A colourfully painted jeepney, a symbol of everyday Filipino culture, becomes an eye-catcher in Frankfurt city centre. From 13 to 18 October 2025, the Roßmarkt will be transformed into a stage for encounters, exchange and hospitality by the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Frankfurt City Marketing Department.
A rolling cultural heritage
The jeepney, originally derived from American military vehicles of the post-war period, is still considered an important means of transport in the Philippines today. With its bright colours, individual ornaments and elaborate paintings, it stands for creativity and the art of improvisation. In Frankfurt, it will now be more than just an exhibit: it will become a stage for readings, talks, music and workshops. A "Philippine bus stop" will be created around it with market stalls, seating and selfie spots – an urban scenario that will transform the Roßmarkt into a colourful festival.
Programme combining literature and street food
The spectrum of events ranges from live paintings of Filipino graphic novels and karaoke competitions to cooking sessions and craft workshops for children. Musical contributions will be provided by the Madrigal Singers, Ray Lozano and singer Alyzah, among others. Filipino street food will also be available at dedicated stands. In addition, the programme includes discussions on literature, culture and social issues.
"Our goal is to highlight the close connection between the book fair and the city and at the same time strengthen Frankfurt's image as a cosmopolitan brand," said Stephanie Wüst, Head of the Department of Economics, Law and City Marketing. The Jeepney will become "a meeting place for exchange, workshops and cultural encounters".
Juergen Boos, Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair, sees the project as a bridge between the exhibition halls and urban space: "The 'Jeepney Journey' showcases the diversity of our guest of honour. It brings the energy and creativity of the Philippines into the city and invites the people of Frankfurt to embark on a journey of discovery."
A unique vehicle with a long journey
Particularly noteworthy: the jeepney on display at the Roßmarkt in October is the only one of its kind in Germany. Built in Manila, it found its way to Hesse via a roundabout route. Today, it is maintained and accompanied by Hamburg collector Jürgen Stemmann. The vehicle is thus not only a symbol of mobility, but also of the long cultural journey that brought it from Southeast Asia to Frankfurt.
The Roßmarkt thus becomes a Philippine stage – and the Book Fair, which has always been an international showcase for literature, expands its presence in the heart of the city.
Programme overview "Jeepney Journey" 2025
Mon–Thu, 13–16 October 2025
All day: Jeepney tours, wheel of fortune
from 12:00 noon: Street food restaurant, Sari-Sari Store & Bar
Fri, 17 October 2025
6 p.m.: Karaoke Competition
8 p.m.: Alyzah (Hip Hop, R&B)21:00: Ray Lozano (Indie R&B/Soul)
from 12:00 noon: Street Food Market
Saturday, 18 October 2025
12:00: Welcome 12:30 p.m.: Madrigal Singers 13:00: Reading Danielle Florendo (children's programme) 1:00 p.m.: Reading Danielle Florendo (children's programme) 1:30 p.m.: Comic workshop with Manix Abrera in the Jeepney>1:30 p.m.: Comic workshop with Manix Abrera in the Jeepney
2:00 p.m.: Music by Pinoy Musikeros
2:30 p.m.: Reading Bambi Amago in the Jeepney
3:00 p.m.: Reading Kat Olan
3:30 p.m.: Reading Luis Gatmaitan in the Jeepney (children's programme)
4:00 p.m.: Music by Pinoy Musikeros
5:00 p.m.: Reading by Kath Derla
5:30 p.m.: Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Music by Pinoy Musikeros Karaoke Competition
from 12:00 noon: Street Food Market
