Arnstadt is planning to apply for Thuringia Day 2029 – a festival with a future!

Arnstadt is planning to apply for Thuringia Day 2029 – a festival with a future!

Arnstadt thinks big! The city is considering an application for Thuringia Day 2029. Mayor Frank Spilling raised the issue in the city council and made it clear that they are ready to commit to this important event. An internal administrative review of this project is currently taking place, as the state's tender for the Thuringia Day is still pending. But one thing is certain: the anticipation is palpable!

A look back at Thuringia Day 2025, which took place in Gotha from May 2nd to 4th, shows the potential of this festival. With an impressive 250,000 visitors, it was a complete success. The parade alone attracted around 55,000 people and offered endless enjoyment. The program was packed with culture, music and traditions and welcomed guests with more than ten themed miles ranging from traditional crafts to innovations in energy and agriculture. There were interactive experiences and a children's program for the whole family with Volker Rosin and the “KiKA comes to you!” campaign.

Celebrate with diversity

But that wasn't all. Visitors were able to discover career opportunities on the job mile, while the Kreissparkasse Gotha finance mile offered participation opportunities, such as an exciting basketball tournament with Olympic champions. Thuringian specialties and international delicacies also attracted gourmet lovers. The opening was on May 1, 2025 at 5 p.m. with the water art, followed by a big warm-up party with Dirk Sipp that started the evening.

The city center was also transformed into a stage for national and international artists. Bands like voXXclub, Caught in the Act and Eko Fresh added to the festive atmosphere. The crowning conclusion was a musical fireworks display at the water art and a fireworks display over Friedrichsthal Castle, which lit up the night.

An overview of Thuringia Day

Thuringia Day itself is more than just a folk festival; it is an important event that promotes the Thuringians' sense of belonging and identification with their country. It first took place in 1996 and has developed into a biennial festival since 2007. The goal always remains to cultivate local thoughts and customs, which is particularly visible during the big parade on the festival Sunday. Thousands of guests and participants gather here to celebrate together.

Arnstadt still has a while to further flesh out the application for Thuringia Day 2029. But given the success and diversity that Thuringia Day brings with it, one thing is certain: the preparations are being tackled with a lot of enthusiasm and a good hand. The citizens and the city administration are optimistic about the future. Further information and impressions of the previous Thuringia Days can be found on the websites of Gotha.de and Thueringen.de.