The sun shines over the impressive entrance portal. In high spirits, the first guests make their way up to the fortress, on the festival square they make themselves comfortable with coffee and second breakfast. Then it starts: the Citadel Festival 2017.
At the stand of the Initiative Zitadelle Mainz e.V. (IZM), a large crowd of people gathers. They are all waiting for the first guided tour. For 45 minutes there is exciting information and a tour across the citadel. The fortress breakfast of the Garrison Museum starts with brass music of the Hechtsheim Dragoons. At the boules tournament, professionals and novices give their best, all playing fields are occupied. Next door, guests enjoy wine and crêpes. And all this with a view over the roofs of Mainz under a bright blue sky.
Old and youngtimers parked on the Zitadellenwiese. Parents as well as children make big eyes at these extraordinary cars. A premiere on this year's festival day is the parade of a selection of the vehicles along the main stage. The visitors will get facts and personal details about the owners.
For the little guests there is not only something to see, but also to do. At the children's rally they learn more about the historical fortress, they show dexterity on the craftsmen's street, hammering, chiseling or sawing. In the IZM vault, children paint plates and cups or let themselves be transformed into a butterfly with a little make-up.
In the afternoon, the time has finally come for the popular casemates to reopen. Now under the name "Die Kulturei", cultural events will be held here in the future. Yvonnne Wuttke, responsible for the Kulturei calls for ideas to be shared directly on the postcards laid out. "We are looking forward to creating a new cultural space for the citizens of Mainz with the Kulturei. I am particularly excited about the event suggestions," says Wuttke.
Footbridges on the ground lead visitors to the Drususwiese. Here there is this year's special exhibition to discover, the first telegraph line between Mainz and Metz. A showcase and a model of the telegraph mast provide an excellent introduction to the former telegraph station on the Drususstein. Wine picnics, barbecues and the Jazz Workact invite you to relax and feast away from the hustle and bustle of the festival. More live music can be heard on the main stage. Polygon Ensemble, Rheingold Music Group, Jazz Workakt, DUO Subway and Big Band 6-5000 will keep the spirits high.
A successful Citadel Festival comes to a close in the early evening. The anticipation for next year leaves the Mainz fortress with satisfied visitors.
Text source and more information about this event: http://www.zitadelle-mainz.de/category/veranstaltungen/
