Hessentag finale: Fulda parade draws 50,000 before sold-out Maffay concert
A 1.7-kilometer parade with 3,500 participants and a sold-out Peter Maffay concert cap the state festival as tropical heat persists.
The Hessentag festival tradition
The Hessentag is Hesse's annual state festival, rotating among cities each year. In 2026, Fulda hosted the multi-day event, which draws visitors from across the region with a mix of cultural performances, local cuisine, and entertainment. The closing day on June 21 features the traditional parade and the ceremonial handover of the Hessentag flag to next year's host, Idstein.
Parade draws 50,000 onlookers
The highlight of the finale is the Festumzug, a 1.7-kilometer parade that starts at 13:00 through Fulda's city center. It includes 57 themed floats, 24 music groups, and 68 foot and traditional costume groups, totaling approximately 3,500 participants according to the state chancellery. The city expects around 50,000 spectators along the route. Hessischer Rundfunk will broadcast the procession live from 13:30. The parade's length and colorful displays are a staple of the Hessentag tradition.
- Parade begins with 3,500 participants winding through Fulda city center
- Hessischer Rundfunk live broadcast starts
- Hessentag flag handed over from Fulda to Idstein
- Sold-out Peter Maffay concert at Domplatzarena
Flag handover marks transition to Idstein
At about 16:35, the festival flag will be officially passed from Fulda's mayor to the representative of Idstein at the grandstand. Idstein will host the 2027 Hessentag. This moment symbolizes the continuity of the state festival and is one of the emotional highlights of the day.
Heat, logistics, and visitor services
Tropical temperatures have been a challenge throughout the festival, but attendance remained strong. The German Red Cross increased its medical personnel to handle heat-related incidents. For the final day, the restricted area in Fulda's inner city has been widened for security. The city recommends using designated visitor parking lots with free shuttle buses, or public transportation. Along the Hessentagsstraße, stands continue offering food, drinks, and entertainment to festivalgoers until evening.
Peter Maffay closes the festival
The day ends with a sold-out concert by German rock musician Peter Maffay at the Domplatzarena, starting at 20:00. Smaller stages across the festival grounds also keep the festivities going to mark the conclusion of the Hessentag.
