Organizers of the largest Rhineland folk festival, Düsseldorf's Rheinkirmes, have confirmed that the traditional fireworks finale will be maintained in 2026 as well. The decision was made despite last year's accident, in which 19 people were injured. Representatives of the St. Sebastian Shooting Brotherhood, which is responsible for the event, announced additional safety measures.

Decision to Preserve Tradition

Organizers considered the pyrotechnic show an important festival attraction and decided not to abandon this long-standing tradition despite last year's events.

Consequences of the 2025 Accident

During last year's show, part of the pyrotechnic materials exploded too low to the ground, causing injuries to 19 people, four of them serious.

New Safety Measures

Organizers announced the implementation of additional safety procedures, although the details of these actions have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Condition of the Victims

According to the organizers, the people injured in the accident are under constant care, and their physical condition has improved, although the psychological trauma may persist longer.

Organizers of the famous Düsseldorf Rheinkirmes have decided that the traditional fireworks display will conclude this year's edition of the festival. The decision came after seven months of deliberations, which were initiated following the tragic incident in July 2025. At that time, part of the pyrotechnic materials exploded too close to spectators, injuring 19 people, four of them seriously. The custom of fireworks as the climax of city festivals has a centuries-old tradition in Germany, dating back to the Renaissance. In Düsseldorf itself, the first documented fireworks displays were organized as early as the 17th century, mainly for royal visits or religious holidays. According to the organizers, the pyrotechnic show remains one of the main attractions drawing crowds to the banks of the Rhine. Sven Gerling, the festival's managing director, emphasized that despite everything, he does not intend to give up this attraction. However, he announced that additional safety measures will be introduced to prevent a similar incident from recurring. The details of these changes are to be announced after the investigation is completed and the official expert report on the causes of the accident is published. Andreas-Paul Stieber, chairman of the St. Sebastian Shooting Brotherhood, which is the main organizer of the event, added: „„Wir werden diese Nacht nicht vergessen.”” — Andreas-Paul Stieber Stieber also admitted that the organizers remain in contact with many of the victims and are monitoring their health. He emphasized that although their physical condition has improved, "it will take a long time for the psychological scars to heal." Effects of the Pyrotechnic Accident at Rheinkirmes 2025: Total injured: 19, Severe injuries: 4, Minor injuries: 15 The decision to continue the show was made jointly with the company Nico Europe, which has been responsible for the pyrotechnic part of the festival for years. The organizers announced that the final safety procedures will be established after analyzing the investigative report, which is to determine the direct causes of the uncontrolled explosion. This year's Rheinkirmes will take place according to the traditional schedule, with the final fireworks display planned for the last evening of the event. The event is an important element of local identity and economy, generating significant tourism revenue for the entire region. Chronology of Events Surrounding the Rheinkirmes Accident: July 27, 2025 — Accident during fireworks; July 28, 2025 — Announcement of investigation; August 2025 — Awaiting the report; February 25, 2026 — Announcement of decision

Mentioned People

  • Sven Gerling — managing director (Geschäftsführer) of Rheinkirmes in Düsseldorf
  • Andreas-Paul Stieber — chairman (Chef) of the St. Sebastian Shooting Brotherhood (St.-Sebastianus-Schützen), the festival organizer