Flief day in Magdeburg: Tradition meets adventure on the Elbe!

Flief day in Magdeburg: Tradition meets adventure on the Elbe!

Magdeburg, Deutschland - Happy hustle and bustle and lively tradition - this shapes the 36th German Flöstertag, which takes place in Magdeburg from July 2 to July 6, 2025. From Schiltach, the raftsmen made their way to exchange experiences together with other clubs from all over Germany. This is an important event for the city of Magdeburg, which has a long rafting tradition. Black Forest Bote reports that the celebrations this year particularly to the 700-year-old. Mention of the rafting on the Elbe.

A total of 22 rafting associations take part in this festival. The connection between craft and tradition is very important. Special highlights are the construction of a 25 -meter raft and various raft trips on the Elbe. The latter run over several days; For example, a ride included an impressive three-hour trip through the picturesque landscape. There was nothing more important than the security of crew and passengers, which was guaranteed by skillful instructions from the captain and the installation of safety equipment. [N-AG] (https://n-ag.net/Deutschland/sachsen-anhalt/magdburg/deutscher-floessertag-in-magdburg- and-handwerk-live-real life) emphasizes that construction and driving offer many opportunities to participate.

A look at the rafting

The rafting is more than just a craft; In 2014 it was declared an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO and included in the global UNESCO directory in 2022. The methodology of transporting wood on water paths was particularly important between the Middle Ages and the second half of the 20th century. Despite the modern challenges, tradition continues in many regions, not least through dedicated rafting associations that are committed to preserving this knowledge. [UNESCO] (https://www.unesco.de/aktuelles/unesco-erklaert-floesserei-zum-immaterial-kulturerbe-der-menscheitätkeit emphasized in this context.

The rafting not only promotes sociable cooperation and craftsmanship, but also preserves a piece of cultural history. The volunteers regularly organize training courses in the raftsmen to pass on knowledge about the rafting and to strengthen the community in rural regions. The current rafting day offers an ideal platform to present this knowledge and bring closer to the general public.

cultural highlight and sense of community

With an ecumenical service in the St. Mauritius and Katharina cathedral, which took place on Sunday, the cultural heritage was also awarded a spiritual dimension. The raftsmen also had the opportunity to explore Magdeburg and celebrate together. With bright weather and an estimated water level of the Elbe, even if it was low due to the dryness, the festival became a lively experience.

The circumstances of the raft building were also remarkable; Under the guidance of raft master Thomas Kipp, 18 spruce tribes were selected and left into the water to make an artistic raft that will be admired as an exhibit in the Magdeburg science port in the future.

Overall, the rafting day in Magdeburg shows how lively this old tradition is and how important it is for the cultural identity of the region. The rafting lives - and this is not only clear at this festival, but at every meeting of the raftsmen.