The 836th Hamburg Port Anniversary kicked off on Friday, May 9, 2025, drawing more than one million visitors to the city for a weekend filled with maritime festivities. The event, known for being Germany's most popular maritime festival, showcases a dazzling array of ships from around the world, including tall ships, traditional vessels, and a selection of cruise ships.
As the festivities unfolded, the program featured a variety of activities that highlighted the rich maritime culture of Hamburg. The day began with the International Ecumenical Opening Service held at the historic St. Michaelis Church from 11:00 to 12:00, setting a solemn yet celebratory tone for the weekend.
Following the service, the Einlaufparade commenced from 13:00 to 14:00, featuring an impressive lineup of cruise ships, tall ships, naval vessels, and traditional barges parading between Blankenese and the Landungsbrücken. This official opening ceremony provided a stunning spectacle for attendees, showcasing the grandeur of maritime heritage.
Later in the afternoon, attendees were treated to a show of motor and sailing yachts at Anleger St. Pauli Landungsbrücken from 15:45 to 16:15. This was followed by the performance of the Hochseeschlepper Elbe and Holland, two museum ships, from 17:15 to 17:45, further enriching the maritime experience.
As the sun began to set, the excitement continued with a water ski show titled "Pirates and Mermaids" at 18:15, captivating audiences with thrilling performances. The evening culminated in the "Elbe in Concert: Hafen pur" event from 19:45 to 21:45, featuring a lineup of popular artists including Nina Chuba, Johannes Oerding, Wincent Weiss, David Puentez, and Lotto King Karl performing on a floating stage.
The grand finale for the first day was a spectacular fireworks display scheduled for 22:45, lighting up the night sky over the harbor, a fitting tribute to the vibrant maritime heritage of Hamburg.
On Saturday, May 10, the festivities continued with the christening of the hybrid patrol boats of the Hamburg fleet from 11:00 to 12:30 at the same iconic Landungsbrücken. This event not only celebrated the new vessels but also highlighted the city's commitment to modern maritime technology.
Following the christening, visitors could witness a parade of traditional ships making their way between the Elbphilharmonie and Museumshafen Oevelgönne from 12:45 to 13:15. This parade, along with a special celebration of the DLRG (German Lifeguard Association) ships, marked the organization’s centenary and showcased their vital role in water rescue and disaster relief.
Excitement continued with the SOS Joint Rescue Operations simulation from 14:30 to 15:15, demonstrating the coordination of rescue forces on both water and air. This event provided a thrilling and educational experience for spectators, emphasizing the importance of safety at sea.
One of the highlights of the weekend, the Schlepperballett, took place from 15:45 to 16:25. This unique performance featured tugboats dancing to a choreographed routine, showcasing their strength and agility in a captivating display.
As the day progressed, the Festmacherbootrennen, a race of mooring boats, tested the speed and skill of participants from 16:45 to 17:00. This friendly competition added an element of excitement to the maritime festivities.
Visitors also enjoyed additional yacht shows and demonstrations of maneuverability by the HADAG harbor ferries, culminating in another water ski show at 19:30. The evening's entertainment concluded with "Elbe in Concert: Happy Birthday, Hamburger Hafen!" from 21:00 to 23:00, followed by a second round of fireworks at 22:45.
The final day of the festival, Sunday, May 11, began with the Hamburger Wrigg-Meisterschaft, a traditional wriggling competition, from 10:00 to 12:00 at Museumshafen Oevelgönne. This event celebrated local maritime traditions and showcased the skills of participants.
Throughout the day, the THW (Technical Relief Organization) conducted a demonstration from 10:10 to 10:30, showcasing their capabilities in rescuing individuals from flooded areas. This was followed by a demonstration of the Federal Police's operational ships and helicopters from 10:45 to 11:30, further emphasizing the importance of maritime safety and security.
As the event drew to a close, visitors witnessed the final SOS Joint Rescue Operations simulation from 13:30 to 14:15 and a last show of motor and sailing yachts from 14:45 to 15:15. The festival concluded with a departure parade between Anleger St. Pauli Landungsbrücken and Teufelsbrück from 18:00 to 19:00, marking the end of a spectacular weekend celebrating Hamburg's maritime heritage.
In total, seven cruise ships participated in the event, including the AIDAluna, AIDAsol, AIDAprima, AIDAperla, Queen Anne, MS Amadea, and the river cruise ship Excellence Pearl. These vessels not only brought visitors to the festival but also contributed to the lively atmosphere of the port.
Despite the grandeur of the event, regular port operations continued largely uninterrupted, allowing for a seamless blend of festivities and maritime commerce. The Hamburg Port Anniversary has once again proven to be a cornerstone of the city's cultural calendar, celebrating its rich maritime history while looking forward to the future.
