Easter Bonfire of the Gatow Volunteer Fire Brigade

Bonfire with Fire Brigade Character

The Easter Bonfire of the Berlin Gatow Volunteer Fire Brigade is one of the most prominent Easter bonfire events in Berlin. Unlike commercially organized fires, the Gatow Easter bonfire is supported by the Friends' Association of the Berlin Gatow Volunteer Fire Brigade (Fördergemeinschaft der Freiwilligen Feuerwehr Berlin Gatow e.V.), an volunteer initiative that also ensures safety during the event.

Gatow and the South of Spandau

The district of Gatow is located in the southern part of Berlin's Spandau district, on the Havel river and in close proximity to the Brandenburg countryside. Its location on the outskirts of the city gives the Easter bonfire a semi-rural character that is very popular with many Berliners – the field at Buchwaldzeile is large enough for thousands of visitors without feeling overcrowded.

Program Schedule

The festival traditionally follows the same schedule:

• 3:00 PM – Grounds open, food and drink stands
• 4:00 PM – Easter egg hunt for children on the festival grounds
• 5:00 PM – Lighting of the Easter bonfire by the fire brigade
• 5:00 PM–9:00 PM – Social gathering around the bonfire, with food, drinks, and live music

Admission and Rules

Admission is free. Important rules: Bringing your own drinks is not allowed – food and drinks are sold on-site by the fire brigade and its partners, with proceeds benefiting the association. Parking is very limited; arrival by public transport (bus X34, 134 to Gatow Kirche or Pfirsichweg) is strongly recommended.

Tradition and Customs

The custom of the Easter bonfire is deeply rooted in Northern Germany and in Berlin/Brandenburg. It dates back to pre-Christian spring festivals and was later overlaid with Christian traditions. Today, the Easter bonfire in many Berlin districts is one of the few traditional customs still supported by volunteer associations. Discussions about fine dust and environmental pollution have led to criticism from the Berlin Senator for the Environment in recent years – organizers are responding with increasingly controlled wood selection and safety standards.