6. Internationales Burscheid

17 Countries on One Market Square

The "Internationales Burscheid" is an extraordinary format for a small Bergisch town: a two-day cultural festival that makes the cultural diversity of its residents visible. From September 26 to 27, 2026 – Saturday and Sunday – the 6th edition will take place on Burscheid's market square. Artists, bands, dance and folklore groups from many countries – over 17 nations in previous editions – meet, present their art, and cook their specialties.

Concept and History

The festival was launched in 2019 by Uwe Graetke and his association Burscheid Live e.V. The occasion was an observation: people from many countries live in Burscheid, but the cultural diversity often remained invisible. The festival makes it visible – with stages, stalls, and an atmosphere of encounter. It has since become a fixed date in Burscheid's event calendar, attracting attention far beyond the town's borders.

Program Components

• Live Music – Bands and solo artists from the home countries of Burscheid's residents. Folklore, pop, classical – a colorful mix
• Dance Groups – traditional dances from countries like Turkey, Spain, Poland, Albania, Russia, Latin America
• Folklore Groups – with traditional costumes and songs
• Culinary Stalls – Turkish, Italian, Spanish, Balkan, Asian, African, Polish, German. Cooked by the respective communities, often with long preparation
• Children's Program – international games, craft stalls, fairy tales from around the world
• Encounter – the actual goal: for Burscheid residents to talk to each other, those who wouldn't normally mix in the same circles

Cooperations — Integration Center and Associations

Organized by Burscheid Live e.V., in cooperation with the Municipal Integration Center and the Albanian association Abetare. Local schools, church communities, and sports clubs participate with stalls. A constellation that is unusually broad for a town of 19,000 inhabitants.

Burscheid Live e.V. — the Festival Driver

The association Burscheid Live e.V. is the driving force behind several cultural events in the town – Internationales Burscheid, Burscheider Altstadtfest (scheduled again for June 12–14, 2026), concerts, and smaller events. A civic model that achieves surprisingly much without significant public funding.

Burscheid in the Southern Bergisches Land

Burscheid, with around 19,000 inhabitants, is located in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, in the southern Bergisches Land, between Leverkusen and Wermelskirchen. A small Bergisch town with an active club life and an unusually vibrant cultural scene for its size.