Spreading News Post-Rudolstadt Festival in Thuringia
The 33rd Rudolstadt Festival, held in the picturesque town of Thuringia, Germany, concluded on July 6, 2025, after four days of vibrant celebrations. The event, which attracted artists from around the world, showcased music, dance, and laughter, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere throughout the city.
The festival featured performances by around 130 groups, with one of the highlights being the "Desmadre Orkesta" from Argentina. This international and diverse lineup of musicians helped establish the Rudolstadt Festival's reputation as a cultural melting pot, celebrating world music, traditional folk, and contemporary fusion genres.
The award ceremony, held on the castle terrace, became a peaceful festival of cultures. Eze, a musician from Burkina Faso living in Dresden, was honoured with the German World Music Award RUTH for his work that includes singing about flight, racism, and masculinity. Sigrid Doberenz, a dance teacher who has shaped the festival since its beginning, was also presented with the honorary RUTH.
The city centre bustled with activity, with around 90,000 people visiting during the festival. Around 130 groups performed on 30 stages, and approximately 70 food stalls offered a wide variety of options, with a third of them being vegetarian or vegan. The "city ticket" provided spontaneous access to concerts, making it easy for attendees to enjoy the music and festivities.
Instrument makers also showcased their works at the festival, providing an opportunity for music enthusiasts to discover new instruments and learn about their craftsmanship.
However, not all businesses were thriving. A Thuringian food stall operator expressed concern about low attendance, highlighting the need for ongoing support and promotion to ensure the success of local businesses during such events.
Despite this, the 33rd Rudolstadt Festival was a resounding success, attracting a significant number of people and cementing its place as a must-visit event for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The festival's unique focus on world music, traditional folk, and contemporary fusion genres, combined with its international representation, makes it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Visitors at the 33rd Rudolstadt Festival, including the 90,000 who attended, could enjoy a diverse range of international music, including world music, traditional folk, and contemporary fusion genres, in addition to savoring food-and-drink options available from 70 food stalls, many of which offered vegetarian or vegan options. Meanwhile, home-and-garden enthusiasts could appreciate the display of instruments made by artisans at the festival, learning about their craftsmanship.
