Set sail for Hamburg, celebrate with us and experience unforgettable moments 

Spectacular program for 834th PORT ANNIVERSARY, from 5 to 7 May

The centre stage in Hamburg on the first weekend in May will once again be its port. The 834th PORT ANNIVERSARY from 5 to 7 May will make the maritime heart of the Hanseatic city skip a beat. Guests will float in from all over the world on magnificent sailing ships and imposing cruise liners, cutting-edge emergency vessels, sports boats or traditional and museum ships to strut their stuff and turn the Elbe into the largest maritime open-air stage in the world. From the Fischauktionshalle (Fish Auction Hall) to the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, at the traditional ship harbour, in the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, at the Hansahafen and in the Oevelgönne Museum Harbour, the maritime festival will offer a diverse program on land and water with moments that will send a shiver up your spine.

“The PORT ANNIVERSARY is a one-of-a-kind festival for our city. The port is not only the economic centre of Hamburg, but our window to the world and part of our Hanseatic identity. It also reflects the openness and tolerance of Hamburg residents and exchange and trade. I am especially pleased that this year we can celebrate once again without any restrictions and welcome numerous guests from Germany and abroad, including our partner country South Korea and its port city of Busan”, explains the Senator for Economics and Innovation, Dr. Melanie Leonhard, whose ministry is responsible for the events during the PORT ANNIVERSARY. 

Spectacular maritime programme on the Elbe

The international ecumenical opening service at St. Michael’s Church on Friday, 5 May, at 1:00 p.m. marks the start to the PORT ANNIVERSARY. The dialogue sermon at the church colloquially called “Michel” will be given by head pastor Alexander Röder and moderated by journalist Ingo Zamperoni. This will be followed at 3:00 p.m. by the Grand Arrival Parade led by the frigate HAMBURG. Like a string of pearls, the roughly 250 floating guests will pass into the Port of Hamburg right before the eyes of visitors, creating a spectacular sight. Right up till they say goodbye and exit the Hanseatic city in the Grand Departure Parade on Sunday at 4:30 p.m., the guests at the Port Anniversary can expect an eventful maritime programm for big and small seafarers. 

Against the unique backdrop of the city’s harbour, the PORT ANNIVERSARY will stage three days of numerous highlights ranging from ship parades and the famous tugboat ballet, to fireworks and countless tours of modern and historical emergency vessels off the Landungsbrücken piers. Visitors can admire majestic tall ships such as the Polish sailing training ship Dar Mtodziezy and the Alexander von Humboldt II, eight cruise ships, navy ships like the frigate HAMBURG, lovingly restored sailing ships and steamers from centuries past, deep-sea tugboats and cutting-edge, hightech emergency vessels. Tours on board and demonstrations of sailing manoeuvres will also make it possible for all guests to experience the legendary PEKING in the Hansahafen. Visitors can easily reach the Hansahafen on the opposite bank of the Elbe by taking the free shuttle service. 

Welcome on board!

Most vessels invite guests to pay a visit on board during the popular Open Ship campaign. Landlubbers of all ages can experience fascinating insights into the shipping industry of yesterday and today up close. They can dive into maritime history on the decks of historic sailing ships, stand on the bridge of a navy vessel, or take a look into the engine room of a modern salvage ship. 

Cultural culinary delights on land

There will also be plenty of celebrations on land. The festival mood will be stoked by countless concerts on open-air stages along the Elbe. The musical diversity ranges from rock and pop to shanties and classical music. The Elbphilharmonie concerts shown under the open sky with a view of the Elbe will create especially poetic moments. In cooperation with the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, recordings of concerts from the Great Hall of the Elbphilharmonie will be shown for free on a large screen in the concert hall square.

This year’s international partner country is South Korea and the port city of Busan. This Far-Eastern city with the seventh-largest port in the world has long maintained good relations with the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. In addition to economic aspects, the Korea-Busan Festival on Kehrwiederspitze focuses especially on Korean culture, tourism and typical specialities. Visitors will be captivated by the Far-Eastern charm and enjoy the relaxed Korean way of life. Tours, guided walks, exhibitions and interactive activities of numerous Hamburg museums and other institutions round out the cultural offerings. 

The PORT ANNIVERSARY is hosted by the City of Hamburg, represented by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Since 1994, Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH have acted as event coordinator for the PORT OF HAMBURG’S ANNIVERSARY in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Kontakt: Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH, Press and PR
Andrea Heyden Tel.: 040 35692446, E-Mail: andrea.heyden@hamburgmesse.de 
Press text and photos for download: www.hafengeburtstag.hamburg