17th Sorbian/Wendish Festival

Sorbian and Wendish — A Slavic Language in the Heart of Germany

The Sorbs/Wends are a West Slavic minority in Lower and Upper Lusatia. Approximately 60,000 people still speak or understand Sorbian today — the language is taught in schools, preached in churches, spoken in communities, and celebrated at festivals like this one. Cottbus is the largest city in the Lower Sorbian language area and also the headquarters of the Domowina, the umbrella organization of Sorbian-Wendish associations in Germany. The Sorbian/Wendish Festival is one of the most visible formats through which the minority presents its culture to the general public.

In Puschkinpark — Stage, Costumes, Language

Puschkinpark in Cottbus — a green park in the city center — is the venue for the festival. A stage provides space for performances by Sorbian-Wendish choirs, dance ensembles, costume presentations, and music groups. You will hear songs in the Sorbian language, see the characteristic costumes of Lower Lusatia (artistically embroidered, with headdresses, aprons, and necklaces), and can try typical dishes — Sorbian Eierschecke, "Knoblauchsuppe" (garlic soup), traditional baked goods. It is a celebration of Lower Sorbian identity.

As Part of the Cottbus City Festival

For over 16 years, the Sorbian/Wendish Festival has been integrated into the Cottbus City Festival — an unusual symbiosis that shows how naturally Sorbian culture is incorporated into the city of Cottbus. The City Festival (three days of festivities, stages, markets) takes place in several locations in the city center; Puschkinpark is the specialized stage for Sorbian culture. Thus, two festival cultures — German and Sorbian — develop in parallel, complementing each other and enriching the audience doubly.

A Tradition for 17 Editions

With its 17th edition in 2026, the festival is now firmly established. It is one of the most important cultural events of the Lower Sorbian movement — and at the same time a platform for encounter with the German majority society. At a time when minorities are under pressure across Europe, the continuous cultivation of the Sorbian language and culture by Cottbus and the Domowina is a noteworthy contribution.