Carolinensieler Hafenfest

Maritime Folklore at the Sielhafen

The Carolinensieler Hafenfest is one of the most maritime festivals on the East Frisian coast. On Sunday, August 9, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Carolinensiel museum harbour presents itself as a vibrant festival backdrop. The organiser is the German Sielhafenmuseum, which brings its cultural education work to life with the festival.

The "Hosenboje" – an East Frisian Tradition

An absolute highlight of the harbour festival is the "Hosenboje". Originally a maritime rescue technique where shipwrecked sailors were transported from one ship to another or to shore in a kind of trousers, the Hosenboje is now a humorous spectacle at the harbour basin. Brave volunteers are pulled across the water in trousers – a spectacle that delights both the audience and the participants.

Crab-Peeling Competition

Another tradition: the crab-peeling competition. Teams or individuals compete against each other to peel a given amount of North Sea crabs in the shortest possible time – a discipline deeply rooted in the East Frisian crab fishing tradition. Anyone who has ever peeled North Sea crabs knows that it is an art in itself.

Harbour Service and Shanty Choir

The solemn framework is provided by the harbour service in the morning and the performances of the Shanty Choir. The harbour service, held outdoors directly on the harbour, is a tradition that expresses the connection of the Sielhafen residents to shipping and the sea – with prayers for sailors, music, and an atmospheric sermon. The Shanty Choirs sing traditional sea shanties, creating the fitting soundscape.

Free Admission

Like most Carolinensiel events, the harbour festival is free to attend. The festival is designed as a meeting place – for residents, seasonal guests, and day visitors. Anyone who wants to experience authentic East Frisian harbour culture will find it here.