Rhine in Flames — Brass-on-Fire Sankt Goar / Sankt Goarshausen

„Rhine in Flames — Brass-on-Fire“ in Sankt Goar / Sankt Goarshausen is the largest and most spectacular of the five Middle Rhine fireworks events that take place annually between Bingen-Rüdesheim and Koblenz. With its setting in the famous Loreley region — Sankt Goarshausen lies directly below the Loreley rock — it forms the undisputed highlight of the Rhine in Flames series and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Middle Rhine banks every year.

The concept combines three locations and program levels into a comprehensive experience. Sankt Goar on the left bank of the Rhine and Sankt Goarshausen on the right bank face each other and are connected by the Rhine ferry. Both towns actively participate in the program and share the festive backdrop, which is enhanced by the surrounding castles — Burg Rheinfels above Sankt Goar (one of the largest castle ruins in Germany), Burg Katz above Sankt Goarshausen, and Burg Maus (Maushaus) slightly downstream — creating a spectacular elevated backdrop.

During the day, three open-air stages in Sankt Goar offer a varied program. The hallmark — „Brass-on-Fire“ — refers to the central role of the brass bands: several renowned brass bands from Rhineland-Palatinate and beyond showcase their skills in a multi-hour stage program. They are complemented by entertainment bands from various genres — folk music, rock, Latin — creating different moods.

The ship parade starts around 7 p.m. Dozens of illuminated ships — from small passenger boats to large Rhine steamers — sail in a festive procession through the narrow Rhine valley between Sankt Goar and Sankt Goarshausen. Thousands of passengers on board experience the spectacle from the front row. The parade is accompanied by music from the ships, catering, and sometimes live entertainment on board.

The absolute highlight is the grand fireworks display, launched from 9 to 10 p.m. For an hour, pyrotechnic effects illuminate the sky above the Middle Rhine — launched from several locations, including the Rhine and the Katz and Maus castles. The effects are coordinated between the different sites, creating an almost cinematic choreography of light, color, and echo that travels through the narrow Rhine valley. The reflection on the water's surface doubles the visual impact; in the heights around the Loreley, the spectacle offers a unique perspective.

In parallel, the traditional Weingass-Fest (Wine Alley Festival) takes place in Sankt Goarshausen, creating a special atmosphere on the right bank of the Rhine with wine stands and gastronomy. The combination of the ship parade, brass band program, grand fireworks, and Weingass-Fest makes the event a multi-layered spectacle.