bovenden, Germany – A record-breaking parade highlighted a weekend of festivities as the town of Bovenden celebrated a double anniversary, drawing participants and visitors from across the region. The parade, stretching 800 meters, marked the longest in the history of the Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival.
The celebrations, which began Friday evening, commemorated significant milestones for the community. Festivities included a lampion parade, a children’s and family afternoon, and performances by musicians including Ballermann singer Lorenz Büffel and the band Musikuss. An ecumenical Thanksgiving service preceded Sunday’s parade.
Participants in the parade represented a diverse range of local groups, including sports, shooting, and allotment garden associations, and also companies and private groups. Notably, groups from surrounding areas – Höckelheim, Hollenstedt, Holzerode, and Weende – joined the procession. Tractor friends distributed freshly fried potatoes from a moving vehicle, adding to the festive atmosphere. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Brass & Drum Band Mingerode, fanfare trains from Hannover and Lindau/Harz, the Schalmeienzug Osterhagen, the Spielmannszug Nörten-Hardenberg, and the Pep & Marching Band Steel Gray 64 from Harst.
The Kirmes Force, with a “Star Wars” themed contribution, took first prize for best moving contribution. Second place went to the Körmes pack, and third to the Gruselhaus Weende. A song specially composed for the Bovender Kirmes was also presented during the evening celebration.
The festival concluded Monday with a traditional breakfast in the marquee. Organizers have already marked the first weekend in October 2026 for the next Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival.
