Stormy Thanksgiving: Wismar celebrates the unity of city and country!

Stormy Thanksgiving: Wismar celebrates the unity of city and country!

October 5, 2025 was a special date for the people of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, because the state harvest festival attracted numerous visitors to the Hanseatic city of Wismar and the island of Poel. The celebrations took place over two days under the motto “Unity of city and country”. The weather caused some challenges, but did not dampen the spirit. The festival was held in the middle of a storm called “Detlef”, which caused wind and rain, especially on Saturday, so that some program items had to be canceled. Nevertheless, the event was able to rely on a high number of visitors who enjoyed the attractions despite the adverse circumstances.

The big parade on Sunday, which led through the historic city center of Wismar, was particularly impressive. Over 95 parade floats, including old and new agricultural vehicles as well as numerous clubs and bands, attracted attention. Due to the unstable weather on Saturday, the stage program had to start several hours late and parts were canceled at short notice. Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus took the opportunity to thank farmers for their work during a difficult year, even if the market situation remains burdened by falling prices. Around 5,000 farms in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are fighting the challenges that the market brings with it, while still recording a bountiful harvest in agricultural statistics.

Harvest crown and tradition

A highlight of the festival was the presentation of the harvest crown, which was tied by rural women in about 200 hours from various types of grain, including wheat, rye and oats. Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) ceremoniously accepted this traditional crown, thereby confirming the symbol of the country's fertility. In her speech, she emphasized the state government's continued support for agriculture and rural life. On this occasion, state bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt also combined the expression of gratitude with an appeal for responsibility and solidarity among the people of the state.

Sunday began with a festive Thanksgiving service in St. Nikolai Church, which honored the transition and celebrations of the state Thanksgiving holiday. Although some planned events on the island of Poel, including the Farmers' Olympics and the traditional fireworks finale, had to be canceled due to the weather, those present still had the opportunity to celebrate the rural culture and the close ties of the people in the region.

Outlook for the future

For the coming year 2026, Grabow in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district has been announced as the venue for the 35th state harvest festival. Farmer Andrew Schlottmann presented an innovative app that is intended to connect farmers with job seekers and thus represents a further step into the digital future of agriculture. These and other ideas strengthen the local community and promote exchange between town and country, which corresponds perfectly to the motto of the festival.

It can be said that, despite the unstable weather and the challenges posed by storm Detlef, the state harvest festival was a complete success and the people of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania kept the common values ​​of gratitude and cohesion alive. The organizers and visitors are looking forward to next year's celebrations with great optimism.

For more information about the events and this year's Thanksgiving festival, you can read the coverage on NDR and n-tv read up. You can also find out about the exhibition of agricultural businesses at Destatis inform.