Colors of Dessau - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Since representatives of different nationalities live here in Dessau and many tourists travel to this city, the locals are used to providing the necessary assistance. That is why you should not be afraid to talk to people of Dessau who do not show any emotions - it's not a problem for them to help any traveler. Locals are known for their tolerance - no one would point a finger at a person who is different from others. The main thing is that this person should observe the laws and generally accepted rules, they don't care about any differences in personal qualities or looks. Nor can they be reproached for impoliteness.

The inhabitants of Dessau are pragmatic and thrifty people. However, the image of an average German citizen, which comes to mind at the mention of the "German mentality" fully fits the description of the locals. It is not customary to act "as the heart desires" - before taking any action, the native resident thinks over the situation well, and if something does not go according to the plan, this can greatly upset him or her. Reserved and practical, they would always prefer to be guided by reason and logic. To become nice to others, one only need to say a few words in German.

By the way, there should be no problems with the language since people mainly speak High German here. Only sometimes one can hear a dialect - however, seeing tourists in front of them, the locals speak the formal language. As for local dishes, you must try such delights as pork in pastry, “Eintopf” (vegetable soup), roast lamb, sausages, scrambled eggs with potatoes, sand cake. Wine is the favorite drink of the locals - and this is perhaps what distinguishes them from the typical image of a German resident. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Since the famous composer Kurt Weill was born in Dessau, it is not surprising that the city hosts a festival in his honor (Kurt Weill Fest). This happens in late February and lasts until mid-March. Given that a significant part of the composer's life was spent in other cities like New York and Paris, the festival takes place in the New York or Paris spirit. The venue of the festival is the Anhaltisches Theater. At this time, interesting musical concerts are organized there, mostly of musicians performing classical works of the author.

Bauhaus Festival taking place in late August is one of the most significant events in the festival life of the city. Its motto sounds like "have fun like Bauhaus students!". And, as you know, students know how to have fun like nobody else - this means that it wouldn't be easy to find a more cheerful festival at least in Dessau. As one might guess from the name, it is held in the Bauhaus Museum. A program prepared for visitors is very extensive, including experimental art installations, shows, and costumed performances. Every year the event attracts about 5,000 visitors. Among those who entertain the audience are participants from neighboring countries as well as those for whom Germany is home.

Heavy metal is also widely loved in Kurt Weill's hometown, which is confirmed by the Metalfest held at the end of May and attended by around 27,000 people every year. Among its headliners are the most famous and popular bands playing in the genres of thrash, heavy, power, Viking metal. This is one of the major events of this kind not only in the region, but also in the whole of Germany, and for metalheads, this event is truly special. The venue is Dessau Hauptbahnhof. And since the fest is open-air, fans of outdoor recreation are welcome here. Besides excellent music, visitors can enjoy excellent drinks and local cuisine. The festival wouldn't be complete without autograph sessions and contests where participants can win a CD of their favorite artist. There is also a market full of memorable stuff.

The famous Händel-Festspiele is held not only in Handel’s homeland Halle an der Saale but also in Dessau. This happens in early June at the Anhaltisches Theater. Here you can sit back and enjoy the great music by George Frideric Handel. You can listen not only to Handel's music but also to other classical composers' works, although the main focus is on the “hero of the occasion”. Without exaggeration, this is one of the biggest events in the region attracting classical music fans, many of whom come from afar.

Arriving in Dessau at the end of the month, one can witness such an event as This Is Ska Festival. The venue is Am Schlossgarten 18 b. This is a fest dedicated, as the name implies, to such energetic music as ska. You can also listen to related subgenres, that is, punk of different styles, skate punk, pop punk, soft rock, hardcore. The event is held on a large scale, however, its organizers do not know how to do it otherwise, because ska-punk fans always look for interesting events and incendiary performances.

Gourmets gather in Dessau at the end of March when the Street Food Festival takes place on Marktplatz in front of Rathaus Dessau. Attended by about 10,000 visitors every year, this is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the region. Everyone who've decided to visit the festival is invited to local food and drinks tastings. This is your chance to try the famous pork in pastry that is primarily associated with the state of Saxony-Anhalt. However, not only local cuisine is served here - American steaks, pork buns, and chocolate are offered to visitors as well.

Another interesting festival takes place in the middle of July in the city of Grefenhainhen located near Dessau. The festival's name is Melt and it is dedicated to electronic music and indie rock, although you can also hear some related genres here. This is one of the region's biggest events, which many music fans strive to visit. The event is held next to Iron Drift King racing track. Another interesting festival that is held in the birthplace of Kurt Weill is called Leopoldsfest. Its venues are central streets of the city, the opening ceremony takes place in Marienkirche. Here you can see the locals walking in their national costumes, try alcoholic beverages, taste local beers, watch the fireworks, and take children to rides to have plenty of fun.