Feuerwehr Gellep-Stratum — Maifest & Tag der offenen Tür

Maifest Gellep-Stratum — Tradition and Fire Department

On May 1st, the Lower Rhine district of Krefeld, Gellep-Stratum, transforms into a blend of a traditional May festival and a fire department open day. The Gellep-Stratum brigade of the Krefeld Volunteer Fire Department opens its fire station on Legionstraße, erects the traditional Maibaum (Maypole) on the Dorfwiese (village green), and presents itself to the public with a program for the whole family. On Friday, May 1st, 2026, the program begins at 10 AM with an ecumenical service.

Schedule May 1st, 2026

• 10:00 AM — Ecumenical service on the grounds next to the Legionstraße fire station
• 10:30 AM — Maypole raising on the Dorfwiese
• From 11:00 AM — Diverse program: Bouncy castle, vehicle show, fire department rides for children, youth fire department demonstration, face painting
• Music — The Gellep-Stratum 1926 brass band provides atmospheric sound

Maypole Raising — Lower Rhine Tradition

The Maibaum-Aufstellen (Maypole raising) is an old tradition cherished in the Lower Rhine region and many parts of Southern Germany. A tall, often 20–30 meter long tree trunk is decorated with wreaths, ribbons, and a club crest, and erected on the village green by sheer manpower (today often with a helper crane). Traditionally, the Maypole remains standing throughout May — a visible symbol of Walpurgis Night and the start of spring.

Open Day — Fire Department Up Close

In parallel with the May festival, the fire station opens its doors. Visitors can:

• View the brigade's firefighting vehicles (HLF20, MTF, WLF, and special equipment)
• Watch firefighting demonstrations with water cannons and lifting equipment
• Chat with the firefighters
• Experience the youth fire department during a demonstration
• Use the bouncy castle and face painting

The event combines tradition, recruitment, and safety education: a day where the public learns about the work of their volunteer fire department — and ideally, young people are inspired to join the youth fire department.

Gellep-Stratum Brigade — Tradition for Over 112 Years

The Krefeld Volunteer Fire Department, Gellep-Stratum Brigade, has been active in the district for over 112 years. Originally part of the Lank administration, it was integrated into the city of Krefeld in the 1920s and operates under the umbrella of the Krefeld Professional Fire Department. The brigade is currently building a new fire station on Römerstraße — the groundbreaking has already taken place. The motto: “Rescue – Extinguish – Salvage – Protect”.

Gellep-Stratum — The Roman District of Krefeld

Gellep-Stratum is located in the southernmost part of Krefeld, directly on the Rhine. The district is historically significant: it was the site of the Roman "Gelduba" — a Limes fortress from the 1st century AD. The Roman cemetery of Krefeld-Gellep, with over 6,500 graves, is one of the most important archaeological sites in North Rhine-Westphalia. Hence the street names "Legionstraße" and "Römerstraße" — the fire station is situated right in the middle of this historically rich environment.