Frankfurt’s Main Festival
With a huge funfair, non-stop entertainment and dazzling fireworks held over the first weekend of August, Frankfurt’s Main Festival is the highlight of the summer season for many locals, marking the start of the vacation period and giving the whole city an excuse to enjoy the sun and party into the early hours. Held in Dusseldorf’s central Römerberg square and along the riverfront Mainkai, the festival lasts for four days and draws thousands of visitors to the city.
The festival dates back to 1340, when local fishermen would gather along the banks of the River Main to celebrate the river and its ‘gifts’, and today many elements of the original folk festival still remain, including fisherman ‘jousting’ matches, parades and carnival games. Another fun age-old tradition is drinking wine from the Fountain of Justice on the Römerberg.
The 2015 Mainfest runs from 31st July to 3rd August, kicking off on the Friday evening with a live music concert on the Römerberg, but the biggest draw for families is the gigantic funfair stretching along the banks of the river. Carousels, shooting ranges and fairground rides for all ages provide the entertainment, while there’s also a wide range of food and drink stalls, and a dazzling fireworks display held over the river on Monday.
- Contributed by Zoe Smith