Colors of Kiel - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Kiel is the place of the grand sport event which attracts annually more than 3 millions of tourists from all over the world. The famous Kiel Weak (Kieler Woche in German) is traditionally held in the last week of June being the most prominent event of the yachting sport. According to the historic records the first ship racing championship was held in 1882 with 20 ships taking part in the regatta. Present day the event gathers a hundred times more participants and over 2000 ships are participating in the yacht race. At the turn of the 19th century the grand sport event was attended by many of noble people and today the Kiel fest attracts people from all walks of life.

For the last decades the fest has sufficiently changed and the yacht racing has become just one of its parts. The main core of the fest, however, comprises the grand parade of ancient and vintage ships. This colossal performance attracts thousands of curious travelers. The Parade consists of more than 100 tall ships aged over 100 years old. Traditionally this event is held on the last day of the fest after which the guests are invited aboard for gala dinner and farewell concert.

Music lovers will also appreciate the festival as it is visited by numerous popular music bands. Concerts and faerie shows are commonly taking place at night. The main place of the festival to be held is still Kiel Canal, which was officially opened in 1895. Spacious embankment is equipped along the Canal. It features observation places and is always crowded during the festive event. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

During the festival many exciting excursions are arranged for all the participants to visit the places of cultural interest as Kiel Maritime Museum and cultural events dedicated to the history of the fest. The exhibition of ancient ship models, fairs and expositions, concerts and children’s programs turn Kiel Week from a common sporting event into a fabulous national fest!

No less interesting is Kieler Umschlag, which is of great historical significance - the thing is that the tradition of its celebrating dates back to the 15th century. The event is held at the beginning of February. The colorful festival includes themed parades. Its participants wear clothes appropriate to a particular era (for example, pirates, feudal lords, minstrels) and march along with others, giving all visitors fun and joy. Besides parades, the event is interesting for its musical program with traditional folk songs, dance performances, gastronomic workshops, and tastings, as well as children's activities. Every year, festival participants try to surprise visitors by inventing new and new interesting things for everyone. And all this can be seen on the central streets of the city.

In the vicinity of Kiel, not far from Ellerdorf, one of the most interesting events in the region is held - the Wilwarin Festival. This happens in early June when Ellerdorfer Weg, the venue of the festival, is visited by hundreds of music fans. Among participants are famous headliners who come from all over Germany. The action takes place in the open air, which is another plus to visiting the event due to the opportunity to set up a campsite. After all, nobody wants to waste time during the summer and hold a concert in a stuffy room.

Like many other German cities, Kiel has its own wonderful beer festival. Its name is the Duckstein Festival, it is held between late August and early September. In some ways, the event is a “warm-up” before the most important beer festival in Germany and throughout the world - of course, this is about Oktoberfest. The venue of the event is the area around the lake Bootshafen, which turns into a ground for holding tastings of beer and dishes that are traditionally eaten as snacks. In addition, visitors are entertained by musicians and the international street theater. The event's warm family atmosphere gives a feeling of a real holiday.

Christmas is an important holiday for all Germans, and Kiel is no exception in this regard. And just before the celebration, the Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt) opens on Asmus-Bremer-Platz, creating a magical atmosphere of touching the fairy tale. Another fair takes place every first Saturday of the month in Am Posthorn Restaurant. The event is simply called Fischbörse mit Aquarianertreff. As the name implies, here you can buy fish and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. Apart from that, here you can learn everything about the main product - fish - or share your experience with others.