International Festival Frankenthal

The International Festival Frankenthal originated in the early 1990s on the initiative of migrant self-organizations and the then Foreigners' Advisory Board. From a small event in the city park, it has developed over three decades into one of the largest intercultural meeting festivals in the Vorderpfalz region, now regularly attracting several thousand visitors.

Concept and Organizers

The Frankenthal Migration Advisory Board, in close cooperation with the city administration, is responsible for the content. Each participating cultural association designs its own stand with food, drinks, and information about its country of origin, and also contributes a stage performance.

Stage Program

On the central stage, folkloric performances, modern dance groups, and live music from the various countries of origin of the Frankenthal communities alternate. Typically, contributions from Turkey, Italy, Spain, Latin America, West Africa, the Balkans, Poland, Russia, and Vietnam are represented. Moderation and translations are multilingual.

Culinary Spectrum

The gastronomic part is the main reason for many regular visitors to attend. Turkish Köfte and Lahmacun are served alongside Italian antipasti, Spanish tapas, Peruvian empanadas, West African peanut dishes, and Vietnamese summer rolls. All associations cook themselves; many recipes are passed down through generations.

Integrated into the Autumn Spectacle

Since the mid-2000s, the International Festival has formed the closing day of the five-day Frankenthal Autumn Spectacle and has deliberately been scheduled for this date since the introduction of German Unity Day as a public holiday. In parallel, shops in the city center open for Sunday shopping.