Gathering at Kassel Auedamm in honor of Zissel Festivity
Zissel Festival in Kassel: A Four-Day Celebration of Local Culture and Traditions
The city of Kassel in Germany is gearing up for the much-anticipated Zissel Festival, a grand folk and water festival that will take place from August 1 to August 4, 2025. This annual event, deeply rooted in North Hesse traditions, promises a vibrant and exciting four days filled with music, boat parades, summer festivities, and a whole lot more.
The festival officially kicks off on Friday, with the crowning of the dignitaries and the hanging of the herring, the symbol of Zissel, at the roundabout. The herring will remain as a symbolic centrepiece throughout the festival, and will be taken down to mark its conclusion.
Live music will be a significant part of the festivities, with performances scheduled across various venues. On August 4, for instance, the band Max Headroom will take the Regattawiese stage from 4:45 PM to 6:45 PM. Additionally, venues like the Orangerie Kassel will host parts of the festival atmosphere and activities.
One of the highlights of the Zissel Festival is the Großer Wasserfestzug (Great Water Festival Parade) held on August 3. Decorated boats and water-themed entertainment will grace locations such as Prinzessgarten and Auedamm. Another exciting event is the torch swimmers' competition, where participants will swim through the Fulda on Saturday evening.
The festival will also feature a variety of attractions such as showmen booths, a wine village, fairground rides, and numerous food stalls along the Auedamm and Zisselmeile areas. With an expected attendance of approximately 200,000 visitors, the Zissel Festival is a popular event that attracts a large number of people from around the region.
The grand Landfestzug parade will take place on Sunday, showcasing the region's rich history and traditions. The parade will include decorated boats in the Grander Wasserfestzug (Grand Water Festival Parade).
As the festival continues until Monday, the traditional battle cry, "Fullewaaser, Fullewasser - hoi, hoi, hoi!", will echo through the streets of Kassel, adding to the festive ambiance.
For the most comprehensive and updated information regarding specific concerts, exhibitions, or program items, visitors are advised to check the official festival websites or local Kassel event pages closer to the dates. With its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and wide array of activities, the Zissel Festival in Kassel promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
During the Zissel Festival, visitors can immerse themselves in a home-and-garden-inspired ambiance at venues like the Orangerie Kassel, which will host part of the festival atmosphere and activities. The festival's conclusion is marked by the removal of the symbolic herring, which remains at the roundabout throughout the event.
