Hanseatic Festival 2025 in Salzwedel: A festival full of tradition and joy!

Hanseatic Festival 2025 in Salzwedel: A festival full of tradition and joy!

On Saturday, June 27, 2025, the 27th Hanseatic Festival and the 21st Altmärkisches Heimatfest officially opened in Salzwedel. Mayor Olaf Meining welcomed numerous guests to the stage and, with his welcoming words, created a festive atmosphere that gripped the entire city. Among the guests were politicians from various cities, such as Ulrike Westkamp, ​​the mayor of Wesel, and Corrine Franklin, the mayor of Felixstowe. These international guests underline the importance that the Hanseatic Festival has in a network of historic trading cities.

The parade ran from the town hall via the town hall tower square and Burgstrasse to the castle garden, where the first celebrations took place. Norbert Lazay, the chairman of the Altmärkische Heimatbund, recalled the first Altmärkische Heimatfest, which was celebrated exactly 100 years ago in Stendal, and the need to properly honor this historical moment. As a sign of solidarity, Ulrike Westkamp presented a Wesel town sign to Olaf Meining, which was intended to symbolize the good neighborliness.

Colorful program for the weekend

The anticipation of an exciting weekend was great, as the festivities promise a lot of variety. Visitors can look forward to an extensive program on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The performances on the stage at the town hall tower, which include the Schützenguild, the Lucky Line Stompers and the Shanty Choir, are particularly notable. In addition, a presentation mile on Breite Straße will introduce Old Mark clubs, while a classic car exhibition on Neuperverstraße and Alte Jeetze will provide nostalgia.

Sunday, June 29, 2025, will be dedicated to communal experience, with an ecumenical service in the Burggarten and a parade through the city. The Sunday shopping also promises some bargains for all shopping enthusiasts. Various presentations and hands-on activities invite you to take an active part in the events, while the Hanseatic Festival rounds off the weekend with live music, jugglers and a craft market in the monks' church.

Historical framework and cultural heritage

But what makes the Hanseatic Festival in Salzwedel so special? The Hanseatic League, a historic league of trading cities, was founded in the 12th century to promote and protect trade. Salzwedel is closely linked to this tradition. The festival is not only a celebration of culture and community, but also an expression of the appreciative togetherness that is so important in today's times. In a world that is often complex and challenging, the Hanseatic Festival shows how history and modernity are interwoven and what a rich legacy the Hanseatic cities have left behind - both culturally and economically.

The mayor emphasized the festival's role as a meeting point for local traders and national partners. The modern Hanseatic League promotes values ​​such as cooperation and mutual support, which is reflected in the good atmosphere and exchange during the festival.

The lectures and exhibitions that take place during the festival are not only entertaining, but also offer insights into the history of the Hanseatic cities in Germany. This also includes important cities such as Lübeck, Hamburg and Bremen, which, together with Salzwedel, shape and preserve the history and culture of trade.

For anyone who would like to find out more about the Hanseatic Festival and the historical significance of the Hanseatic League, comprehensive information and program brochures are available on the Hanseatic Festival website: hansefest-salzwedel.de. If you're looking for music, shows and delicious food, you shouldn't miss this unforgettable festival!