Upcoming boat parades: Halle Lantern Festival starts with a colorful spectacle!

Upcoming boat parades: Halle Lantern Festival starts with a colorful spectacle!

On August 13, 2025, it's that time again: The Lantern Festival in Halle (Saale) is just around the corner and promises colorful and bright highlights. The city calls on all boating enthusiasts to take part in the festive “Kunterbunt” and “Luminous Boats” boat parades, which will take place on August 30, 2025. The two events start at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and have their starting point at the Peißnitz Bridge, with the aim of reaching the Giebichenstein Bridge. If you don't just want to watch, but want to take part yourself with a decorated boat or raft, you can register at www.lanternenfest.halle.de, register by email or telephone. The entry fee is 20 euros and prizes will be awarded to the three most beautiful watercraft.

There is an extensive supporting program for the boat parades – the spectacle on the water. There is a lot to experience, from fishing jousts to bridge jumping to the “Glowing Saale” campaign, in which fireflies are released by candlelight. The Lantern Festival Cup, a 3000 meter competition for cutter rowers on the Saale, is also held.

Family-friendly festival for young and old

The Lantern Festival is more than just a boat trip on the Saale – it is a festival for the whole family. Children can look forward to exciting children's activities, as the festival has many heartwarming program items for younger visitors. There are also seven information stands with trained staff, and there is a children's collection point and a DRK child tracing service on Ziegelwiese.

It is important to note that a complete ban on cannabis has been in effect since 2024. Smoking joints is prohibited and will be controlled by law enforcement as the festival is a place for families and children.

Economic significance of the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival not only plays a central cultural role in Halle, it is also a real hit economically: last year, the event raised around 5.2 million euros in Halle - including expenses for hotel accommodation and restaurant visits. For 2024, value creation is expected to be around 5 million euros. The cost of the festival is approximately 1.28 million euros, of which around 300,000 euros are covered by sponsorship and dealer fees.

It remains to be seen how the Lantern Festival will develop in the future, especially in terms of security and budgeting in the city. City spokesman Drago Bock emphasized that the aim is to achieve a balance between program quality and economy. The Lantern Festival remains an important event in the cultural life of Halle that inspires young and old.