Festival 2025: Celebrate on Poel and in Wismar!

On October 04 and 05, 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is transformed into a true main landscape: The state harvest festival will be held together for the first time this year by the island of Poel, the district of Northwest Mecklenburg and the city of Wismar. The preparations for this took more than a year and the mayor of Poel, Gabriele Richter, Mayor of Wismar Thomas Beyer and district administrator Tino Schomann proudly presented the varied program.

The festival will be celebrated in two different locations on two days: on Saturday on the island of Poel, where numerous attractions pile up, and on Sunday in Wismar, where the big parade conquered the city. A special highlight on the island is the peasant Olympics and a chicken bingo, in which visitors are given the opportunity to buy lots. In addition to awareness of the harvest, the fun is also very important here!

Experience cultural diversity

For those who are more interested in traditional and cultural diversity, the Thanksgiving Festival offers a wealth of opportunities. A potato peel competition, an art campaign and traditional peasant ball take place on the island of Poel. In addition, one should not miss the delicious regional delicacies offered by the local producers, for example directly at the stand of the district farmers' association Nordwestmecklenburg, which is represented on both days.

In Wismar, Sunday opens with an impressive parade featuring decorated harvest floats, vintage cars and club cars. The goal of this parade is to establish the longest parade in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with a length of at least 800 meters and 80 floats. Such a spectacle is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of community.

Religious roots of the festival

What many people don't know is that Thanksgiving has deep-rooted religious traditions. It is celebrated by Christians, in both Catholic and Protestant communities, on the first Sunday in October. Gratitude for the fruits of the earth and a reflection on responsibility towards nature are the focus. In church services, the altar is often decorated with beautifully filled baskets, and there are many customs, including weaving harvest crowns from grain and vines.

The connection between tradition and conviviality continues according to the services. At festival meals and dance events you come together, enjoy the community and look back with joy for the good harvest yields. It delights the hearts that many communities actively support and often even collect money or food for the needy.

For all those who plan to visit the festival, the note should be given that the journey to Wismar is recommended on Sunday. Parking around the marketplace will be closed from Friday, and traffic restrictions are also expected at short notice during the parade between 11 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. The crowd of visitors is also great on the two days, which is why patience and a good mood are required!

For all interested parties, the state harvest festival offers an opportunity to dive deeply into the cultural peculiarities of the region and to experience the hospitality of the two event locations up close. The anticipation of an unforgettable weekend is noticeable - be there and celebrate!

For more information about the program, you can also read what NDR,, Farmers' Association MV and Calendar 2016 report!