Fest der Kulturen Leer

A Commitment to East Frisia's Cultural Diversity

For centuries, Leer has been a trading center with a cosmopolitan tradition. The Fest der Kulturen builds directly on this history and makes it tangible throughout the city center for one day a year. Around the town hall, at the harbor head, and in the pedestrian zones, spaces are created where groups from numerous nations can introduce themselves.

A Program Featuring Stages, Market Stalls, and Open Doors

Folklore groups, international choirs, drum ensembles, and modern bands perform one after another on several stages. Stalls offer specialties ranging from African stews to Syrian sweets, Polish pierogi, and Italian antipasti, as well as East Frisian tea and bread culture. Arts and crafts, henna painting, traditional costume exhibitions, and hands-on activities for children complete the picture. Many shops open their doors on the Sunday shopping day and participate in the program with their own events.

Organizers and Objectives

Behind the festival is the Arbeitskreis für interkulturelle Verständigung Leer (Working Group for Intercultural Understanding Leer), an alliance of initiatives, religious communities, associations, and private individuals. The aim is to make cultural diversity visible, enable encounters, and send a clear signal against exclusion. The festival is firmly integrated into the city of Leer's event calendar and is one of the highlights of the East Frisian festival year.

Family-Friendly and Accessible

Admission is free. The city center is largely barrier-free, easily accessible via public transport connections, and particularly attractive for families with children. Anyone who wants to experience Leer and southern East Frisia in a completely different, international light will find the perfect occasion at the Fest der Kulturen.