English
This year the famous and largest Gothic festival in the world is 20 years old and comes with everything, a lot of surprises, souvenirs and novelties that not only seduce people from the dark world, but everyone who loves good music and magic of the most beautiful costumes and staging of the Gothic scene. One of these first surprises is that it has changed its dates; the Treffen this year will be held between the 10th and 13th of June, which enables best weather for many activities planned.
What has the Wave Gotik Treffen that other festivals do not have? Well, it has not earned the fame and good reputation in vain, one of the first things that stands out is that the city of Leipzig is turned into a great Gothic city during the three-day festival. The concerts are not performed in a single spot, like it happens with most festivals, but throughout the city, mobilizing all services at their disposal for the occasion. Thus, the TRAM service is free for everyone attending the festival. And the point is that the 8 or 10 scenarios prepared for the occasion, not to mention the activities devoted to classical or erudite music, deserve having free transport all day and night. The Treffen is unique in its kind. Since the first attempts to hold it, in 1987, with bad results due to the situation of in the country that time, to date, it has grown so much that it is now a fundamental part for tourism in Leipzig, as it is already part of its identity as a city, the huge number of people around the world who visit it these days know it and prove it.
As I said, since the first festival held successfully in early 90´s until today it’s been 20 years and the organization will celebrate it in style. So far the most remarkable surprise revealed is the confirmation of the bands that took part in that mythical first event. It is not clear yet how the opening will be, but the bands that opened the first festival will surely be featuring as a kind of tribute and remembrance. Besides this, the most important musicians released during these 20 years, or at least a considerable number of them, will be present. The list can now be read on the official website of the festival, which has 94 bands confirmed, a number that grows to 200 each year. Among those groups the following are already confirmed: Fields of the Nephilim, Umbra et imagino, Mephisto Walz, Das Ich, Front 242, Danse Society, Nosferatu, Deine Lakaien, Hocico, among a huge list of bands that continue to grow every day until the month of June.
One last sentence for those who still don’t have their travel and hotel booked, do it now, it seems that so far, this will be an unforgettable Treffen.
Luz Obscura
If you are going to Leipzig to enjoy the largest Gothic festival in the world, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Berlin, moreover, it would be ideal to find apartments in Berlin renting the one you like, staying a few days in the city and from there moving to Leipzig for the festival days. You cannot miss it, it’s a unique experience… Ah! And do not forget to bring your camera!
