There was a lot going on in Hamburg at the weekend! It was time again for one of the city’s most traditional and popular events: the Hafengeburtstag. And this year a very special anniversary was celebrated – a proud 836 years of the Port of Hamburg. Even without this event, Hamburg has long been a magnet for visitors from all over the world. With its mix of maritime flair, cultural diversity, exciting leisure activities and trend-conscious addresses, the city inspires visitors all year round. But last weekend it went one better.
A total of around 1.2 million people flocked to the Elbe to celebrate the heart of the city for three days – the port. Over 600 ships, including imposing windjammers, navy vessels and lovingly restored traditional sailing ships, transformed the harbor panorama into a floating festival mile. A colorful live program on several stages, maritime highlights such as the famous tugboat ballet and a spectacular fireworks display in the evening made the weekend an unforgettable experience. Anyone who was there knows that the visit was more than worthwhile – Hamburg once again showed why it is rightly regarded as the “Gateway to the World”.
The undisputed highlight was the colorful tugboat ballet. Four powerful ships rotated synchronously to the beat of classical music and pop songs on the Elbe – a precisely choreographed spectacle on the water. Conducted by harbour pilot Götz Bolte and accompanied by colorful smoke effects, the ballet was a real crowd-puller. The up to 3,000 hp tugs danced impressively to the sailor’s song “La Paloma”, made famous in Germany by Freddy Quinn. At the “Elbe in Concert”, well-known artists such as DJ David Puentez, Johannes Oerding, Nina Chuba and Wincent Weiss created an exuberant atmosphere. The performances took place on an impressive 2,500 square meter pontoon stage directly on the water – a very special musical experience. Another highlight was not long in coming: the spectacular 15-minute fireworks display on Saturday evening lit up the sky above the Elbe and thrilled the crowds.
Or, to put it in the apt words of Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs Melanie Leonhard (SPD): “The port brings people together – across borders and generations.” We agree with this and say: Happy Birthday, Hamburg!