Hessentag 2025: 300,000 visitors and protest against the Bundeswehr presence!

Hessentag 2025: 300,000 visitors and protest against the Bundeswehr presence!

Last weekend, the Hessentag in Bad Vilbel attracted an enormous number of visitors. Around 300,000 people enjoyed the varied program, which was well received despite a mixed Sunday. As the daily news Reportedly, weather conditions on Saturday were still sunny, while Sunday brought some clouds. A total of around 750,000 visitors are expected in the city by June 22nd.

The program was diverse and impressive: from concerts and theater performances to comedy, sporting events, parties and hands-on activities, there was something for everyone. A special highlight was the “Voluntary Emergency Forces Day,” which was celebrated on Saturday, when around 80,000 volunteers in fire and disaster control received an honor. Prime Minister Boris Rhein and Interior Minister Roman Poseck praised the achievements of these emergency services.

Criticism of the Bundeswehr presence

But not everything went smoothly: a demonstration against the presence of the Bundeswehr sparked a controversy. Around 550 participants gathered under the motto “For a Hessentag without a military”, including members of the Alliance Peaceful Hessentag and the Left Party. Critical voices complain that young people are confronted with military advertising at folk festivals, as the co-chair of the Left Party in Hesse, Desiree Becker, also noted. She demands that children should not play on tanks and raised the question of the militarization of society.

The Bundeswehr itself was represented with a variety of activities and exhibitions, including a decommissioned Tornado fighter jet and a marching simulator. Sergeant Major Boris Bauer emphasized the efforts to attract young talent and did not want to push recruitment into the background. No wonder, because around 1,200 students attended the military show every day, which led to further discussions about the role of the Bundeswehr in schools.

A look at the future

On a larger scale, the first National Veterans Day will be celebrated in Germany on Sunday, which aims to make the concerns of active and former soldiers visible. To this end, Hesse is planning to put flags on all state official buildings. Homeland Security Minister Roman Poseck pointed out the importance of the Bundeswehr in the current security situation. At the same time, Captain Jessica Korte expressed the desire for more recognition for soldiers, but sees the veterans weekend as a valuable first step.

The discussion about the Bundeswehr at the Hessentag shows one thing clearly: in the midst of celebrations and honors, there are also differences and critical voices that could shape the future of the event. Despite these tensions, Hessentag remains a meeting point for the people of Hesse and offers a platform for exchange and encounters.